Shiraz, the Australian name for Syrah, is the most widely planted grape in Australia.  The Syrah grape is native to the Rhone Valley in France where it is used in many well known varieties such as Hermitage and Châteauneuf-du-Pape.  The major taste differences between Syrah and Shiraz wines are due to the terroir and techniques used in winemaking.  Australian and South African Shiraz tends to be juicier, bolder and more spicy whereas French and California Syrah are less fruit-forward, richer and more earthy.

Pairs well with: grilled meats and vegetables, pizza, spicy foods

Syrah? Shiraz? Which Is It?

Oh, the confusion between about Syrah and Shiraz...hard to figure out? Not at all. They're the same grape! No difference except who decided to name it - the French can take credit for "Syrah" and Australians (and/or possibly Iranians...) for "Shiraz". Anyway you slice it, it's a bold varietal that is usually associated with aromas of blackberry and pepper and happens to be a French Oak favorite - but we'll leave our opinions out of it for now... Louis Krieger joins us again in the studio to discuss origins, examples and pairings of Syrah/Shiraz - and he's quite good at doing so!