The Shiraz grape, also known as Syrah, is one of the most famous grapes in the world. Its history is full of mystery, culture and transformation so it’s a great subject for wine lovers and historians.

Origins: Two Names

The name Shiraz is often associated with the city of Shiraz in modern day Iran so it’s common to think the grape originated there. But the true origins of the Syrah/Shiraz grape are in the Rhône Valley of France where it’s been grown for over 1000 years. The grape’s ancestral roots go back to two lesser known varieties: Dureza, a dark skinned grape from Ardèche and Mondeuse Blanche, a white grape from Savoie. These two grapes were naturally crossed to produce Syrah. The name Shiraz became popular in Australia where the grape was first planted in the 1830s. James Busby, a Scottish viticulturist, is credited with bringing the Syrah cuttings to Australia where it thrived in the country’s varied climates. Over time Australians began to call the grape Shiraz and the name has since become synonymous with the big, spicy wines of Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale.

 

The French Connection: Syrah in the Rhône Valley

In France Syrah has been a mainstay of the Rhône Valley, particularly in the northern regions of Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie and Saint-Joseph. Here the grape grows in the granite soils and produces wines that are deep coloured, full bodied and known for their complex aromas of blackberries, black pepper and violets. The French Syrahs are often praised for their ageing potential, getting more complex over time.

Syrah is also a component in many southern Rhône blends, particularly in Châteauneuf-du-Pape where it’s blended with Grenache, Mourvèdre and other varieties to produce full bodied and flavourful wines.

 

The Australian Evolution: Shiraz Comes to the Fore

While Syrah was thriving in France, Shiraz was developing its own personality in Australia. The warmer climate and diverse terroirs allowed Shiraz to show a different character, wines that were riper, fruitier and often more approachable at a younger age than their French counterparts.

Australian Shiraz quickly gained international recognition with regions like Barossa Valley becoming famous for their big, rich Shiraz wines. These wines are known for their intense plum, chocolate and black pepper flavours and often a smoky finish. Some of the most famous Australian Shiraz wines, like Penfolds Grange, are icons of the wine world and command high prices and top awards.

 

Global Expansion: Shiraz Everywhere

Beyond France and Australia Shiraz has found a home in many wine producing regions around the world. In South Africa it’s known for its smoky wines, often referred to as “roasted” or “burnt”. In the USA, particularly in California’s Central Coast and Washington State, Syrah/Shiraz is being used by winemakers to produce big, fruit forward wines with a touch of elegance.

Other countries like Argentina, Chile and New Zealand have also adopted Shiraz each with their own regional spin on the grape.

The Modern Era: Shiraz Today

Today Shiraz is one of the most popular and widely planted grape varieties in the world. It has a dual identity, Syrah in its traditional French home and Shiraz in the New World. This duality means wine lovers can explore a broad range of styles, from the elegant and age worthy Syrahs of the Rhône Valley to the big and expressive Shiraz wines of Australia.

Shiraz’s longevity is due to its ability, its robustness and the joy it brings in the glass. Whether young or old Shiraz will always charm wine lovers with its history and flavour. A true icon of wine.