Syrah vs Shiraz: 9 Key Differences

Syrah vs Shiraz - what’s the difference? 

Simply put, Syrah and Shiraz are the same grape.

The main difference lies in their origins. The grape variety is called Syrah in France, while it’s Shiraz in Australia.

Originally, this grape hails from the Rhone Valley in France but is now grown worldwide. The grape expresses nuances of its terroir beautifully, and produces remarkable wines that differ in style, characteristics, and other factors. 

Let’s look at the 9 significant differences between Syrah and Shiraz wines.

We’ll also find out how Petite Sirah differs from Shiraz and Syrah.

Syrah vs Shiraz: 9 Major Differences 

Shiraz and Syrah are essentially the same grape, but here’s how they differ from each other: 

1. Origins

Like Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio, Syrah and Shiraz are the same grape known by different names. This grape varietal is a cross between two grapes - Mondeuse Blanche and Dureza.

The primary difference between the Syrah and Shiraz grape varieties is their origins. Syrah is from the Rhone Valley region of France, and Shiraz is from Australia. 

The Syrah grape varietal was brought to Australia by the Scottish viticulturist James Busby, and is now grown in regions like the Hunter Valley and Barossa Valley. It’s the primary grape varietal in expensive Australian wine like the Penfolds Grange.

So, are Syrah and Shiraz wines only produced in France and Australia? 

No. There’s more to it. 

2. Key Wine Regions (Apart from France and Australia)

The Syrah and Shiraz grape varieties are planted worldwide, including in New Zealand, South Africa, and Chile. In all these countries, these grapes produce different wines with varied flavor profiles. 

Each wine region labels these wines depending on the terroir. Wines made in warm climate regions, like South Africa, are labeled Shiraz. Meanwhile, wines from a cold wine region, like New Zealand, are called Syrah.

3. Wine Styles

Shiraz and Syrah are dry wines, but entry-level Shiraz is sometimes juicy and sweet with medium tannin.

The southern Rhone Valley Syrah wines, from regions like Châteauneuf du Pape and Cote du Rhone, are often blended with Mourvedre and Grenache. Meanwhile, northern Rhone Valley wines, from regions like Corans and Cote Rotie, are 100% Syrah. 

4. Taste 

What does a Shiraz or Syrah wine taste like? 

Both the red wine styles typically have medium tannin, a black pepper flavor, and dark fruit, vanilla, and spice notes.

However, northern Rhone Syrah wine has a leaner body and shines with crisp acidity, floral aromas and dried herbs, blackberry fruit, and cherry notes. Meanwhile, southern Rhone Syrah wine is smoother, well-rounded, and has a red fruit flavor and a peppery finish.

Australian Shiraz wine is full-bodied and has a refreshing acidity, a bold black fruit flavour, and cherry, dried herbs, and spice notes. 

5. Alcohol Content

The alcohol content in a Syrah or Shiraz wine depends on the terroir where the grape varieties are grown.

Warm-climate Shiraz produces wines with a high alcohol content of 14.5-15.5%, while a cold-climate Syrah grape produces 13-14% ABV wines.

6. Color

What is the color of a Syrah or Shiraz wine?

Syrah and Shiraz are both dark skinned grape varieties that produce delicate, deep ruby-red wines with a purple hue.

7. Calories

How many calories does a Syrah or Shiraz wine contain?

Syrah and Shiraz have little to no sugar, so most of their calories come from the alcohol content. Syrah has a lower alcohol content and has about 125 calories per glass. Meanwhile, Shiraz is a high ABV wine with about 175 calories per glass.

8. Food Pairing

Rhone region Syrah’s bold flavors pair perfectly with grilled meat, mushrooms, stew, and pasta. 

Meanwhile, Australian Shiraz is a fruity, easy-drinking beverage that matches with burgers, duck, and cured meats. 

Syrah and Shiraz taste best when served at 60-65 °F. Once you pop the bottle, replace the cork and consume the wine within 2-4 days.

9. Winemaking Techniques

Shiraz and Syrah wines are produced using the same technique. The process begins by cold-soaking the grape varieties to increase the wine’s fruitiness and lower its high tannin content.

After cold-soaking for several days, the winemaker presses the grapes and mixes them with yeast. During fermentation, yeast converts sugar from the grape juice into alcohol.

From there, the wines are aged in French oak. Rhone Valley Syrah is typically aged in large oak barrels, and this helps it develop its fruity complexity. 

In Australia and other New World regions, Shiraz is usually aged in smaller French oak barrels - resulting in rich, fruity wines with subtle vanilla and baking spice notes. 

Is Petite Sirah Similar To Syrah And Shiraz?

Petite Sirah (Durif) is a small and dark varietal that’s different from the Syrah and Shiraz grape varieties.

The Petite Sirah grape is a crossing between Syrah and the Peloursin grape variety. Meanwhile, we know that Syrah/Shiraz is a crossing between Dureza and the Mondeuse Blanche grape variety.

Petite Sirah has French origins, but its wines are now produced mainly across the US. Unlike Syrah and Shiraz, Petite Sirah wine is mainly characterized by high tannin and intense acidity. 

Want To Invest In Syrah And Shiraz Wines?

Syrah and Shiraz are delightful wines, some of which can age pretty well and are investment-worthy - you can cellar the best ones for 25+ years! 

If you want to invest in these fine wines, try the Vinovest website. It offers an easy way to buy, sell, and store wines (be it a white wine, red wine, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, any others) from the Rhone Valley, Napa Valley, or anywhere in the world.