Shiraz/Syrah

Shiraz and Syrah are two names for the same grape variety, capable of producing deeply coloured, characterful red wines in a remarkable range of styles. Syrah is traditionally associated with France's Rhône Valley, where it can show dark fruit, pepper, herbs and savoury complexity, while Shiraz is particularly associated with Australia, where styles can range from vibrant and spicy to rich, powerful and full-bodied.

At Spy, our Shiraz and Syrah selection focuses on distinctive bottles from carefully chosen small producers, from elegant, peppery Rhône wines to generous Australian Shiraz and characterful examples from elsewhere around the world. Climate, vineyard and producer can make an enormous difference, making this one of the most varied red grapes to explore.

  • Moschopolis Aiora Red Blend Thessaloniki Greece

    Moschopolis Aiora Red Greece

    Moschopolis Aiora Red Greece

    75cl | ABV: 12%

    £23.95
    £23.95
  • Corazon del Indio Cabernet Sauvignon Blend Chile

    Corazon del Indio Cabernet Sauvignon Blend Chile

    Corazon del Indio Cabernet Sauvignon Blend Chile

    75cl | ABV: 14.5%

    £22.95
    £22.95
  • Familie Perrin Ventoux Rouge Rhone

    Familie Perrin Ventoux Rouge

    Familie Perrin Ventoux Rouge

    75cl | ABV: 13.5%

    £13.95
    £13.95
  • Bottle of Domaine La Ligiere Vacqueyras Rhone Grenache-Syrah-Mourvedre Red Wine

    La Ligieres Vacqueyras Rhone

    La Ligieres Vacqueyras Rhone

    75cl | ABV: 14.0%

    £25.95
    £25.95
  • A bottle of La Petite Colline Côte de Provence rosé wine, showing the pale pinkish-cream color of the wine through the glass, with a white label and silver foil cap, isolated on a white background.

    Chateau Mentone 'La Petite Colline' Organic Provence Rosé

    Chateau Mentone 'La Petite Colline' Organic Provence Rosé

    75cl | ABV: 13.0%

    £18.95
    £18.95
  • Bottle of Moulin des Chenes Lirac wine from the Souther Rhone

    Moulin des Chenes Lirac Rhône

    Moulin des Chenes Lirac Rhône

    75cl | ABV: 15%

    £17.95
    £17.95
  • Domaine Merlin Francois Cote-Rotie

    Domaine Merlin Côte-Rôtie

    Domaine Merlin Côte-Rôtie

    75cl | ABV: 13.0%

    £59.95
    £59.95
  • Domaine Aleofane Crozes-Hermitage Rhône

    Domaine Aleofane Crozes-Hermitage Rouge

    Domaine Aleofane Crozes-Hermitage Rouge

    75cl | ABV: 13.0%

    £32.95
    £32.95
  • Domaine Aleofane Cornas Rhône

    Domaine Aleofane Cornas

    Domaine Aleofane Cornas

    75cl | ABV: 13.0%

    £51.95
    £51.95
  • Kunin Syrah Santa Barbara County

    Kunin Syrah Santa Barbara County California

    Kunin Syrah Santa Barbara County California

    75cl | ABV: 14.5%

    £35.95
    £35.95
  • Domaine Merlin Saint-Joseph Rhone

    Domaine Merlin Saint-Joseph Rhône

    Domaine Merlin Saint-Joseph Rhône

    75cl | ABV: 13.0%

    £33.95
    £33.95
  • Domaine Martin Cairanne

    Domaine Martin Cairanne

    Sold out

    Domaine Martin Cairanne

    75cl | ABV: 15%

    £18.95
    £18.95
    Sold out

Shiraz/Syrah Buying Guide

Shiraz and Syrah are the same grape, but the two names are often associated with different styles. Syrah commonly suggests fresher, more savoury and peppery wines inspired by the Rhône Valley, while Shiraz is often used for richer, fruitier expressions, particularly from Australia. These are useful clues rather than strict rules, so region and producer remain important.

What style of Shiraz or Syrah do you enjoy?

For a fresher, more savoury style, look for Syrah with blackberry, violet, black pepper, herbs and firm structure. Warmer-climate Shiraz can be fuller and richer, with ripe blackberry and plum fruit, spice and a softer texture. Oak ageing can add further flavours of spice, cedar, chocolate or vanilla, although the amount used varies greatly between producers.

Choosing Shiraz and Syrah for food

The grape's dark fruit, spice and structure make it a natural partner for red meat. Syrah works particularly well with lamb, roast beef, game and herb-led dishes, while richer Shiraz is excellent with barbecue, steak, slow-cooked meats and strongly flavoured dishes. Mature examples can also pair beautifully with hard cheeses.

From the Rhône to Australia

Syrah has a long association with the northern Rhône, where it is responsible for some of France's most celebrated red wines. Australia adopted the name Shiraz and developed its own important traditions, particularly in regions such as the Barossa Valley. Today the grape is grown widely around the world, with climate and winemaking helping determine whether a wine leans towards elegance and peppery freshness or richness and ripe fruit.

Shiraz & Syrah FAQs

Are Shiraz and Syrah the same grape?

Yes. Shiraz and Syrah are two names for the same grape variety. Syrah is the traditional French name, while Shiraz became particularly associated with Australia. Producers elsewhere may use either name depending on regional tradition or the style of wine they want to suggest.

What does Shiraz or Syrah taste like?

Common flavours include blackberry, plum, violet, black pepper, herbs and spice. Cooler-climate examples can be fresher, pepperier and more savoury, while warmer-climate wines often show riper fruit, greater body and a richer texture.

What food goes with Shiraz and Syrah?

Both work well with strongly flavoured food. Lamb, steak, roast beef, game, barbecue and slow-cooked meats are particularly good matches. More savoury Syrah can complement herb-led dishes, while richer Shiraz stands up well to smoky and spicy flavours.

Can Shiraz and Syrah age?

Yes. Well-made Shiraz and Syrah can age very successfully, particularly wines with good concentration, acidity and tannin. With bottle age, the fruit can become more savoury and complex, developing notes of leather, earth, spice and dried herbs.

Continue exploring distinctive red wines

Australia Barossa Valley Rhône Valley French Red Wine Red Wine Grenache Wine Cabernet Sauvignon Wine