Syrah vs Shiraz: Which Should You Choose?

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Syrah vs Shiraz - Which to Choose?

Syrah and Shiraz: The same, but different

“You say tom-ayto, I say tom-arto.” So sang Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong.

Well, we could add another line. “You say Shiraz, I say Syrah”.

Because Syrah and Shiraz are actually the same grape - it simply has different names depending on where it's grown.

But the name on the bottle is more than just a regional label. These names signal two distinct personalities in your glass: the 'Old World' Syrah, which leans into elegance, and the 'New World' Shiraz, which celebrates bold, sun-drenched power.

Whether you see Shiraz or Syrah on the label, you can expect rich, brooding flavours of blackberry, black plums and blackcurrant, with spicy, coffee, leathery and liquorice notes in hotter regions.

Rhône Valley, France

Syrah is the great red grape of France’s Rhône valley. But even here it all about location. In fact, there is a real north vs south divide.

Some of the world's most famous Syrah wines are the peppery, earthy reds of the northern Rhône. It is the birthplace of the grape after all, and Syrah from this region tastes very different from any other, with less fruit and more meaty, olive, floral and spice notes.

Look for specific sub-regions on the wine label for an indication of style and quality, such as Hermitage (the best of the best), Crozes Hermitage (bright acidity), Côte Rôtie (bold), and St. Joseph (great value). These wines can also be capable of aging and improving.

The warmer it gets, the more Syrah’s flavour changes from raspberry to blackberry, becoming chocolatey and, with age, tarry and gamey. Most of the southern Rhône wine region is too hot to make top quality Syrah, which is why most Côtes du Rhône reds are based on Grenache, with Syrah and Mourvèdre in support.

Syrah in the rest of France

Syrah often appears on labels of IGP Pays d'Oc wines. It is the fastest growing grape in France’s Languedoc region, where it has been introduced as an improving variety.

You will also find it playing a starring role in appellations such as Minervois, Minervois La Livinière and La Clape.

And, next to the southern Rhône in Provence, Syrah often makes an appearance as a component in red and rosé wines.

Syrah in the rest of the world

You will also find Syrah wines throughout central Italy, Portugal (in Alentejo) and Spain.

Equally, in California, Washington and Oregon, a dedicated band of American winemakers has been devotedly working with Syrah since the 1970s. Known as the “Rhône Rangers”, these men and women have proven that the variety can produce complex, rich wines in all three of the above states.

Tip from the Tasting Room: Hacienda de Lluna Syrah - Smooth, supple, spicy Syrah, not from the Rhône, but from sun-baked Spain!

Australia

Shiraz is one of Australia’s original – and most important - red grapes. It was brought to the region from France in 1832 - now Aussie Shiraz is as synonymous as Malbec and Argentina, and grown in nearly every sub-region in Australia.

But Barossa is where Shiraz shines. No other region - including Hermitage and Côte Rôtie - has such a concentration of very old vines.

Here you will still find a number of those pioneering 19th century wine properties remain. As a result, the Barossa boasts many parcels of vines of well over 100 years of age which are still farmed today.

These low-yielding, gnarled veterans supply small, intense berries for some of Australia and the world's greatest red wines.

Tip from the Tasting Room: RedHeads 1888 - the flagship, barrel-aged Shiraz from this leading, sustainable cellar in Barossa Valley.

Final Thoughts: Deciding between Syrah and Shiraz

Ultimately, the choice between Syrah and Shiraz isn’t about which is "better" - it’s about the mood you want to create.

Reach for Syrah when you’re craving elegance and intrigue. Think savoury spice, whispers of woodsmoke, and a wine that feels right for a quiet, candlelit dinner.
Reach for Shiraz when you want boldness and warmth. Picture ripe fruit, velvety textures, and a wine that can hold its own beside a roaring BBQ or a crackling fire.

Different names, same goal: an unforgettable glass of wine. And the best way to settle the debate? Open one of each and let your palate decide.

About the author

Richard Bull

Although good at running up hills, Richard failed to make the military cuvée and turned instead to the drinks trade. After stints at Hennessy, Oddbins and Grants of St James, he arrived at Laithwaites. Here, he spent 15 years writing about real wine and the people who make it. As he wrote from the desk to your door, he was lucky enough to visit vineyards in France, Italy, Spain and Kent.

Qualified to WSET Level 3, Richard loves the off-the-beaten track reds of the Languedoc - but is currently obsessed with Greek wine, particularly their super crisp whites.