By Tiffany Vernon
Approx read time: 6 minutes.
Although Syrah and Shiraz are the same grape variety, there is still some confusion around the distinction between the two. Both names carry a connotation of a specific wine style, even though logic would dictate they must taste the same. There are in fact many synonyms for this grape: Candive, Hermitage, Marsanne Noire, Petite Sirrah (but not Petit Syrah), Sérène, Serine, Sira, Sirac, Sirha, Syra, Syrac, and countless more. However, it is not a unique occurrence, as almost every grape variety in the world has a handful of different names. Most of these will be vernacular, colloquial or perhaps even historic, with locals not realising that neighbouring grape-growing regions have also cultivated the exact same vines — something that was impossible to prove before DNA profiling. It undoubtedly took scholars and wine geeks alike years to realise that a grape variety recorded in the 1200s was indeed the very same prolific modern-day grape, simply under the disguise of another name. As with most things, time changes everything.
It’s curious, then, that this particular wine grape is today known by two names, Syrah and Shiraz, both of which have gained international recognition.
Syrah was first recorded in 1781 under various spellings, most notably Sira and Serine, but always in connection with viticulture in the Rhône Valley. It wasn’t until over 50 years later, in 1832, that James Busby introduced the variety to Australia. Originally from Edinburgh, Busby became fascinated with the idea that vines could be cultivated in the colony. He spent several months studying viticulture and winemaking in France before journeying to the other side of the world, and by age 24, he was already the author of a viticulture textbook. He was later given a land grant of 800 hectares in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales. Busby then decided to return to Europe where he collected vine cuttings of 680 varieties to take back to his new Australian home. Amongst these cuttings was Syrah.
At this point, the name Shiraz hadn’t emerged, so where did it come from? As with anything that has been present for centuries, fabulous origin stories emerge — even for grapevines! The Persian legend being a particular favourite for Syrah enthusiasts…
Come the 19th century, the city of Shiraz in Ancient Persia had long been recognised as an important wine centre. It was also common for European winemakers to import wine from here and blend it into their own wine to add sweetness and body. During this time, it was widely speculated that between the years 1095 and 1291, Crusaders travelled between Persia and the Rhône Valley. According to local Rhône legend, the famous Hermitage vineyard was founded by a 13th-century knight with a Persian vine which had been brought back from the Crusades. This hypothesis has since been discounted by historians and grape DNA testing, but James Busby was familiar with the story. In his personal journal he wrote “The plant Scyras was originally brought from Shiraz in Persia.” Scyras being yet another synonym for Syrah.
Whether he believed the legend or not, it is likely he bestowed the new name of Shiraz to the variety in connection with this tale. Perhaps he even intended to add some exotic mystique to his new viticultural endeavour. Of course, what we do know for sure is that Shiraz thrived in its new home of Australia, and as a result, James Busby is largely credited as the father of Australian viticulture.
Following the success of Busby’s Shiraz in New South Wales, plantings of the vine spread across the country and eventually worldwide. Some winemakers, no doubt, were piggybacking off the success of Australian Shiraz and swiftly replanted their land with the now in-vogue variety. Others were simply curious and experimented with this intriguing vine. Since DNA profiling in 1998 confirmed Shiraz and Syrah are indeed one and the same, it left winemakers with a labelling choice. Invariably, using one name versus the other denotes a specific style.
Generally speaking, Syrah suggests a more restrained and perfumed style of red, with lighter and fresher notes typically associated with the Rhône Valley or French wines. Shiraz, on the other hand, indicates a richer and more concentrated wine that is fruit-driven and spicy — a style more familiar in Australia.
If you’re still unsure about how one grape variety can produce two different distinct styles of wine, the best way to learn is to taste!
Syrah Recommendations
Under £15
Intipalka Syrah is an affordable example from Peru boasting savoury dark fruit intermingled with ripe berries, chocolate notes and warm spices. Although Peru isn’t renowned for its winemaking heritage, the Queirolo family has been producing wine and Pisco in Lima since 1880. Their vineyards are located at the foot of the Andes, 60km from the coastline and 500m above sea level in the Ica Valley. The climate here is reminiscent of a desert, making it quite an unforgiving environment to work with but fantastic for vines!
Under £20
If you are seeking more of a weekend treat, Klippe Kou Syrah from Joostenberg Estate offers up fresh raspberry and crushed pepper with a touch of minerality and supple texture. Based on the borders of Paarl and Stellenbosch in South Africa, the Joostenberg vineyard was originally established in the late 1600s. The Myburgh family purchased the estate in 1879, and by 1999, the fifth-generation brothers Tyrrel and Phillip Myburgh decided to cease selling grapes to local co-ops and instead reprise Joostenberg’s long winemaking tradition. The 30-hectare vineyard is 100% organic, dry-farmed (no irrigation used) and produces low yields with concentrated flavours.
Under £25
If you fancy a classic, Crozes-Hermitage Esquisse, Domaine des Hauts Châssis is a deliciously stylish red. Bright and rich bramble fruit with notes of dark chocolate, violet and sweet spices meld into an elegantly textured and expressive wine. Located in the lieu-dit ‘Les Châssis’ within the renowned Crozes-Hermitage appellation of the northern Rhône, this epitomises the French Syrah style. The 20-hectare vineyard is planted with 20-30-year-old vines over exceptional soils, including the famed ‘galets’ — large round pebbles that help to reflect and retain heat.
Shiraz Recommendations
Under £15
For a juicy and fresh, easy-drinking style, The Southerly Shiraz from The Lane ticks all the boxes. Vibrant red and black berries muddled together with violet perfume, shades of mocha, menthol freshness and a touch of sweet spice. This does, in fact, have a couple of other grape varieties thrown into the mix: 6% Cabernet Sauvignon (a regular blending component for Shiraz in Australia), 5% Merlot and just 1% Viognier (a traditional dash to give aromatic lift, as practised in Côte-Rôtie). Grapes for this wine are sourced from Langhorne Creek (south of Adelaide), one of Australia’s most historic wine-producing regions.
Under £20
For a little more complexity, enjoy Ex Oppido Red Horizon Shiraz. Hailing from Constantia, South Africa’s oldest wine region, which offers a cool climate owing to surrounding bodies of water, shading from the Constantiaberg Mountain and the southeasterly wind known locally as the Cape Doctor. The resulting red is aromatic and brooding, layered with plum and black cherry, complemented by undertones of liquorice, cedar and a dollop of vanilla to finish. Vineyard owners David and Marlene McCay purchased the Constantia Uitsig estate in 1988. They place a huge emphasis on sustainability and organic practices, encouraging natural biodiversity.
Under £40
When it comes to Shiraz, it would be impossible not to mention Barossa Valley, and nobody personifies that more than Barossa Boy! Lifeblood Shiraz is an intense iteration of this grape in classic Aussie style; smashed blackberries and ripe plums are tempered by waves of mocha, sweet spice and leathery notes. It’s the flagship wine of Trent Burge, sixth generation of a legendary winemaking legacy, made from 80-year-old vines in tiny quantities. Trent talks about how he learnt his skills from the ground up (literally), and somewhere along the way, winemaking got under his skin and the Barossa Valley into his veins. Lifeblood is his heartfelt tribute to the land he loves and its signature variety: Shiraz.
To discover more about this grape, read ‘A Deep Dive into Syrah’.
You can shop our full range of Syrah/Shiraz wines here.