Shiraz

Shiraz is possibly one of the most well-known red wine varieties globally. It is known as Syrah in most parts of the world except Australia and South Africa. It was one of the original varieties brought into Australia, with vineyards dating back to 1843. Australia has the world’s oldest Shiraz vines, which are still in production at Langmeil’s Freedom Vineyard in Barossa Valley.

The varietal is grown in all wine-producing regions and is adaptable to cool, moderate, and warm areas. This diversity creates wines from medium to full-bodied with various flavour profiles and structures depending on region, climate, and wine-making techniques.

While Syrah and Shiraz are the same from a grape perspective, you will see both expressed in Australia as having different styles. Winemakers in cooler climates often produce and label their wines Syrah as they are more European in style with a more savoury or white pepper character. With this, you will see more Syrah varietals in cooler regions such as Yarra Valley and Tasmania, with cooler climates producing more red fruit notes like red plum and red cherry and warmer climates exhibiting dark fruits like black cherry and fruit cake.

In contrast, Shiraz is much bolder in warmer regions like the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale. It has lush dark fruit, rich flavour and texture, and often more black pepper than white.

Whether labelled Shiraz or Syrah, this grape delivers a compelling spectrum of styles. Cool-climate Syrah is prized for its elegance, savoury complexity, and ageing potential, while warm-climate Shiraz offers bold fruit flavours, richness, and accessibility.

Aromas

The aromatic profile of Shiraz/Syrah is intense and multi-layered with ripe black fruits such as blackberry, plum and cassis. Spicy notes like black pepper and clove are hallmark aromas, while the earthy undertones of olive tapenade and hints of tar are also present.

Flavours

Shiraz/Syrah offers a rich and varied flavour profile with blackberry, blueberry, and plum dominating and secondary flavours of black pepper, cardamon and herbal undertones like rosemary. Tertiary flavours of leather, tobacco, and dark chocolate are found in aged wine.

Tannins and Body

Shiraz has medium to high tannins, which can be silky or robust depending on the style. The wines are medium to full-bodied, with a velvety texture and concentrated flavours.

Cool v Warm climate

The distinction between Shiraz and Syrah largely reflects the influence of climate, with clear differences in flavour, structure, and style:

Cool-climate wines (Syrah) have flavours of red and blue fruits like raspberry and blueberry, with peppery spice and pronounced herbal notes. Higher acidity lends freshness and balance, while firmer and more structured tannins contribute to excellent ageing potential. The wines are elegant, savoury, and restrained, focusing on complexity and minerality. Wines tend to be earthier with more white pepper. You will find these wines in Northern Rhône (Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie), parts of California (Sonoma Coast), and cooler areas of Australia (Orange and Mudgee).

Warm-climate wines have ripe and jammy black fruits like blackberry and plum, with sweet spice, chocolate, and liquorice notes. Moderate acidity creates a richer and rounder palate, with softer and more approachable tannins granting a plush texture. The wines are bold, fruit-forward, and opulent, often with smoky or toasty oak influences. Wines tend to be fruitier with more black pepper. These wines are found in Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Napa Valley, and South Africa.

Listed below are the wineries that produce Shiraz/Syrah.

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