Shiraz vs. Syrah

Have you ever asked yourself if Shiraz and Syrah are the same thing? 

Today, I wanted to touch and explore Shiraz vs. Syrah grape variety. Although they are the same grape, they take on different characteristics depending on where they are grown.

Let’s start with Shiraz. This grape is widely grown in Australia, but you may also recognize it by its French name, Syrah. While it's the same grape, the climate and winemaking techniques of each region create distinct differences in the final wine. Here’s how Shiraz from Australia compares to Syrah from the Northern Rhône in France:

Australian Shiraz

Grown in a warmer climate, Australian Shiraz typically produces bold, full-bodied wines with rich, ripe, and even cooked fruit flavours—think blackberry jam. You’ll often find notes of liquorice, chocolate, and spice, along with a higher alcohol content.

Tip: Anytime you are drinking a wine with some spice pick to pair it with a smokier or spicier dish (Example: Lamb kebabs or Tandori chicken).

French Syrah (Northern Rhône)

In contrast, Syrah from the Northern Rhône is more restrained. While it still showcases dark fruit flavours like black cherry and plum, the cooler climate results in a more structured wine with higher acidity, lower alcohol, and an earthy complexity. Expect notes of black pepper, dried herbs, and sometimes even a smoky or meaty quality.