Discover the World of Shiraz/Syrah: A Tale of Two Styles

When it comes to red wine, few grapes are as celebrated and versatile as Shiraz/Syrah. Interestingly, these two names refer to the same grape variety, but the difference lies in the style of the wines.

Syrah is the name used primarily in France, particularly in the Northern Rhône Valley, where it produces wines that are typically more restrained, with higher acidity, fine-grained tannins, and a leaner fruit profile. These wines often exhibit flavours of black fruit, pepper, and savoury notes, with a touch of floral elegance.

On the other hand, Shiraz is the name adopted in Australia and other warmer regions. Shiraz from renowned regions such as McLaren Vale and Barossa Valley tend to be richer, riper, with bold fruit flavours, oak influence, and more full-bodied. Interestingly, many Australian producers are now moving towards a leaner, more spicy style, opting to use the term Syrah to differentiate from the more recognised style.

Speaking of Shiraz versus Syrah, Penfolds, the well-known Australian brand, has embarked on an interesting project with La Chapelle, a legendary producer from the Rhône Valley. This collaboration, known as Grange La Chapelle, brings together two sides of the wines: the robust, fruit-forward style of Australian Shiraz and the elegant, structured profile of French Syrah.

While this collaboration highlights the versatility of the Shiraz/Syrah grape, it also underscores the unique characteristics that different regions can impart on the wine. One such region that exemplifies this diversity is McLaren Vale.

McLaren Vale boasts a diverse geology and a range of different climates due to its proximity to the sea and varying altitudes. Winemakers and viticulturists can choose to pick the grapes at various ripeness levels, resulting in a range of Shiraz/Syrah styles. At Bec Hardy Wines, we celebrate these differences by bottling them as separate products rather than blending them.

We produce several Shiraz wines, from the bolder style of our 45-year-old Pertaringa brand, including the Over the Top Shiraz, to the more elegant style Syrah in our new Lot 94 BSR range. Richard and I purchased a new vineyard located at Lot 94 on Blewitt Springs Road, and 2023 was our first vintage. We have just released the Lot 94 BSR Syrah 2023, which is certainly worth a try.

While Syrah and Shiraz are the same grape, the wines produced under each name offer distinct styles influenced by their terroir and winemaking preferences. Meanwhile, Bec Hardy Wines continues to showcase the exceptional quality of Australian Shiraz, offering a variety of options for wine lovers to explore.

Whether you prefer the elegance of Syrah or the boldness of Shiraz, at Bec Hardy Wines, we have a style for you. Cheers to discovering and enjoying the diverse expressions of Syrah/Shiraz! 🍷