Syrah and Shiraz are one and the same grape, but outside France it tends to be known as Shiraz due to the huge influence Australian Shiraz has had.

The Aussies also led the way in improving the popularity of Shiraz among winemakers and these days it's grown around the world, from Spain to Argentina ... it's travelled a long way from its homeland in the Rhône.

Syrah thrives in a warm climate producing dark, complex, long-lived wines with powerful, rich berry fruit. In more moderate climates it can develop a sought-after peppery character and has tremendous ageing potential.

  • Famous Examples

    Penfolds Grange, Peter Lehmann Stonewall, Domaine Yann Chave Crozes-Hermitage

  • Principal regions

    Rhône, Barossa, Mendoza, Languedoc, Stellenbosch

  • Synonyms

    Syrah

Did you know?

  • In Australia, Shiraz/Cabernet blends have become a modern-day classic.
  • Australia's greatest red wine, the iconic Grange, is made almost entirely from Shiraz with just a small portion of Cabernet Sauvignon depending on the vintage.
  • In France (and increasingly, the New World) Syrah is often blended with a dash of the white grape Viognier.
  • If you like Shiraz, you might also like: Durif - It is related to Shiraz but "seems to have much more smooth plum and black-cherry fruit" (Matthew Jukes, Daily Mail).