Shiraz

Shiraz (pronounced shuh-raaz) is one of the world’s most popular red or black grape varieties. It produces warming red wines that range from fruit-forward styles that are easy to drink to deep, rich wines that are perfect for ageing.

Shiraz is the name you’ll encounter in the New World wine regions of Australia and New Zealand. However, the grape is known as Syrah in traditional Old World regions, especially in France. The beauty of the Shiraz grape lies in its hardiness as a vine and its adaptability to different climates around the world. The grapes produce a range of wine styles depending on the specific climate and landscapes where it’s grown. For instance, in some regions, it can yield a sweet dessert wine rich in blackberry and chocolate nuances.

Shiraz is versatile, too. While it stands proudly on its own as a single varietal, it can blend harmoniously with other grape varieties such as Grenache, Mourvèdre, Viognier and Cabernet Sauvignon. The result is typically a bold wine with rich aromas and deep fruit flavours. If you’re keen to explore Shiraz, we’ve curated a selection from some of the world’s most renowned winemakers. Conveniently delivered to your door, our collection ensures a delightful wine experience with reliable UK shipping.

Read our beginner's guide to Syrah and Shiraz

Shiraz has adapted to the warmer climates around the world, particularly in Australia, where it’s the most planted grape variety. Barossa Valley in South Australia is the country’s oldest and best-known region for this variety. (The Barossa actually holds the title of oldest Shiraz vines in the world, with some dating back as far as 1840.)

Under its other name, the best-known examples of Syrah wines come from the Northern Rhône Valley region in France, notably Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, Cornas and Saint-Joseph.

In the Southern Rhône Valley, it is often a key grape in the luscious red blends of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the neighbouring regions. In fact, some New World regions, such as the Sonoma Coast, California, Yarra Valley in Australia, and Hawke’s Bay in New Zealand, call their wines Syrah as they emulate the leaner style of the French classics.

The style and character of Shiraz wines depend mainly on the climate in which it’s grown. However, many characteristics remain constant.

Shiraz is typically full-bodied and deeply coloured, with medium-high levels of tannins and acidity.  Shiraz is also known for being far more fruit-forward, blackberry-packed and jammy than Syrah, having sweeter notes of liquorice and raisins, as well as a punchier alcohol content.

Shiraz wines can also age very well, developing more luscious, spiced flavours over time, and can be stored for over ten years.

Shiraz grapes are small but densely packed, producing wines with rich, punchy flavours such as:

• Plum
• Blackcurrant
• Blueberry
• Dark chocolate
• Mocha
• Black pepper
• Violet

When aged in new oak barrels, Shiraz can also take on baking spice flavours, such as vanilla and anise, and savoury, earthy flavours, including old leather, tobacco and wet leaves.

While it’s hard to pick a bad Shiraz, certain things can guide you to a bottle that hits your taste sweet spot, such as where it’s from and its ageing process.

For world-class Shiraz, look for Barossa on the label. Other Australian regions worth a try include McLaren Vale and Eden Valley. These wines deliver seriously rich, dark, blackberry-packed flavour. 

See a dash of Viognier on the label? This tells you the wine is made in the same style as the premium wines of Côco-Rôtie in France – your glass will be filled with a touch more elegance and a dash more complexity. If you’re drawn to wines with lots of layered flavours and depth, a Shiraz aged in new oak might be your match.

Shiraz is a natural partner for hearty dishes, thanks to its bold, dark fruit flavour. For the richer styles of Shiraz, think red meat such as beef, lamb and venison – roasted, grilled or in a hearty stew. An aged Shiraz brings out a savoury warmth that complements these dishes beautifully.

If you’re sipping a Shiraz from a cooler climate, like those from New Zealand or California’s Sonoma Coast, it pairs well with comforting dishes like beef stews or tomato-based meat ragus. And for those special occasions? Shiraz’s deep fruit flavours and subtle tobacco hints elevate game meats such as duck or pheasant. And here’s a fun tip – a good Shiraz can even elevate the humble cheeseburger to a gourmet experience.

Discover more tasty food and wine pairing tips. 

Shiraz is best served at room temperature – around 20°C. Before pouring glasses for guests, decant your Shiraz of choice and leave for an hour to allow some oxygen into your wine and develop those bold flavours and jammy aromas.

Learn more about the perfect wine serving temperatures.