Wine · Grape variety guide
Grape Variety Guide · WSET Level 2
Syrah / Shiraz
The Rhône's peppery powerhouse — called Syrah in France, Shiraz in Australia.
Late ripening
High tannin
Black pepper & dark fruit
Where it grows
- Northern Rhône, France — Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie — elegant, peppery, savoury
- Barossa Valley, Australia — rich, ripe, often jammy "Shiraz" style
- South Africa — Swartland and Stellenbosch
- Washington State, USA — Columbia Valley
- California, USA — Central Coast
What it tastes like
- Blackberry and black plum fruit, with a signature black pepper note
- Often smoky, meaty or bacon-fat notes, especially in the Northern Rhône
- High tannin, medium-high to high acidity, full body
- Barossa Shiraz tends riper, jammier and higher in alcohol than cooler Northern Rhône Syrah
Growing notes
- Buds and ripens late, so it needs a warm climate to fully mature
- Thick-skinned and vigorous
- Climate drives style dramatically — the same grape reads as savoury and peppery in cool sites, ripe and jammy in warm ones
Good to know
DNA profiling traced Syrah's parents to two obscure grapes from the Rhône and Savoie regions of France — debunking the old legend that it originated in Shiraz, Iran.
Exam tip
Expect a Northern Rhône Syrah (peppery, savoury, medium-full) versus Barossa Shiraz (ripe, jammy, full, high alcohol) contrast — same grape, climate-driven style, a Level 2 favourite.
Part of the Grape Guide — browse all varieties, or jump back to the study sheet.
Ready to test yourself?
Try a full-length practice exam under real timing and see where you stand.
Start practicing