Shiraz on the other hand is primarily found in Australia, with South Africa and California also producing small amounts. This classic Italian grape produces some of Italys most straightforward red wines and is often used as a blending grape. The most famous examples come from the northern Rhne Valley of France, notably Hermitage and Cte-Rtie. Monday-Friday 5pm-7pm Saturday and Sunday 4pm-7pm, Please contact about buyouts and parties. In the Northern Rhne, youll see wines made from 100% Syrah Hermitage, Cornas and Cte Rtie, for example. However, more elegant, restrained styles of Shiraz are being made by smaller, boutique producers. What Is Syrah? Try some of these kickass options. These cooler climate wines also display herbaceous lfavors along with the spiciness of black pepper. One can come across wines that have almost similar flavors yet come in different names. These places will typically match their wine label to their climate Syrah for cooler climates; Shiraz for warmer. The most basic difference between Syrah and Shiraz is where they're from. For any and all questions, feel free to speak with one of our friendly experts today. Both Syrah and Shiraz refer to two distinct styles of wine. Now that you know the difference between Syrah Vs Shiraz wine, be sure to pick up a bottle (or two!) The Rhne valley, home to much of the worlds great Syrah, is more of a continental climate hot in the summer, cold in the winter. The two names actually reference the same red wine grape. Syrah is from France, and Shiraz is from Australia. Just pick something big or bold that can stand up to Syrahs taste. Our Dolcetto wine from Piedmont, Italy has a surprising dryness and lower acidity levels, despite its name "little sweet one" in Italian. I wish it was as easy as Australia is HOT, and France is NOTbut its not quite that simple! How should I serve Syrah/Shiraz? Australian wines, like Penfolds Grange (a single, well-aged bottle can run you upwards of $500). Delicate in every way and extremely quaffable, this wine is as dainty as they come. Check out: The Upgrade Case - Barossa Valley Edition. with us, Cabernet However, Shiraz is heavier, more complex in flavor, darker in color, and arguably more flavorful than Cabernet. Vinomofo acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the traditional custodians of the land on which we live and work. The ideal temperature range to serve Syrah/Shiraz is 6065F, which can be achieved with 15 minutes in the refrigerator. Today, in an effort to differentiate themselves from the French style of Syrah, theyve rebranded their wine made from the Syrah grape to Shiraz.. This wind is so strong, it can strip the grapes right off the vines! Syrah from cooler climates, like France and Sonoma Coast, has brisk acidity, moderate tannins, red and black fruits and earthy, smoky flavors. Viognier and Pinot Noir also are closely related to Syrah and hence, these are one of the most feasible choices for blending. The Burgundy region of France is home to their best Pinot Noirs, but we took the grapes into our own hands to create something extra special with our Coteaux Bourguignons. We take pride in our selections and are always ready to provide assistance or personalized recommendations. Both wines are known for their bold, flavorful taste and can be enjoyed with a variety of foods. Our Italian Barbera lies somewhere between the body of a cab and a pinot and is the ideal choice for a "ladies who lunch" kind of afternoon. In contrast, the same grape when grown in hotter regions and warm climates, such as South Australia, will have moderate acidity, a full body, and more integrated and softer tannins, as well as richer and riper fruit flavors. Not exactly. While Syrah has moderate tannins and acidity, Petite Sirah is big on both, which makes this wine ideal for cellaring. Lets start off assumption-free - no bowties, bulls*!t, or patronising glares. This medium- to full-bodied wine with its relatively higher tannins usually offers complex notes of cherry, fig, cedar, tobacco, and dill. And riper, bolder styles of Shiraz may have higher alcohol due to longer hang time on the vines. Welcome to Wineenthusiast.com! What is the difference between Syrah and Shiraz? On the other hand, Shiraz tends to have more intense aromatics such as black pepper and licorice along with fruity notes like raspberry jam or blackberry. This leads to wines that have high acidity, firm tannins, and red fruit flavors, such as redcurrant and raspberry. Shiraz and Syrah wines are produced from the same grape but grown in different regions. Syrah and Shiraz are the exact same grape, much like Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris are also the same grape. An ideal companion for break-ups, birthdays, or a good long binge of your favorite show. Another similarity is in the winemaking process. With all your Indian style Chinese meals or the rainy season fritters, do not forget to open a bottle of Dindori Reserve Shiraz, one of the best red wines in India. How It Helps Find Great Wine at Better Prices, How to Pair Classic Vietnamese Foods with Wine. So, whether you're drinking a wine called Syrah or a wine called Shiraz, the wine is made from the same grape. Trefethen 2020 Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon (Oak Knoll District), Portlandia 2021 Pinot Gris (Washington-Oregon), Ramey 2020 Woolsey Road Vineyard Chardonnay (Russian River Valley), Liberty Lake 2020 Heart of the Hill Vineyard Carmenere (Red Mountain), Rombauer 2021 Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands), Baron M 2022 Baron M Jardin d'Amour Ros (Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence), Albino Armani 2021 1607 Grave Pinot Grigio Pinot Grigio (Friuli), Monzio Compagnoni 2012 Brut Nature Reserva Pinot Noir (Franciacorta), Monzio Compagnoni NV alla Moda Brut Sparkling (Franciacorta), Yealands 2022 Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough), Chteau de Berne 2022 Inspiration Ros (Ctes de Provence), Serca 2017 Single Vineyard Gran Corte Red (Uco Valley), Balverne 2021 Forever Wild Estate Grown Chardonnay (Russian River Valley), Red Bear 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley), Tenuta di Lilliano 2019 Anagallis Red (Toscana), Trentadue 2020 La Storia Estate Bottled Petite Sirah (Alexander Valley), Via Elena 2020 Los Cucos de la Alberquilla Cabernet Sauvignon (Jumilla), Clunia 2017 Syrah (Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y Len), Oleandri 2020 Benedetto Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley), Oleandri 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon (Rutherford), Familia Chvarri 2013 Paul De Albas Tempranillo (Ribera del Duero), Pedroncelli 2020 Mother Clone Zinfandel (Dry Creek Valley), McGrail 2019 Patriot Cabernet Sauvignon (Livermore Valley), Fattoria Uccelliera 2019 Poggio Alla Pietra Red (Toscana), Carodorum 2020 Issos Crianza Tinta de Toro (Toro), Vias Leizaola 2019 El Sacramento Tempranillo (Rioja), Bodegas Vilano 2019 Reserva Tempranillo (Ribera del Duero), Bodegas Milvus 2019 Fuenconcejo Crianza Tempranillo (Ribera del Duero), Inurrieta 2018 Altos de Inurrieta Reserva Red (Navarra), Gmez de Segura 2018 Reserva Tempranillo (Rioja), Casa Primicia 2016 Carravalseca Reserva Tempranillo (Rioja), Bodegas y Viedos Neo 2018 Neo Tempranillo Tempranillo (Ribera del Duero), Balbas 2020 Balbs 18 Tempranillo Cranza Tempranillo (Ribera del Duero), Balbas 2021 Pagos de Balbs Tempranillo (Ribera del Duero), Bodegas Lozano 2019 Montes De Leza Edicin Limitada Tempranillo (Rioja), Tefilo Reyes 2018 Enlogo Pionero Tempranillo (Ribera del Duero), Ramos Torres Winery 2020 Love Ranch Vineyard; Panza Syrah (Madera), Finca Bacara 2019 HI Monastrell (Jumilla), Ego Bodegas 2019 Infinito Monastrell (Jumilla). you agree to our use of cookies and the terms of our Privacy Policy, See how our customers are using their wine coolers at home.Follow us @Wineenthusiast | Show us your #WineEnthusiastLife, A picker drops harvested Shiraz grapes into a bucket at a vineyard in Australia. As if things arent already confusing enough, in recent years, some wineries in Australia have begun labeling their Shiraz as Syrah, if the style they crafted is closer to the Rhne Valley Syrah. Down Under, in the Barossa Valley, temperatures are warm pretty much year-round, so the grapes develop those rich fruity flavors. In terms of production, Syrah is mostly associated with French regions like Rhone and Languedoc Roussillon, while Shiraz is mainly grown in Australia and South Africa. Climate differences led to distinctly different styles. If you do not finish your bottle, make sure to store it well so it does not oxidize, and at times like these, bottles with screw caps are your savior! The answer is both. Long story short; when its been a heavy day and your soul is seeking light things only, youll be happy to have this bottle on hand. The world of wines can sometimes be confusing, with a list of different regions and grape varieties, it can be quite a task to understand the difference. What's the Difference Between Syrah and Shiraz? Both varietals offer unique flavor profiles and can be enjoyed in different styles depending on how they are produced. A little sweet. By the end of this post, youll be able to order either one with confidence! We use cookies to make your experience on this website better. The Australian varietal is also known to have a higher alcohol content compared to the French version. Slight confusion over the pronunciation of "Syrah" led to the name Shiraz, which remains to this day. Alternatively, if you prefer a fruit-forward wine with low acidity and high alcohol content then Shiraz could be the better option for you. Main Differences Between Syrah And Pinot Noir The main differences between Syrah and Pinot Noir are: Syrah improves through aging, whereas many would argue Pinot Noir is better when it is still young. Curious what the difference is between Syrah vs Shiraz? Whereas Shiraz, coming from the hotter wine regions, has riper vines, producing full-bodied, dry wines with comparatively higher alcohol levels and more gripping tannins. Syrah also has a relatively high level of tannins. This process of cold soaking the grapes increases the color and fruitiness in the wine while reducing the harsh tannins. Weve partnered with Antonellis to bring you the very best wine and charcuterie pairing out there! Cooler climate Aussie makers started using syrah for their shiraz, and chaos ensued. Both varietals also create wines that feature earthy tones like smoke, graphite and truffle. The alcohol levels may range from medium to high (about 13-14%) with softer and mellow tannins. Syrah, by contrast, came from a (probably natural) brief liaison/crossing of two native French varieties; dureza and mondeuse blanche. Though it is the most planted grape in Australia, no one knows why growers started calling it Shiraz instead of Syrah (accident, accent, just a fun little switcheroo?) The Barossa Valley is synonymous for big, muscular examples but that approach is now being softened by some. Wine drinkers that look for bold, full-bodied wines should reach for Shiraz. Its best compared to a classic cab, but with a bit more unique magic thats hard to put your finger on, which is why its a part of our Wild Child line. In Italian, Dolcetto means little sweet one however, as a wine Dolcetto is known to be a dry wine with lower levels of acidity. Crisp, fruit-forward, and easy-to-drink, it's everything you want in your bottle of Ros and more. STORES BOOK A STAY Beyond by Sula The Source at Sula If you dont finish a bottle of Syrah, replace the cork and stick it back in the fridge. Syrah pairs well with a variety of roasted or grilled meats such as beef tenderloin or lamb chops. SIP Certified: Why You Should Drink Sustainable Wine, Hey! In the New World, in regions like Sonoma Coast, California; Yarra Valley, Australia; and parts of Chile, the wines are called Syrah because they emulate the leaner, acid-driven, savory styles of the Old World French classics. Syrah and Shiraz wines typically have a similar alcohol content, ranging from 12.5 to 15 percent ABV. Below are some popular browsers to consider. Shiraz is a style, not a grape The difference between Syrah and Shiraz wines are purely down to terroir (and often winemaking methods). 3.Unlike Syrah wine, Shiraz is known to be more intense and more succulent. The difference lies in where they are produced. Shiraz? "Syrah" is what it's called in France's Rhne Valley, where it is the main red wine grape of the Northern Rhne and a blending grape in the Southern Rhne. Syrah, which originated in France's Rhone Valley, is a cross between two older grape varieties - Dureza and Mondeuse Blanche. Served too cold, however, and the aromas and flavors are muted. Special to The Globe and Mail. So, to be exact, they should be served at around 15-18 degrees Celsius. Winemaker of one of Australias most consistently beautiful Yarra Valley syrahs, Giant Steps Steve Flamsteed, says cool climate syrah differentiates from shiraz in warmer climates due to the cooler nights maintaining a beautiful perfume in the grapes. Look to Barossa Valley for benchmark examples. The style of each varies greatly depending on where it is grown and how it is made. wines, Stay A famous example of this is Syrah and its Aussie alter ego, Shiraz. Syrah should be served slightly chilled, at a temperature of about 60F. For our Passport wines, we had to include this classic French red for you to sip and enjoy to your hearts content. France doesnt typically label wines with the grape variety. Both varietals can reach high alcohol levels, with Syrah often reaching 15% or higher while Shiraz typically maxes out at 14%. The flavor profile of the wine will guide you towards what to pair it with. As a wine collector, you have a lot to get excited about from the diverse array of exceptional wines on the market. While Australians typically use the name Shiraz, winemakers from other parts of the world use Syrah. Things are changing, though, and these excellent wines are finally earning long-deserved mainstream recognition. Theres nothing subtle about Cabernet Sauvignonhigh in alcohol, full-bodied and robust, you can usually find this red served with a ribeye, New York Strip, or filet mignon (re: carnivores love cab). Like all red wines, Syrah or Shiraz needs to be served at room temperature, which in India can be very misleading. We've received your email address, Our Dolcetto hails from Piedmont Italy, where this grape is primarily grown. While its the unofficial official wine of summer and warm weather situations, La Plumas Rose is one you can drink year-round, no matter the occasion. Charles McIver first brought this grape variety to California in 1884, where interest was piqued and Petite Sirah acreage soon increased. Shop Vivino's best rated Syrah/Shiraz wines now! This is cool enough for the wine's alcohol to become slightly . Viogniers tend to have more range; while they can be creamy with hints of vanilla like their Chardonnay counterpart, they also offer lighter, fruitier flavors like tangerine, mango, and honeysuckle. While you can still tell they're the same grape, they both have subtle nuances that make a big difference. There are other wine producing regions that make Syrah including New Zealand (cooler climate), South Africa (warmer climate), and California (depends on where in California). It has a range of flavors, from smoke, bacon, herbs, red and black fruits, white and black pepper, to floral violet notes. If smooth, fruit-forward, light-bodied reds appeal to your tastebuds, this could be your new favorite. Sangiovese can be found in both the Chianti and Montalcino regions of Tuscany (it all sounds so romantic, right?) Cabernet, Sauvignon Shiraz typically contains between 12-15% alcohol by volume (ABV), while syrah usually has between 13-16% ABV. Both Syrah and Shiraz are delicious paired with hearty beef dishes, full flavor poultry, and most everyday American meals. Since Pinot Noir is an ancient grape variety, its origins are quite unclear. McLaren Vale also produces big, bold shiraz wines. What is the difference between Syrah and Shiraz? While this is done around the world, and with many different varieties, for the purpose of our Syrah/Shiraz showdown, its more common and usually done for a longer period of time with Shiraz. Required fields are marked *. What is the difference between Shiraz, Syrah and Petite Sirah? A California winemaker named it Petite Sirah for marketing purposes. Australian Shiraz often employs a more modern approach with stainless steel tanks, shorter fermentation periods and oak aging. The Petite Sirah grape, known outside of the United States as Durif (after the man who discovered it, Francois Durif), is small and dark, nearly black in color. A more earthy, herbaceous Syrah, however, would be most delicious paired with gamey meats such as duck, lamb, or even venison. these two areas have seen the most success with this bold grape. Now it may be tempting to think that all Syrah comes from France, and all Shiraz is Australian, but unfortunately, it's not that simple. they will announce themselves loudly to you, Warm climates allow grapes to ripen faster, flavor profile of the wine will guide you. Shiraz, on the other hand, was what all syrah in Australia was called until recently, when some from cooler climate makers started calling theirs syrah, to differentiate their style. Keeping all this in mind, there are numerous examples from cool climate regions around Australia producing wines labelled shiraz think Coonawarra, Canberra, Granite Belt, Grampians, Heathcote and Orange to name a few, and a Tasmanian shiraz even won the coveted Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy back in 2010. While it was first brought to the Hunter Valley and is now grown all over Australia, the Barossa Valley near Adelaide has become prime real estate for Shiraz. Photographer: Carla Gottgens/Bloomberg, Everything You Need to Know About Syrah/Shiraz. If served too cold, the aromas might be muted, and the wine might taste watery. French Syrah tends to be made using traditional winemaking practices such as open-top fermenters and long maceration times to extract more tannins from the grape skins. Syrah is mostly grown in Frances Rhne Valley as well as other parts of the country such as Languedoc-Roussillon and Provence. What is the ideal serving temperature for Syrah and Shiraz? Wine, White Wine This black pepper flavor is due to a naturally occurring chemical in the Syrah grape called rotundone. Syrah tends to be more Old World in style, a nod to its French roots. They are both some of the darkest red wines on the . Generally speaking, Syrah has predominantly blackberry and dark fruit flavors with undertones of pepper, spice and herbaceous notes. Curious to learn more? 2.Shiraz grapes are largely grown in Australia, and all other Shiraz grapes grown outside of this country are known as Syrah grapes. Instead, the United States is typically in the lead for Petite Sirah production. It was discovered in the 1860s and has spread into Australia, California, Israel, Argentina and Chile. "Shiraz" is what winemakers in Australia typically call it. Although it originated in France, Petite Sirah has very little production there today. Syrah and Shiraz are the exact same grape, much like Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris are also the same grape. Beyond that, the wine will start to oxidize. Includes four of each kind so you can share! The Sula Sparkling Shiraz is also a great try if you are looking for a bubbly red to pair with comparatively lighter meals. It expresses itself differently depending on the climate, soil and regional style, though certain characteristics remain the same. They also have a better longevity than Syrah grapes. Like all reds, Syrah has an ideal temperature range. Syrah, also known as Shiraz, is a popular red wine. It is important that the wine is not served at any higher temperature as warmer wines can make the alcohol taste hot and put off all the peppery notes, making it a dull wine. There are affiliate links in this post. What's the difference between shiraz and syrah? Unanimously though, France is considered to be the ancestral home of the Pinot grape. In fact, Syrah and Shiraz wines are made from the same variety of red grape. Yes, they are the same grape varieties, but the same grape variety is used to make wines of different styles in different parts of the world. Bold, high in acidity, savory, elegant, and dry: This is a "serious" wine, for "serious" wine drinkers. Both are full-bodied red wines with very similar characteristics. While there is no guarantee that a Syrah will be oaked in this way, it is more common than not to see Syrahs that have been aged in a neutral oak barrel. All Rights Reserved. The grape variety, which outside of Europe is usually referred to as Shiraz and is called Syrah in its country of origin, France, is one of the most important red grape varieties. In a nutshell syrah is all elegance with softer spicy fruit, lovely perfume and savoury feels whereas shiraz is often more lush and riper, radiating more fruit intensity. Shiraz wine, especially from Southern Australia, has a peppery taste which cannot be seen in Syrah wines. Smoked meat notes like beef jerky and bacon along with black pepper spice, are also characteristic. When all, or nearly all, of the sugar is converted, it creates a fully dry wine. Now, the grape is grown widely in other regions such as California, South Africa, Chile, Spain, New Zealand and more recently Argentina. Not exactly. 2.Shiraz grapes are largely grown in Australia, and all other Shiraz grapes grown outside of this country are known as Syrah grapes. What are some of the food pairings for Syrah? Shiraz tends to come from warmer growing climates, namely the South Australian regions of Barossa, McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills. Dry wines usually range between zero to four grams of carbohydrates. In Australia, and other parts of the New World, Shiraz is aged in smaller oak barrels, with the intent of delivering more vanilla and baking spice notes to the wine without overpowering the lush fruit flavors. Theres one other major factor that will determine what your Syrah or Shiraz will taste like oak! The color is generally darker than Cabernet Sauvignon. As with gris versus grigio, where to draw the line between syrah and shiraz is the fuzzy part, but also has some of the most interesting wines. The origin of this grape variety was a huge debate until 1998, when a DNA testing proved it to be indigenous to France belonging to the family of Mondeuse Blanche and Dureza. Sauvignon, Shiraz While you can still tell theyre the same grape, they both have subtle nuances that make a big difference. This might surprise you, but. Or he might instead call his wine "Syrah" to indicate a more Old World-style wine. Dont worry though, there are still plenty of crossovers, and you cant really go wrong! Shiraz and Syrah are two such types of wine that comes in almost the same flavor but in different names. Of the two wine grapes, the cabernet sauvignon had the highest tannin content of any wine grape. Wine The Difference between Syrah and Shiraz 12/05/2018 The names are similar. At its core, Syrah (Sih-RAH) and Shiraz (Shi-RAZ) wines are both made from the syrah grape but thats just about where the similarities end. Shiraz, on the other hand, tends to refer to Australian-style wines those that are rich, ripe, and fruit-forward. Typically, a five-ounce serving of Syrah has around 125 calories, or 625 calories in a 750ml bottle. and is known for producing classic medium-bodied wines. If you are looking for a fruitier wine that would be perfect for an outdoor BBQ, then reach for a Shiraz. French Syrah will typically emphasize the natural herbaceous quality of the grape, with the fruit flavors taking a backseat. So next time you uncork your favorite Syrah or Shiraz, raise a toast to a timeless testament to whats possible when we take advantage of our environments riches. Shiraz is riper and fruit-forward. Your email address will not be published. It also goes well with dishes that have earthy flavors like mushrooms or eggplant as well as spicy foods like Thai curries or Mexican mole sauce. As with any pairing, try to match the wines weight and flavor intensity with the weight and flavor intensity of the food. Brought down initially by Scottish viticulturist James Busby, it has become a staple of the Australian wine scene. Other than the Rhone Valley, these two areas have seen the most success with this bold grape. Under the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 it is an offence: At Vinomofo, we love our wine, but we like to also lead long and happy lives, and be good to the world and the people in it. But warm climates arent always about big, and the Hunter Valley has always produced beautiful, pretty, medium-bodied shiraz worth trying. One might also expect higher alcohols in Shiraz compared to Syrah due to . In fact, some bottles of Petite Sirah require several years of aging to offset the high tannins. Shiraz has bold tannins and fruit-forward flavors that make it ideal for pairing with intense flavors such as charcuterie platters, braised short ribs, or strong cheeses like blue cheese. Related: Old World Vs New World Wine: Whats Difference? Both wines are full-bodied and have high tannin levels, but they differ in terms of color and flavor. Syrah originated in the Northern Rhne Valley of France. Like all reds, Syrah has an ideal temperature range. Syrah: The Beginners Guide (2023) Updated on January 8, 2023. 5.Syrah wine comes in leathery flavors. As its home country, the styles of wine from this grape that come from the south France tend to be, naturally, from cool to moderate climates. Syrah is a hugely bold, robust wine that is most often seen coming from Australia as Shiraz." Sometimes, Shiraz has a touch of RS, which increases the calorie and carbohydrate content, but only a by a small amount. While they are related, the two have distinct characteristics that make them unique from one another.