I can forgive if, like me, you have drunk either of these fabulous tasty wines for thinking they are completely different.
Let us look at a short history of the Shiraz and the Syrah grapes.
Shiraz/Syrah What is the mystery, a Short History?
The grape that is used is the Syrah, also known as Shiraz
Syrah is a dark-skinned grape grown in much of the world, mainly in the production of red wine.
In the late 1990s, a research group discovered through DNA typing that the Syrah grape had come from two quite obscure grapes indigenous to the Rhone region in southeast France.
These were the Dureza and the Mondeuse Blanche variety of grapes.
Syrah, also known as Shiraz, has grown in popularity over the last few years. Although its home is in France, vineyards have grown it successfully worldwide.
Although there are slight subtle differences from region to region, the main characteristics remain, depending on the climate and soil type.
We use the Syrah grape as a single variety or sometimes as a blend, which many producers do to help maintain a consistent flavour and aroma in a popular wine.
They grow this grape in places such as the Rhone Valley in France with wines such as Cotes du Rhone and Hermitage
Syrah rose to prominence in France in the 18th century in the Rhone Valley, where it is still the main grape variety used today.
In the mid-1800s. They laid the first Syrah cuttings down to encourage root growth and stems in Australia by the Scottish Viticulturist James Busby. (who has often been called the father of Australian viticulture)
It seems as if historical records show that they labelled the cuttings Scyras and Ciras, which were planted in the Sydney botanical gardens, from there to the Hunter Valley before making their way to other parts
It remains a mystery exactly how they became Shiraz. Is it because of the wrong original labelling of the first cuttings or because of the strong Australian accent? We may never know.
One thing is sure: Today, Syrah and Shiraz are the exact same grape variety. Although like for all grapes.,
Different duplications and variants exist. There will always be slight variations from season to season and from different soil and weather.
Shiraz is now grown in all of Australia's major wine regions and is one of the country's most exported wines. Syrah is a dark-skinned grape that originated in the Rhône Valley of France.
When it comes to flavour.
Syrah and Shiraz are two of the world's most popular red wine grapes, but what's the difference between them?
They are the same grape. The only difference is that Syrah is typically used to make more savoury and complex wines, while Shiraz is typically used to make more fruit-forward wines.
The most common flavours and aromas found in Syrah and Shiraz wines include:
- Black fruit (such as blackberries, black raspberries, and plums)
- Red fruit (such as raspberries, cherries, and strawberries)
- Herbs (such as black pepper, lavender, and rosemary)
- Smoke
- Chocolate
- Vanilla
Characteristics
Syrah is a full-bodied, opaque wine with moderate to high alcohol levels, between 13 and 14.5%, and firm tanning. Its flavours range from smoke, bacon, herbs, red and black fruits, and floral notes when aged in oak.
Syrah and Shiraz grapes are known for their high tannin content and ability to produce wines with high alcohol levels. They are also known for their bold flavours and aromas.
Although, in general, Syrah will be more exquisite and savoury than its more dominant fruit-driven counterpart, Shiraz
What makes this wine so different if they are both from the same grape origin, which is the main characteristic of Shiraz?
Food Pairings
Syrah and Shiraz are versatile wines that can be paired with various foods. Syrah wines pair well with savoury dishes such as grilled lamb, steak, and roasted vegetables.
Shiraz wines pair well with richer dishes such as barbecue, beef stew, and chocolate desserts.
Conclusion
Syrah and Shiraz are two delicious red wines that people of all ages can enjoy. No matter which one you choose, you're sure to enjoy a bold and flavorful wine.
Here are some additional details about the history, characteristics, and differences between Syrah and Shiraz grapes:
It is not clear exactly when Syrah was first introduced to the Rhône Valley, but it is believed to have been brought to the region by the Romans or pilgrims in the Middle Ages. Syrah first became popular in the Rhône Valley in the 18th century. At that time, it was known as Serine or Sirah. The grape was renamed Syrah in the 19th century.
Syrah was introduced to Australia in the mid-1800s by Scottish viticulturist James Busby. Busby is often credited with being the father of Australian viticulture.
The first Shiraz vines were planted in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales. Shiraz quickly became one of Australia's most popular red wines. Today, Australia is the world's largest producer of Shiraz
Syrah and Shiraz grapes are known for their high concentration of tannins and ability to produce wines with high alcohol levels. Syrah
Syrah and Shiraz are two delicious red wines that people of all ages can enjoy. No matter which one you choose, you're sure to enjoy a bold and flavorful wine.
Here are some additional details about the history, characteristics, and differences between Syrah and Shiraz grapes:
History
It is not clear exactly when Syrah was first introduced to the Rhône Valley, but it is believed to have been brought to the region by the Romans or pilgrims in the Middle Ages. Syrah first became popular in the Rhône Valley in the 18th century. At that time, it was known as Serine or Sirah. The grape was renamed Syrah in the 19th century.
Syrah was introduced to Australia in the mid-1800s by Scottish viticulturist James Busby. Busby is often credited with being the father of Australian viticulture.
The first Shiraz vines were planted in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales. Shiraz quickly became one of Australia's most popular red wines. Today, Australia is the world's largest producer of Shiraz.
Characteristics
Syrah and Shiraz grapes are known for their high concentration of tannins and ability to produce wines with high alcohol levels. Syrah
Wine drinkers who are looking for a more full-bodied wine should look no further than Shiraz, which has an opaque ruby-purple hue that offers a massive concentration of jammy aromas and flavours with alcohol levels around 14–15.5% depending on how much oak ageing it gets.
But whatever your reasons for taking a bottle of Syrah or Shiraz from your wine rack, don’t forget we drink to enjoy.
So, enjoy your next bottle, whichever label it shows, from wherever in the world it comes from, knowing that you are drinking a piece of history.
