Shiraz Wine

Shiraz (pronounced shuh-raaz) is a well-known black grape variety that produces a range of styles, from fruit-forward wines that are easy to drink to deep, rich wines with chocolate undertones that are perfect for aging.

While called Shiraz in New World wine regions, such as Australia and South Africa, it’s more commonly referred to as Syrah in Old World regions like France. and in the New World, it is more commonly known as Shiraz. The style of wine made from Shiraz can vary greatly, depending on the climate and terroir where it’s grown. When made into a dessert wine, it can be sweet and luscious, with intense flavors of blackberry and chocolate.

Whether bottled on its own or blended with other grape varieties, like Grenache, Mourvèdre, or Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz produces a bold, full-bodied wine with jammy aromas and dark fruit flavors.

Start your wine adventure with one of our expertly selected Shiraz wines, sourced from some of the world’s best winemakers and delivered ready-to-drink to your door with fast, secure U.S. shipping.

As explained above, Syrah and Shiraz are the same grape. The best-known examples of Syrah come from the Northern Rhône Valley region in France, notably Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, Cornas, and Saint-Joseph.  In the Southern Rhône Valley, it is also a often a key grape in the luscious red blends of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the neighboring regions. Some New World regions, such as the Sonoma Coast, California, Yarra Valley in Australia, and Hawke’s Bay in New Zealand call their wines Syrah as they emulate the leaner styles of the French classics.

Shiraz can be found in warmer growing climates, particularly in Australia, where it’s the most-planted grape variety. Barossa Valley in South Australia is the country’s oldest and best-known region for Shiraz.

The style and character of Shiraz depend mainly on the climate it’s grown in.

However, many characteristics remain constant. Shiraz is a full-bodied, deeply colored wine with medium-high levels of tannins and acidity. It’s also not as dry as other red wines, like Merlot—its dryness could be compared to Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon.

Shiraz can also mature very well, developing more luscious, spiced flavors over time, and can be stored for over ten years in the bottle.

The climate Shiraz is grown in can affect the flavors the grapes develop. Shiraz grapes are small, thick-skinned, and dense with rich, punchy flavors, including:

• Plum
• Black currant
• Mocha
• Blueberry
• Dark chocolate
• Violet
• Black pepper

When aged in new oak barrels, Shiraz can also take on baking spice flavors, such as vanilla and anise, along with earthier, more savory flavors, including old leather, tobacco, and wet leaves.

It’s hard to go wrong with a Shiraz, but there are some characteristics to look for from the region it’s grown in and how it’s aged, depending on your taste.

Shiraz matured in new oak is an excellent option for those who prefer complex wines with more depth and interesting flavors, so choose wines produced in France. But if a full-bodied Shiraz bursting with jammy dark fruit flavors is more to your taste, a McLaren Vale or Barossa Valley Shiraz from South Australia will be the perfect bottle for you.

With its dark fruit notes and full body, Shiraz pairs beautifully with heavier dishes with hearty flavors. Enjoy richer Shiraz styles alongside roast beef, smoked brisket, and lamb shawarma.

With Shiraz grown in cooler regions, such as the Sonoma Coast, try serving meat ragùs, stews, mushroom-based dishes, and game meats to match its earthy flavors.

It even tastes delicious with cheeseburgers.

Shiraz is best served at room temperature, the ideal being 68° F.

Decanting the wine for an hour before serving will help develop those deliciously rich, jammy aromas flavors.