It is a common notion that Shiraz and Syrah are just different names for the same grape, but it might not be that simple. There is debate about whether the distinction is warranted, and there are naysayers. Let’s delve into the details and you decide!

Yes, they are technically the same varietal, and wines will have things in common. They both originate from the Rhone region of France and have the same DNA however, do not expect Shiraz to taste like a Syrah, because it doesn’t. Why?

Climate is one of the primary differentials. Syrah labeled Shiraz is grown in warm climates while Syrah is grown in cooler climates. Warmer climate regions result in riper, more fruit-forward Syrah wines with a higher alcohol content and more intense flavors. Conversely, the cooler climates produce wines with more subtle flavors, higher acidity, and a lower ABV. These differences characterize the robustness and kick of a Shiraz that might not be so obvious with a Syrah.

The growing conditions in Australia are ideal for producing what has come to be known as Australian Shiraz. The climate is warm and dry, with plenty of sunshine and low humidity. This helps the grapes to ripen fully and develop their intense flavor. The soil in Australia is also well-suited for Shiraz, with a mix of clay and sand, and a high mineral content.

Winemaking techniques also distinguish Shiraz. Australian winemakers use a variety of fermentation techniques to bring out the best in the Shiraz grapes. These techniques include cold maceration, extended maceration, and barrel aging.Because Shiraz has more alcohol, it is better suited for aging than Syrah and explains why you will often find Shiraz with more pronounced oak flavors. Syrah from the Rhone region is aged in oak foundres. These are huge barrels that hold 1000 liters. At that scale, you will get micro-oxidation which assists with aging but not much in the way of imparting strong oak characteristics. Shiraz on the other hand is commonly aged in standard barrels however, at the same time, it might not be oaked all. Some vintners age in stainless steel or concrete. The Shiraz/Syrah dichotomy is another example of how labeling regulations are more flexible in the new world. Australia is a wine producing region that allows vintners more choices. In much of Europe, there are very rigid laws that dictate processes that must be followed for labeling distinctions.

There is yet another reason why Australian vintners adopted the name change in the late 1980. The combination of differences in growing cycles, climate and techniques might have justified it but it was also a business decision. The name Shiraz was seen as more marketable. Syrah lacked name recognition because French wines are labeled by region, not varietal. This begs the question of whether the distinction is overstated? Cabernet Sauvignon for example is very different from region to region however, it’s always Cabernet Sauvignon. Perhaps in Shiraz’ case, the duality better lent itself to establishing different nomenclature. Whether it was substantive, a marketing decision or both, it worked.

Not only were Australians successful in establishing the Shiraz name, they helped elevate it to its own status. It is now common to find wines from California called Shiraz because it is indicative of a particular Syrah style produced with specific growing conditions. If you make a Shiraz wine kit, it will taste different from Syrah. The Australian Shiraz is one of the most popular red wines in Australia, and its uniqueness is one of many reasons it is widely enjoyed around the world. In conclusion, the Australian Shiraz grape is a unique variety of the Syrah grape, with its own distinct flavor and characteristics. In the end it is up to you to conclude if a different name is legit, or not. Enjoy!

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