Grapes · Red grape
Syrah / Shiraz
One grape, two styles. As Syrah (France) it is savoury, peppery and floral; as Shiraz (Australia) it is ripe, rich and spicy. Deep in colour and full of character.
Also known as: Shiraz (Australia, South Africa)
On the nose
Young wines (primary aromas)
- blackberry
- blueberry
- black plum
- black pepper
- violet
- olive
Oak & winemaking (secondary)
- vanilla
- chocolate
- coconut (American oak)
- clove
With bottle age (tertiary)
- smoked meat / bacon
- leather
- earth
- liquorice
- tar
On the palate
Dry, full-bodied, medium to high tannins and medium acidity. Cool-climate Syrah is peppery and savoury; warm-climate Shiraz is jammy, chocolatey and higher in alcohol.
Tasting tip
Freshly cracked black pepper is the giveaway. Pepper + olive + violets suggests France; jammy fruit + chocolate suggests Australia.
Often confused with
Malbec (less pepper, more violet), Zinfandel (riper, jammy, higher alcohol), Grenache (paler, redder fruit).
Where it grows
- France — Northern Rhône (Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie), Southern Rhône blends
- Australia — Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Hunter Valley
- USA — Washington State, Central Coast
- Chile — Colchagua, Elqui
- New Zealand — Hawke's Bay