Today’s International Syrah Day - if you’ve ever wondered whether our Syrah and Shiraz are actually different grapes, the short answer is no, they’re the same variety. The difference comes down to where the fruit is grown and how the wine is made stylistically.
Climate, vineyard site, picking decisions, oak, and winemaking approach all play a role in shaping whether a wine leans toward a richer “Shiraz” style or a more medium-bodied, savoury “Syrah” expression.
Here’s a quick look at how that plays out across our Shiraz/Syrah wines:
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Fist Fight Shiraz — Let's start with a true Brothers At War wine. Named after the childhood fights between Angus and Sam, this wine is all about finding a balance - bringing together Sam’s love of Barossa Shiraz with Angus’ preference for Eden Valley. The result pulls floral lift and bright fruit form Eden Valley alongside the depth, spice and structure of the Barossa - a blend of both regions and both brothers’ styles in one glass.
- The Old Man Eden Valley Syrah — Dedicated to Angus and Sam's dad – mentor, winemaker and one of Barossa’s winemaking pioneers – this wine is a pure expression of Eden Valley Syrah style.
Perfumed and finely structured, it’s built on balance and finesse, with soft, velvety tannins and a natural line of acidity that keeps everything lifted and elegant. - Eden Valley Single Vineyard Old Vine Syrah — Sourced from 80+ year old vines at Pendee Farm in Springton, this wine is a tribute to Eden Valley’s high altitude and cool climate.
It shows beautiful texture, savoury depth, and impressive length - elegant in its youth, but with the structure and balance to reward time in the cellar. - Barossa Valley Single Vineyard Old Vine Shiraz — From the Stonewell Cottages vineyard near Tanunda, this is a classic expression of Barossa Valley Shiraz. Powerful, concentrated and deeply expressive, it highlights the region’s hallmark richness and intensity. This is Shiraz in full voice – structured, bold and built to cellar through to 2043.
- And lastly, our Icon Shiraz — Sourced from Eden Valley, using the very best fruit off the oldest block at Pendee Farm, this wine is made in such concentration but handled so carefully it is both unapologetically generous and elegant. One you really need to try.
So, Syrah and Shiraz are the same grape - the difference is style, site and intent.
Whether you lean towards bold and powerful or perfumed and elegant, at the end of the day, it's really not worth arguing about - it's all about what you enjoy in your glass.
