11 replies to this topic

[HokieTrismegistus]

So are Syrah and Shiraz the same? I heard they are, but if so, why two names?

[Gumbo Leviathan]

Say "Syrah" in an Aussie accent...

[Tim the Enchanter]

Say "Syrah" in an Aussie accent...

This. Shiraz is Syrah grapes grown in Australia (I believe).Bordeaux is made form Pinot Noir grapes grown in Bordeaux. I'm sure there are more...

[Glacies]

Say "Syrah" in an Aussie accent...

I don't think it's pronunciation, but it is regional. Australians from what I understand, were the only ones that called it Shiraz. Now it's probably just a marketing reason as to why a US syrah will be called a shiraz.

[Gumbo Leviathan]

This. Shiraz is Syrah grapes grown in Australia (I believe).Bordeaux is made form Pinot Noir grapes grown in Bordeaux. I'm sure there are more...

Ya - Shiraz and Syrah are the same grape. Shiraz is the name the Aussies give it, and its pretty much just due to differences in accent that got translated into an alternate spelling.

[Gumbo Leviathan]

I don't think it's pronunciation, but it is regional. Australians from what I understand, were the only ones that called it Shiraz. Now it's probably just a marketing reason as to why a US syrah will be called a shiraz.

A guy I know that runs a vinyard told me about this. It could be that *now* the term "Shiraz" is a controlled name like Bordeaux or Champaign, but at first it was just pronunciation.

[Glacies]

This. Shiraz is Syrah grapes grown in Australia (I believe).Bordeaux is made form Pinot Noir grapes grown in Bordeaux. I'm sure there are more...

They also grow semillon and cab sauv among other grapes, there. I think the pinot noir is the most common now though. I think Fury can prolly shed some light on that.

[ScottS]

HOLY CRAP! You mean we have a WINE FORUM? When did that happen? ZOMG

[Tim the Enchanter]

HOLY CRAP! You mean we have a WINE FORUM? When did that happen? ZOMG

Not really, but I think they'll let you post in the mead forum if you're polite.

[HokieTrismegistus]

Psh... The wine forum is for people who want to MAKE it.

[davelew]

This. Shiraz is Syrah grapes grown in Australia (I believe).Bordeaux is made form Pinot Noir grapes grown in Bordeaux. I'm sure there are more...

I believe you're thinking of Burgundy. Red Burgundies are usually 100% Pinot Noir. The French government won't let you call a wine a Bordeaux if it has any Pinot Noir in it. Bordeaux is usually a mixture of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, but they are also allowed to use Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Carmenere. Typically, wines from the left bank of the Gironde estuary are 70% Cab Sauv and 30% Merlot. Wines from the right bank are 70% Merlot and 30% Cab Sauv. The other grapes are usually under 10%.(there are also some white Bordeaux wines, but I don't know as much about them)

[robsauce]

I believe you're thinking of Burgundy. Red Burgundies are usually 100% Pinot Noir. The French government won't let you call a wine a Bordeaux if it has any Pinot Noir in it. Bordeaux is usually a mixture of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, but they are also allowed to use Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Carmenere. Typically, wines from the left bank of the Gironde estuary are 70% Cab Sauv and 30% Merlot. Wines from the right bank are 70% Merlot and 30% Cab Sauv. The other grapes are usually under 10%.(there are also some white Bordeaux wines, but I don't know as much about them)

This. Savignon Blanc and Semillion are the only two white grapes that can be grown and used for production of white wine in Bordeaux