Curious Case September 2024, Syrah vs Shiraz

Same Grape - Different Style

You pays your money and you takes your choice. Syrah and Shiraz, both major red wines, are, in fact, just different names for the same grape variety. Syrah is the original and started out in France’s Rhône Valley and Shiraz is the upstart newcomer; it’s the name the Aussies gave it when they first shipped it Down Under in the 1830’s. Since they’re generally made in a different style we thought we’d put three of each into this month’s Curious Case to see how they compare.

Sophisticated Syrah

Coming from France it’s stylish and suave - that goes with saying. The Rhône Valley is Syrah’s home and it’s what goes into all the great reds of the region like Côte-Rôtie and Hermitage where restraint and elegance is the name of the game. That’s the sort of slant to expect if it says Syrah on the label.

Saucy Shiraz

Big and fruit-driven, concentrated and bold; these are the sort of words you think of when it comes to Shiraz. And you’ve got the Aussies to thank for that. The warmer climate of Australia gives bolder, riper and plusher wines and it’s a style that works and has won fans all around the world. And it sort of goes with the national character.

No longer just from France and Australia, there’s many other places that have got in on the act and this is our invitation to see how they measure up against each other. Do the classic stereotypes hold, or are things more nuanced these days - why not see for yourself?

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What's in it?

The Curious Case, it's a mystery until the end of the month. But here are a few hints about the top-line aromatic wines we’ve picked out. Curious yet?

1. A South African Syrah which has a savoury and herby touch.
2. A Kiwi take on Syrah - ripe and generous in a New World style
3. Into the Rhône for a classic expression of Syrah.
4. This Aussie Shiraz is your up-front juicy number that’s easy to love.
5. This South African Shiraz is really fruit filled but also fresh and spicy.
6. A second Aussie Shiraz that’s all soft juiciness but with more complexity underneath.