Syrah vs Shiraz: What’s the Difference?

Wine can be confusing sometimes, especially when two countries decide to call the same grape by two different names. Of course, we’re talking about Syrah and Shiraz. One of the world’s most popular grape varieties, it even has its very own day of celebration!

February 16th is International Syrah Day, a day to rejoice in all things Syrah - or Shiraz. But what’s the difference? The answer is simple! They are the same grape variety, but grown in different parts of the world in different climates, and often with different production methods. 

Both Syrah (and Shiraz) are known for their dark skin and producing medium to full-bodied wines with flavours of dark fruits, such as black plum and cherry, violet, spice, and peppery notes. 

Syrah

It is thought that Syrah was discovered in the 1800’s, in France’s illustrious Rhône wine region, with some of the most famous expressions coming from Northern Rhone appellations, such as Côte Rôtie, Saint-Joseph, and Hermitage. 

The Northern Rhone has a cool, continental climate, which means while summers are warm, temperatures drop in winter, allowing the grapes to retain acidity. This results in a fresher wine, with fine grain tannins, high acidity, and lean fruit flavours with traditionally peppery notes. Also, if the wine is matured in oak, it will be French oak. 

Syrah is often blended with a little Viognier (yes, a white grape!) in the Northern Rhone, and in the Southern Rhone you can find GSM blends (Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre).

Shiraz

Shiraz, on the other hand, is grown in warmer climates, such as Australia. Specifically South Australia in Barossa and Mclaren Vale, where the hot climate and baking sun ripens the grapes fully, creating wines that are fuller, bolder, and juicier. It is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon here.

It is believed that the first planting of Shiraz in Australia was in 1832 (then called Scyras), after a man named James Busby took a cutting of Syrah from Montpellier to Australia.

The grape is now grown in many countries across the world, particularly ‘New World’ countries, like America, South Africa, and New Zealand. The winemakers will choose to call their wine Shiraz or Syrah, depending on the climates and style they make it in: lean and medium bodied or full-bodied and fruity. That said, there are always some that don’t follow the rule of thumb.