When it comes to Australian wine, no other grape is more beloved or planted than Shiraz.
From quaffable BBQ reds to truly superb world-class wines found in the finest cellars, Shiraz has it all. We invite you to explore this beloved varietal, the unique styles of Shiraz from medium to full bodied and discover how each wine is influenced by the terroir and winemaking techniques.
History
The home of Shiraz is in the Rhone Valley in eastern France. It is the cornerstone of leading wines including Hermitage, St-Joseph and Côte Rôtie, as well as being a major component of wines from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the Languedoc-Roussillon and many a Vin De Pays.
Legends claim that the Shiraz or Syrah grape originated in Persia (todayâs Iran) dating as far back as 2500 BC and then was brought to the RhĂ´ne.
Aside from France, many âOld Worldâ wine regions grow Shiraz to use as a blending grape including Italy, Spain and Portugal.
Shiraz vines were brought to Australia by James Busby back in 1832. The father of Australian wine, Busby travelled through Spain and France collecting vine cuttings that were the foundation of the Australian wine industry.
Today it is almost grown in every wine region in Australia and is the highest produced variety.

Shiraz vs Syrah
The most widely planted wine grape in Australia, it is known here by Shiraz or Syrah.
Whatâs the difference?
Nothing essentially, they are the same grape. However, winemaking techniques, regional context and tradition, and, sometimes, marketing can play a part in the name.
In France, it is commonly referred to as Syrah, while the term Shiraz became widely used in modern Australian winemaking. Early Australian documents show the spelling as âScyrasâ, it was thought the name âShirazâ gradually replaced âScyrasâ in Australia from the mid-19th century. It was the Australian usage and wines that made the use of this name popular.
Old world wine regions are required to adhere to a certification of authenticity, whereby traditional standards and ingredients (in this case, wine) originate.
 This certification is named Appellation dâOrigine ContrĂ´lĂŠe (AOC) in France, Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) in Italy, DenominaciĂłn de Origen Protegida (DOP) in Spain, Verband Deutscher Prädikats- und QualitätsweingĂźter (VDP) in Germany.
Australia, being a new world wine region is not restricted by old world region certification and has the flexibility to create a signature style using either Shiraz or Syrah name.
SHIRAZ
Aussieâs and especially our Club Equus members adore a full flavoured Shiraz with bold dark fruit flavours and silky tannins.
SYRAH
Australian winemakers generally in cooler climates have been crafting a leaner, acid-driven style with flavours of berries, white pepper and minimal oak influence.
Other names for Shiraz include:Â
Scyras, Circas, Schiras, Sirrah, Sirac, Syracuse, Red Hermitage, Serine, Candive, Antourenein Noir, Entournerein, Serene, Serenne, Sereine, Hignin Noir, Marsanne Noir, Balsamina
Cellar
Bottle aging or cellaring will transform a wineâs flavour, texture and complexity. In saying that, not all wines will improve with age. Certain varieties and styles are more suited to cellaring, while others like a RosĂŠ or Verdelho are made to be enjoyed young and fresh.
Cellaring will transform and more often than not improve the wine. That is, of course, if itâs well chosen and stored.
WINES CRAFTED FOR LONGEVITY
When selecting wines for the cellar, consider which varieties are ideal for aging such as Shiraz, wine quality and winemaking techniques. Wine crafted for longevity need acid and tannin. Wines lose acid over time, so moderate to high acidity is required, while tannins act as a preservative, stabilise colour and flavour. Alcohol and sweetness can also play a part, think fortified wines.
When building a collection of wines for the cellar, appraise if they are suitable for short, medium or long term cellaring then collate accordingly.
At Saddlerâs Creek Wines, we hand select wines for our museum stock each vintage. Considerations we take into account are: the varietal, the vineyard, the seasonal conditions of the vintage and winemaking techniques. So whether youâre just starting a wine collection or already have a well-curated wine cellar, our wine experts can recommend which Saddlerâs Creek wines will be suitable


FOOD
A great food and wine pairing creates a harmonious balance between the components of a dish and the characteristics of a wine. Shiraz is a wonderful food wine as it can complement many cuisine styles and dishes from Summer salads to slow cooked feasts. You donât need to be a sommelier to create the perfect match, there are, however, a few basic tips to remember when choosing the best wine for your next meal.
RICH WITH BOLD
Big, bold flavoured Shiraz goes well with richly flavoured, spiced dishes think pepper, paprika or smokey barbeque (not piquant hot). The rich fruits and firm tannins meld and soften beautifully. Try Alessandro Reserve Shiraz with Peposo beef cheeks.
FRUIT WITH FRUIT
Silky fruit driven wines pair beautifully with sweeter condiments and sauces, think Bluegrass Shiraz with sticky lamb ribs.
FAT WITH TANNIN
Animal fat and other yummy high fat food pair well with rich, structured and concentrated Shiraz. Our Ryanâs Reserve âVanessaâ Shiraz will marry perfectly with a traditional or vegetarian Lasagne.
INTENSITY WITH INTENSITY
Match the weight and texture of the Shiraz with similar intensity foods. The medium bodied Saddlerâs Shiraz is ideal with a warm lentil and beetroot salad.
EXPLORE AUSTRLIAN SHIRAZ
Shiraz food pairing



Shop our shiraz selection
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APRIL SPECIAL OFFER – Receive 20% off your Shiraz Masterclass ticket when you use the coupon code: FOSSHIRAZ