What is Syrah and Shiraz?

Syrah and Shiraz are the same grape — but they are two very different wines. The name depends on where it is grown: in France and Europe it is called Syrah, in Australia and many overseas countries it is called Shiraz. And the difference is not just in name — the style is markedly different.

Syrah from the Rhône valley in France is elegant, peppery and mineral. Australian Shiraz is powerful, fruity and sunny. Both are excellent wines — but for very different food and occasions.

How Syrah and Shiraz taste

Both versions share the grape's basic character — dark fruit, pepper and spices — but the terroir and climate give very different expression:

• Black pepper and lavender — the most characteristic feature in classic Syrah
• Dark berries — blackberries, blueberries and blackcurrants
• Smoked meat and olives — in northern Rhône Syrah wines
• Chocolate and vanilla — especially in Australian Shiraz
• Eucalyptus — a characteristic note in Australian versions

Syrah from Northern Rhône — the cradle of elegance

Syrah's absolute home is the northern Rhône valley in Southern France. Here the appellations Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Cornas and Saint-Joseph produce wines that are considered among the world's very best red wines.

Northern Rhône's Syrah is characterized by its distinctive combination of black pepper, olives and smoked meat — a style that requires aging and opens up over years. A Hermitage from a good producer can be aged 20-30 years and develop incredible complexity.

Côtes du Rhône is the affordable entry — fruity, spiced and fully ready to drink at 80-130 kr. See our guide to French wine for more about the Rhône region.

Australian Shiraz — power and fruit

Australia has made Shiraz its signature wine. Barossa Valley in South Australia is the epicenter — here powerful, sunny Shiraz wines are produced with lots of dark fruit, chocolate and a characteristic eucalyptus note.

McLaren Vale and Clare Valley provide a slightly more elegant style, while Western Australia (Margaret River) produces finer, more Rhône-inspired versions.

What food pairs with Syrah and Shiraz?

The grape's powerful spice profile and dark fruit make it a fantastic food wine:

• Grilled food — Australian Shiraz is almost designed for the grill. See guide to wine for grilled food.
• Lamb with herbs — Northern Rhône Syrah and lamb is a classic match. See guide to wine for lamb.
• Game — deer and roe deer pair perfectly with spicy Syrah
• Dark chocolate — Shiraz and dark chocolate is a surprisingly good combination
• Beef — powerful Shiraz can match the most robust beef