Shiraz (History, Regions, Best Wines 2024)
Keen to find out more about the magic of Shiraz wine?
This rich and spicy fruit-flavored wine is perfect for any celebration or as a quiet dinner accompaniment. It comes in a complex array of styles thanks to varied terroir and winemaking techniques.
Where does Shiraz wine come from? There’s Persian Shiraz and Syrah - are they the same as this Australian classic? And, which Shiraz wine should you buy?
In this article, find out all you need to know about Shiraz wine, including wine regions, the Shiraz grape variety, Shiraz tasting notes, and a brief look at its history.
You’ll also find out the best bottles to buy, and where you can buy the best Shiraz from - no matter where you are in the world.
Further reading
- Find out the Smartest Ways To Invest In Wine in this incredibly insightful article!
- Would you like to learn more about Elegant Red Wines? Or dive into the wonderful world Of White Wine.
What is Shiraz?
Shiraz is a dark-skinned, plum-colored grape variety that produces a full-bodied and opulent red wine. The hot, dry climates of Australia and South Africa are perfect for growing Shiraz. In these conditions, the grape variety ripens fully creating extraordinary, rich red wines.
Now, you might also have heard of the ancient Persian Shiraz and Old world Syrah grape variety. Are they the same as the Shiraz wine you see today?
This can be confusing, but we will explain it all below.
What’s the Difference Between Shiraz and Syrah?
Shiraz and Syrah are the same grape.
It is called Syrah in the Old World - namely France, Italy, the rest of Europe, and New Zealand. It is referred to as Shiraz in New World wine regions like Australia, South Africa, and Canada. (There are a few countries that use both names, depending on the winemakers - for example, Argentina, Chile, and the United States.)
The homeland of the Syrah grape is Southern Rhone in France. The Mediterranean climate of Southern Rhone suits the Syrah grape varietal well.
Rhone Valley Syrah is a more traditional wine with subtle flavors of fruit and flowers and peppery undertones. Shiraz tends to be higher in alcohol and less tannic than Syrah. The grapes are often picked when they are very ripe, which creates a bold and intense wine.
Nowadays, winemakers from different parts of the world often use the labels “Syrah” and “Shiraz” to refer to these differing wine styles. However, this labeling is not always consistent, and occasionally winemakers use “Syrah” or “Shiraz” based on preference or location rather than wine style.
Also read:
- Maybe what you’ve been looking for is a sweet and fruity white wine - try this guide on Moscato!
- Plus, learn how to serve wine like a sommelier with this article about choosing the right wine glasses.
A Brief History of Shiraz
Let’s peep into the grape’s history to find out if today’s Shiraz is related to the Shiraz wine from ancient Persia! Don’t worry - it's a lot less complicated than it sounds.
Shiraz in Iran or Persia
In present-day Iran and former Persia, there was an ancient city called...Shiraz! And once upon a time, this city, in Iran’s Fars province, was famous for its wine.
Shiraz wine from Iran was described as “dark red wine that smells like musk” by the Persian poet Hafez. However, after the Islamic Revolution in 1979, wine production was outlawed in Iran.
Recent DNA testing has proven that there’s no genetic connection between New world Shiraz and Persian Shiraz - the only connection is the name!
However, there is an Iranian winemaker and avid wine lover, Darioush Khaledi, who now owns a vineyard in California. He says that his Shiraz (made from the Shiraz or Syrah grape) is a descendant of the Persian Shiraz.
His winery is framed by columns that look like the ancient city of Persepolis. Regardless of whether or not the wine is related, it is magical to imagine the history of the Persian empire and New World Shiraz wine being intertwined!
So, where did today’s Shiraz wine come from?
Shiraz in the Old World and the New World Wine Regions
The Syrah grape originated in Rhone Valley, France, where it has been grown for hundreds of years. It was recently discovered that the Syrah grape is actually a genetic crossing of two grape varieties - Mondeuse Blanche and Dureza.
James Busby, a Scottish viticulturist, brought the Syrah grape from France to Australia in 1831. In Australian soil, the grape was renamed to Shiraz. The first cuttings were planted in the Hunter Valley Region in New South Wales and the Sydney Botanical Gardens.
The red wine took off in the 1860s, but after about a hundred years or so, it fell on hard times because Australian wine lovers started to prefer white wine. Some Shiraz vineyards were even destroyed and replanted with white grape vines.
The Shiraz grape had been used as part of blended wines. However, Shiraz wine was reborn after Max Schubert from Penfolds winery used it to create the now-iconic Penfolds Grange wine (almost entirely Shiraz.)
Today, Shiraz is the most-planted grape variety in Australia, as well as the country’s most popular wine.
It is also grown in many other countries all around the world. Let’s see where.
Also read: Have you wondered how many calories there are in red wine?
Where is Shiraz Grown?
1. Australia
Shiraz is grown in almost all of Australia’s wine regions. It has been hugely popular in the Australian wine industry even as an export wine (exported especially to Britain and the United States.)
In Australia, Shiraz is grown in Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Hunter Valley, Coonawarra, and many other wine regions. Many of these regions are in the warmer parts of South Australia. Shiraz is also grown in the cooler regions of Heathcote and Yarra Valley.
2. South Africa
Nobody knows quite how Shiraz got to South Africa. Today, South African Shiraz is produced in Elim, Constantia, and Franschhoek, as well as a few other wine regions.
3. United States
This red grape variety goes by both Syrah and Shiraz in the United States, depending on the wine style.
The grape was brought to the United States in the 1970s by a group of viticulturists called the “Rhône Rangers”. It can be found in California, Oregon, Washington, and Ohio.
4. Argentina and Chile
In Argentina and Chile, as in the United States, the red wine goes by both Syrah and Shiraz. The grape variety has been increasingly popular in South America since the 2000s.
Argentinian winemakers have created a blended wine of Shiraz and Malbec that rivals the Australian Shiraz and Cabernet blend.
Also read: Here are some great tips on how to design a top-class wine cellar!
Shiraz Tasting Notes and Characteristics
Shiraz wine is a deep violet hue with glints of ruby red. It is full-bodied, intense, and fruit flavored. It has a strong nose of black fruit and red fruit, with undertones of oak. It has an aroma of dark chocolate, oak, black cherry, and plum.
In many ways, Shiraz is quite similar to Merlot. They are both dark red grape varieties that do well in California and France. However, Merlot is sweeter and softer than Shiraz.
The alcohol content in Shiraz wine is higher than in Syrah wine, usually between 14-15.5%.
Shiraz wine typically has high tannins, medium to high acidity, and a rich syrupy palate. The wine is often fermented with grape skins, which gives the Shiraz it’s color and tannin profile.
Shiraz Food Pairing
Shiraz is an excellent wine to have alongside a hearty dinner. Shiraz food pairings aren’t too difficult, so next time you entertain - give some of these ideas a go!
A fruity, sweet Shiraz pairs wonderfully with lamb shank or a chicken kabob. This full bodied wine that’s dense and bold will pair well with smoked meat, grilled meats, and roasted vegetables.
How to Serve Shiraz Wine
Because Shiraz is a full-bodied red wine, it should be served just below room temperature at 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius.)
Should you decant it before serving?
If you have an older vintage of Shiraz, you can help the wine’s flavor and aroma to open up by decanting. Decanting your wine allows it to breathe.
If you drink an older vintage immediately after decanting, it will be dull and insipid. Decant this full bodied wine for around two hours before serving it.
Best Shiraz Wines to Buy in 2024
Now let’s find out which Shiraz wines you should be serving at a dinner party in 2024.
1. Penfolds Grange Wine & Aevum Saint Louis Decanter, Australia, 2013
This limited edition dry wine is bold and well-balanced and comes with its own decanter. There are notable hints of oak and spice, as it has been matured for almost two years in an American oak barrel. This wine has a palate of both dark fruit and red fruit. Pair with lamb shank or grilled yellow tail fish.
Price of Penfolds Grange Wine & Aevum Saint Louis Decanter, Australia, 2013: $2198
2. Chris Ringland Dry Grown Shiraz, Barossa Valley, Australia, 2010
Here we have an Australian Shiraz that is a deep ruby color. It has well-balanced tannins and acidity, with a flavor combination of dark chocolate, black fruit, and oak. Pair this varietal wine with red meat or beef jerky.
Price of Chris Ringland Dry Grown Shiraz, Barossa Valley, Australia, 2010: $803
3. Torbreck The Laird, Barossa Valley, Australia, 2012
This Barossa Valley Shiraz is inky and concentrated. This red wine has a palate of black cherry, black pepper, dark chocolate, with a dash of plum. Pair this full bodied wine with chicken kabob and roasted vegetables.
Price of Torbreck The Laird, Barossa Valley, Australia, 2012: $644
4. Henschke Hill of Grace Shiraz, Eden Valley, Australia, 2013
This Australian Shiraz is a dry wine with well-balanced acidity and medium tannins. It offers a strong nose of black fruit, tobacco, and a touch of black olive and subtle spice. Pair this varietal wine with marinated chicken.
Price of Henschke Hill of Grace Shiraz, Eden Valley, Australia, 2013: $771
5. Powell & Son Kraehe Marananga Shiraz, Barossa Valley, Australia, 2015
In the mid 19th century, the Kraehe family was one of the first to settle in Barossa Valley. It is no wonder that part of their legacy is this Barossa Valley Shiraz, which is matured inside a French oak barrel. This wine has medium tannins and brisk, well-balanced acidity.
Price of Powell & Son Kraehe Marananga Shiraz, Barossa Valley, Australia, 2015: $529
6. De Toren The Black Lion Shiraz, Stellenbosch, South Africa, 2015
Here’s an exceptional Shiraz wine from South Africa. This is a dry wine with notes of black fruit, dark chocolate, and black pepper. It is bold with fresh, balanced acidity, and medium to tannins. Pair this wine with a grilled yellow tail and herbs.
Price of De Toren The Black Lion Shiraz, Stellenbosch, South Africa, 2015: $250
7. Chris Ringland Hoffmann Vineyard Shiraz, Barossa Valley, Australia, 2007
This is a bold and elegant Barossa Valley Shiraz, with a bouquet of tobacco, plum, and black pepper. This varietal Shiraz is slightly sweet, with a smooth mouthfeel and a great finish.
Price of Chris Ringland Hoffmann Vineyard Shiraz, Barossa Valley, Australia, 2007: $415
8. Rusden 'Sandscrub' Shiraz, Barossa Valley, Australia, 2005
This is an award-winning Barossa Valley Shiraz that is bold, opulent, and juicy. It is a deep violet color with the fruit flavor of black cherry and black currant, tinged with oak and licorice.
Price of Rusden 'Sandscrub' Shiraz, Barossa Valley, Australia, 2005: $359
9. Powell & Son Steinert Flaxman's Shiraz, Eden Valley, Australia, 2016
This is a powerful and complex Australian Shiraz. It has earthy notes, combined with the flavor of black fruit and well-balanced acidity. Pair this wine with black olive pasta and marinated grilled meats.
Price of Powell & Son Steinert Flaxman's Shiraz, Eden Valley, Australia, 2016: $517
10. Hundred Acre 'Deep Time' Ancient Way Vineyard Summer's Block Shiraz, Barossa Valley, Australia, 2006
Here we have an award-winning Barossa Valley Shiraz that’s lush, rich, and smooth. It has notes of dark chocolate, oak, plum, and black pepper.
Price of Hundred Acre 'Deep Time' Ancient Way Vineyard Summer's Block Shiraz, Barossa Valley, Australia, 2006: $357 Now that you know how delicious Shiraz is, let’s find out if this red wine is a good long-term investment option.
Investing in Shiraz Wine
Typically, Shiraz has an aging potential of 5-10 years, but some age-worthy Shiraz wines can age beautifully for over 25 years!
Which are the investment-worthy Shiraz wines?
Most (if not all) investment-worthy Shiraz wines are from Australia.
Australian wine enthusiasts use Langton's Classification of Australian Wine to assess how wine performs as an investment. This classification system takes into consideration both market performance and auction performance.
Interestingly, the Penfolds Grange and Henschke Hill of Grace Shiraz wines are the most highly rated investments according to this classification.
Penfolds Grange has done exceptionally well at auctions. A 1951 Penfolds Grange went for $103,555 at an online auction in July 2020. In December 2020, a set of Penfolds Grange vintages ranging from 1951 to 2015 went for $431,000 at the Langton’s Penfolds Rewards of Patience auction in Australia.
Now, wine investment can be complicated - especially since there’s an ocean of brands to choose from. Also, there are plenty of con-artists out there who would love to take advantage of you with counterfeit bottles!
That’s why we recommend buying your wine through Vinovest.
Buy Shiraz and Other Fine Wines Through Vinovest
Vinovest is an experienced wine investment company that offers you a safe and secure route to invest in fine wine. No matter where you are in the world, you can buy, store, and sell your wine safely through Vinovest.
How Does it Work?
Getting started with wine investing couldn’t get simpler. All you have to do is:
1. Sign up on the Vinovest website.
2. Fill up a questionnaire that will determine your risk appetite and investment preferences.
3. Fund your account with a minimum startup of $1,000.
4. Watch your specially curated wine portfolio grow.
The Benefits of Using Vinovest
1. Easy Buying and Selling
Vinovest’s Artificial Intelligence-based online platform lets you buy and sell fine wine with just a few clicks - whether that’s a desirable bottle of Chardonnay or a festive ice wine.
2. Best Prices
With Vinovest, you can easily and safely buy investment-grade wines without a middleman or retailer markups - that means that you’re getting your bottles of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay at the best prices.
3. Curated Portfolio
You can rest easy knowing that Vinovest uses proprietary financial models and historical data to ensure a balanced portfolio of high performing wines, including luxurious Cabernet Sauvignon or a rare bottle of Screaming Eagle.
4. Authenticity and Provenance
Vinovest goes the extra mile to ensure that your bottles of Italian Lambrusco and Tempranillo wine are genuine by tracing the wine’s provenance.
5. Safety and Security
Vinovest keeps your wine bottles in perfect condition by storing them in state-of-the-art storage facilities. Plus, 24/7 security cameras constantly monitor your wines.
There are power back-ups in case the electricity fails, so perfect climate control is maintained no matter what. Vinovest even offers a full insurance policy at market value, protecting each bottle against breakage, theft, and loss. Your bottles of sweet red wine couldn’t be in safer hands.
6. Low Overall Costs
Vinovest charges more affordable fees than most other wine investment companies - a 2.5% annual fee (1.9% for a portfolio of above $50,000.) This fee includes wine purchases, fraud detection, storage, insurance, portfolio management, and selling.
7. Easy Delivery
If you decide to sell your sweet white wine or sparkling Shiraz - or drink it yourself, it’s easy! Vinovest will handle the shipping and insurance.
Build Your Wine Portfolio With Elegant Shiraz Wine
Shiraz wine is perfect for any occasion - from a simple family dinner in the garden to a lavish birthday celebration.
The luscious fruit flavor in this decadent red wine will never disappoint - well - as long as you get the right bottle!
This is why we suggest buying your wine through Vinovest, so you can know you’re only getting the very best. So, sign up right away to start building your wine portfolio!
