Shiraz and Syrah are the same grape. Australia made the name Shiraz famous, but in Europe it’s called Syrah, and its home is France’s northern Rhône Valley. It suits anyone who likes dark, peppery reds, and the Rhône’s steep terraces make a dramatic wine weekend.
What it tastes like
The grape’s character changes with climate, and the two names now hint at two styles.
- Syrah (cooler, European style): blackberry, black olive, smoked meat, violet and a hit of black pepper. Medium to full-bodied, with fresh acidity and firm tannins.
- Shiraz (warmer, New World style): riper and richer, with blackberry jam, plum, chocolate, liquorice and sweet spice. Fuller in body and often higher in alcohol.
Producers outside Australia sometimes use the label Shiraz to signal the bolder, fruitier style, and Syrah for something more savoury.
Where it grows in Europe
The northern Rhône, France
This is Syrah’s heartland. A narrow strip of steep, terraced slopes runs along the Rhône south of Vienne, and Syrah is the only red grape allowed in its red wines. The main appellations are:
- Côte-Rôtie: the "roasted slope", where up to 20% of the white grape Viognier can be included. The wines are perfumed and silky.
- Hermitage: a single granite hill over the town of Tain-l’Hermitage. The reds are powerful, long-lived and among France’s most famous.
- Crozes-Hermitage: the larger area around the hill, with juicier, more approachable wines.
- Saint-Joseph: a long strip on the west bank, with fresh, elegant reds.
- Cornas: 100% Syrah, dark and robust.
The southern Rhône and the south of France
In the southern Rhône, Syrah plays a supporting role to Grenache. It’s one of the varieties allowed in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and in most Côtes du Rhône. It’s also widely grown in Languedoc-Roussillon and Provence, often in blends.
Elsewhere in Europe
Tuscany, Sicily, Spain and Portugal grow it, and Switzerland’s Valais makes fine, fresh examples on its steep Alpine slopes.
Beyond Europe
Australia’s Barossa Valley made Shiraz a superstar, and South Africa, Chile and California grow it too.
How to choose a bottle
Northern Rhône labels name the place, not the grape. For value and early drinking, start with Crozes-Hermitage or Saint-Joseph. For depth and age, look to Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie or Cornas. A label saying Syrah from the Languedoc or the Collines Rhodaniennes is usually a lighter, fruit-forward wine, made to drink young.
What to eat with it
- Grilled and barbecued meats: the pepper and smoke love char.
- Lamb with herbs: a classic Rhône match.
- Game and venison stews: for older, savoury Syrah.
- Hard cheeses: aged Comté or a mature tomme.
Tip: A northern Rhône Syrah and a Barossa Shiraz side by side is the clearest way to taste how climate shapes a grape.
Where to taste it on a weekend
Base yourself in Tain-l’Hermitage or its twin town of Tournon-sur-Rhône, across the river. Lyon is about an hour north by road or rail, with a large airport and fast trains from Paris.
- Day 1: Explore Tain-l’Hermitage, taste in the town’s cellars and walk up the Hermitage hill for views over the Rhône. Cross the footbridge to Tournon for dinner.
- Day 2: Drive north to Ampuis for Côte-Rôtie, stopping at Saint-Joseph and Condrieu estates along the way. Or head south to Cornas.
Many estates are family-run, so book tastings ahead. The terraces are steep, so wear good shoes if you plan to walk among the vines.
Tip: Combine the trip with a night in Lyon. It’s one of France’s great food cities and close enough for an easy add-on.
Browse the best wine regions in Europe for more trip ideas. For another classic French red region, read Bordeaux: the wine and the region. Fancy some Roman history on the way? Vienne has Roman remains of its own, and our guide to the best Roman amphitheatres has more. Check this weekend for current picks.
FAQ
Is Shiraz the same as Syrah?
Yes, it’s the same grape. Shiraz is the Australian name, and it often signals a riper, fruitier style.
Where does Syrah come from?
The northern Rhône Valley in France, where it has been grown for centuries.
What does Syrah taste like?
Blackberry, black pepper, olive and smoked meat, with firm tannins and fresh acidity.
Which Rhône wines are 100% Syrah?
Cornas must be. Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage and Saint-Joseph reds are mostly or entirely Syrah, with a small share of white grapes allowed.
