Syrah vs Shiraz: What's the Difference?
Syrah and Shiraz are the same grape with two identities: one rooted in the granite slopes of the northern Rhône, the other in the heat of the Australian outback. Both are exceptional.
· 6 min read
Key takeaways
- Syrah and Shiraz are genetically identical — the naming difference reflects different winemaking philosophies, not different grapes.
- Northern Rhône Syrah (Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie) is dark, structured, and age-worthy, with black pepper, smoked meat, and violet character.
- Australian Shiraz is riper, more immediately generous, with dark fruit, chocolate, and spice. Barossa Valley is the most famous expression.
- The best value Syrah/Shiraz comes from Crozes-Hermitage and Saint-Joseph in the southern Rhône, and McLaren Vale in Australia.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Syrah the same as Shiraz?
- Yes — identical grape variety, two names. Syrah is used in France and most of Europe; Shiraz is the name adopted in Australia, South Africa, and parts of the New World. The naming difference reflects a stylistic philosophy: French Syrah tends toward the structured, spicy, earthy end of the spectrum; Australian Shiraz toward riper, more generous fruit. But these are tendencies, not rules — some Australian producers label their wine Syrah when made in a cooler-climate, more European style.
- What does Syrah/Shiraz taste like?
- Northern Rhône Syrah: black fruit, black pepper, smoked meat, violets, and iron. Full-bodied, structured, and age-worthy — needs time. Australian Shiraz: dark plum, blackberry jam, dark chocolate, mocha, and often eucalyptus. Rich, generous, and higher in alcohol — approachable earlier. The common thread: depth of colour, full body, and a spice character that marks the variety regardless of style.
- What food goes with Syrah or Shiraz?
- Northern Rhône Syrah is the finest partner for lamb — particularly slow-roasted shoulder or rack — and handles game and duck well. Australian Shiraz pairs naturally with rich barbecue, beef brisket, and aged hard cheeses. Both styles work with black olive tapenade, smoked and cured meat, and dishes with roasted herbs. The pepper in Syrah/Shiraz responds particularly well to black pepper in the food preparation.
- What is Crozes-Hermitage and is it worth buying?
- Crozes-Hermitage is the appellation that surrounds the famous Hermitage hill in the northern Rhône. It produces Syrah from the same grape as Hermitage at typically CHF 20–35 — a fraction of Hermitage's price (CHF 80–200). The quality from serious producers (Chapoutier, Cave de Tain, Alain Graillot) is genuinely excellent, and it is one of the best-value serious red wine categories in France.
Not sure which wine to pick? Tell our sommelier what you are eating or the occasion and we will find the right bottle — or browse the full sommelia.ch collection.