What’s the difference between Syrah and Shiraz? Technically nothing, but don’t tell that to winemakers making bottles labeled with either one of those names, who will tell you it has a lot to do with geography, climactic conditions, and winemaking style. While it’s impossible to pinpoint the exact spot in France that Syrah first emerged, its spiritual home is definitely Hermitage, the northern Rhône appellation whose prized bottles are usually made with 100 percent of the grape despite that fact that up to 15 percent of white varieties Marsanne or Roussanne may be added.
Caroline Frey, winemaker and proprietor of Jaboulet and La Chapelle, reminds us that the parentage of Syrah was discovered relatively recently, in 1998, laying to rest the myths about its Middle Eastern ancestry. She does not think Syrah and Shiraz are made in entirely opposing styles. “They are two sides of the same coin, and they should be a source of mutual inspiration,” she says. “Each brings its own unique characteristics and expressions, shaped by the different climates and terroirs where it’s grown.” Frey holds that by continuing to use the term “Shiraz,” Australian producers can set their wines apart from those made elsewhere and create their own identity.
Excerpt Taken From: Robb Report
Author: Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen
