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Is it Shiraz or Syrah? You’re probably not the only one who is confused. The answer is that they are one and the same. In Australia, the Shiraz grape is made into Shiraz wine, which tends to be rich, juicy and full-blown. In the northern Rhône region of France, where it is believed to have originated, the grape and the wine are both known as Syrah. Here it is used to make the more restrained, spicy, peppery reds such as Côte-Rôtie, Cornas and Crozes-Hermitage. 

Syrah is also produced elsewhere in Europe (Spain, Italy and Portugal), as well as in New World wine regions such as California, South Africa, Canada, New Zealand, Argentina and Chile.

Even more confusingly, in many parts of the New World, the wine is known as Syrah if it is similar in style to the classic Rhône wines, but is labeled Shiraz if it resembles the full-bodied Australian Shiraz wines. When Shiraz became more popular around the world in the 1990s, some winemakers in these regions started producing easy-drinking, fruit-driven wines that are sweeter, riper and higher in alcohol. These are marketed as Shiraz. 

In Australia, Shiraz has become the most widely planted dark-skinned grape, and now accounts for around 20% of total wine output. Shiraz wine is often sold as a single varietal, but is also commonly blended, most notably with Cabernet Sauvignon.

While Syrah/Shiraz encompasses a wide range of styles, these are some basic guidelines:

Cool-Climate Syrah/Shiraz

• From: France, New Zealand and Canada 

• Flavours/aromas: Redcurrant, raspberry, violets, green olive, mint, white pepper

Warm-Climate Syrah/Shiraz

• From: Argentina, Australia, California, Chile, South Africa, South of France and Spain

• Flavours/aromas: Riper fruit, black pepper, chocolate, mocha, blackberry, blackcurrant, licorice, smoke

Shiraz/Syrah is best enjoyed with food, and is sufficiently robust to hold its own when served with beef, lamb, game, duck, goose and hard cheeses. A big, toothsome Australian Shiraz wine is the perfect partner for barbecued meat, and can also be enjoyed on its own later in the evening. For a special treat, try a nicely chilled Australian sparkling Shiraz with your barbie – it might sound odd, but it’s a great pairing.

These days, it has become quite acceptable to chill your red wine slightly. Shiraz/Syrah can be served at anywhere between 12°C to 18°C (54°F to 64°F), and should be offered in a large stemmed glass. This wine, especially the more tannic Syrah styles, can also benefit from being decanted to release the flavours and soften the palate.