Shiraz and Syrah are two different names for exactly the same grape varietal. Both are vivid, full bodied with vibrant characters, flavours and tannins. Depending of climate/wine region (“It’s all about location, location, location”), the wines they produce can be different in style.
The Syrah grape, originated in the Rhone area of France, produce wines that tends to be more cooler, flavourful, fruitier, earthy, lighter on oak, spicy…
If the wine comes from Australia or South Africa, it will almost certainly be labelled as Shiraz.
Shiraz is quite often highly tannic and oak, ripe, intense fruit flavours and hints of black spice. You can also find some Australian Shiraz being labelled as Syrah; this is mainly to indicate an influence in the wine style as the ones produced in France’s Rhone region and not the Australian big, sunny, fruity Shiraz.
Which one is right for you? It may be hard to choose, but you can pick one of each, once poured you’re sure to learn which one bonds with your palate. Sip and enjoy!
