The Syrah vs Shiraz topic is one of these over intellectualized wine things. Most people seem to agree that the original name was Syrah and nobody knows why the name Shiraz was adopted in much of the new world especially Australia and South Africa. There is a bit of agreement that the two names are now used as a bit of a stylistic indicator.
Syrah = Northern Rhone (French) style =
More restrained, savoury and structured. Flavours of black olive, pepper, violets, smoked meat and blackberries. Often medium-bodied with higher acidity and fine tannins. Age-worthy, with elegance and complexity.
Shiraz = Aussie/new world style =
Often riper, fruit-driven, and more full-bodied. Flavours of ripe black plum, blackberry jam, chocolate, liquorice, sometimes eucalyptus or mint (esp. Australia). Softer acidity, bolder tannins, and higher alcohol. Can be lush, powerful and generous.
Ok, that sounds simple enough….. but some Northern Rhone wineries now make Syrah in an almost Shiraz-like style, and some new world producers make Shiraz that tastes more Syrah-like. It’s confusing!
So why do we use the name Syrah at Joostenberg? I love drinking Syrah’s from the Northern Rhone and these wines served as inspiration while learning about wine and winemaking. Places like Hermitage, Cros Hermitage, Cornas and Cote Rotie are home to many of the world’s greatest red wines. The riper style of South African Shiraz’s and the sweet-tasting Shiraz’s from Australia, especially from the 1990’s and early 2000’s, never appealed to me as much…..hence choosing Syrah over Shiraz.
Although I take all of this into account when making the Klippe Kou Syrah the reality is that the Joostenberg vineyards are not in the Northern Rhone. Our conditions are very different and our wines are very different. When we make the Klippe Kou Syrah every year we simply try to make the best Joostenberg Syrah that we can. We have to put something on the label and Syrah is what we chose many years ago. I’m more than happy for anyone to call it Shiraz. Potato, potahto, tomato, tomahto….just drink the stuff!
All the best,
Tyrrel Myburgh and the team at Joostenberg.