Syrah and Shiraz ~ Wine Varietal

The name of the French varietal Syrah grape originates from the word Shiraz, so for a long time there was a myth that it originated in Shiraz, Iran. Also, the wine from Shiraz was famous during the time of the Persian Empire, so the tale makes sense. But using modern day research and technology, we have learned that Syrah is fully French, and is the offspring of Mondeuse Blanche and Dreza. Both of those varieties come from Rhône Valley, and that's where Syrah was born and raised.

(This article was written for GrapeBunch, our weekly wine periodical. Click here to read the original!)

Syrah is the main grape in the reds of Northern Rhône, and a main blender in the reds of Southern Rhône (where it met its best friend, Grenache). There's speculation that Pliny the Elder was praising Syrah when he wrote about the wines from what is now the Northern Rhône region of Côte-Rôtie. It's that old!

From there, Syrah ventured out into the world and can be found pretty much everywhere. It's especially noted for its success in California and Australia.

AUSTRALIA'S BAROSSA VALLEY AND SHIRAZ

Australia's first grapevines were brought there in 1788 from Brazil and South Africa. But Syrah itself didn't hit Australia until 1831 when James Busby ("The Father of Australian Viticulture") brought cuttings from a trip to Europe. Within 30 years it was a main grape on the continent, loving everything about its terroir.

So why does Australia call their Syrah "Shiraz", its name of origin from so long ago? The main theory is that Busby labeled the vines incorrectly as Sciras or Ciras and it evolved back to being called Shiraz. I've also read that it could be because South Africa might have been calling it Shiraz at the time, and Australia just adopted the name. Whatever the reason, the name stuck. And the Australians pronounce it as "Shir-AZZ", not "Shir-AHZ". I wouldn't recommend calling it that here.

The difference between Syrah and Shiraz is actually more than just a name, though. They have completely different styles.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SYRAH AND SHIRAZ

Australia's first grapevines were brought there in 1788 from Brazil and South Africa. But Syrah itself didn't hit Australia until 1831 when James Busby ("The Father of Australian Viticulture") brought cuttings from a trip to Europe. Within 30 years it was a main grape on the continent, loving everything about its terroir.

So why does Australia call their Syrah "Shiraz", its name of origin from so long ago? The main theory is that Busby labeled the vines incorrectly as Sciras or Ciras and it evolved back to being called Shiraz. I've also read that it could be because South Africa might have been calling it Shiraz at the time, and Australia just adopted the name. Whatever the reason, the name stuck. And the Australians pronounce it as "Shir-AZZ", not "Shir-AHZ". I wouldn't recommend calling it that here.

The difference between Syrah and Shiraz is actually more than just a name, though. They have completely different styles.

SYRAH Big Tannins Complex Violet Savory Spice & Herbs Leather Black Pepper

SHIRAZ Softer Tannins Fruit Forward Rich Berries / Blackberry Jammy Chocolate Black Pepper

 Simply put: Syrah is big and rustic and complex, Shiraz is a juicy fruit bomb. And both are fantastic.

TORBRECK WOODCUTTER'S SHIRAZ

"Love the nose on this full-bodied Shiraz from the Barossa Valley, South Australia. Ripe dark cherry, blueberry and fragrant blue floral aromas on the nose. Vibrant on the palate with dark berry, cherry, white pepper and savoury herb flavours on the palate. Enjoy now and a keeper for the next 15 years." - Natalie Maclean, 94 points

"This wine offers oodles of plush, plump plum and cherry accented by flowers, peppery spice, soy and iron. The palate delivers what the nose suggests. It's broad shouldered but neatly cupped by fine, chalky tannins. There's a lucidity here thanks to minimal oak. Tangy fruit and a saline note carry the finish. It's a charming example of modern Barossa Shiraz." - Wine Enthusiast, 92 points

This article was written for The GrapeBunch Wine Periodical.

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Joey Casco
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