Syrah is one of those wines that leaves a lasting impression. Deep in colour, rich in flavour, and layered with nuance, it’s a varietal that has earned its place among the greats. Whether you know it as Syrah or Shiraz, this red wine is full-bodied, peppery, and broodingly elegant, demanding your attention from the first sip to the last.
This heady red has been turning heads since its earliest days in the Rhône Valley of France. For centuries, it was wrapped in myth. Was it from Persia? Brought over by Crusaders? A relic of Roman viticulture? While these origin stories sound deliciously romantic, DNA testing in 2001 set the record straight: Syrah was born in France, the offspring of two lesser-known grapes, Dureza and Mondeuse Blanche. From these humble roots, Syrah grew to become the cornerstone of some of the world’s most respected wines, particularly from the steep, terraced vineyards of Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie.
But then came Australia, and with it, a new name: Shiraz. The same grape reimagined for sunnier climates and bolder palates. Nobody really knows how Syrah became Shiraz. Brought over by the Father of Australian viticulture, James Busby, in the 1830s, the cuttings were labelled as “Scyras” and “Ciras”. Regardless of whether it was mislabelling or the strong Australian accent that brought about the moniker, Shiraz brought the fruit, the swagger, the ripeness, the generous swirl of blackberry and plum. It swapped elegance for exuberance, and the world fell in love all over again. Today, the terms “Syrah” and “Shiraz” signal more than geography; they hint at style. Say “Syrah”, and you’re getting restraint, structure, and savoury spice. “Shiraz”, on the other hand, gives you ripe fruit, plush texture, and a hint of lusciousness.
South African Syrah walks a captivating line between Old World and New. Local producers are crafting Syrah that balances fruit and spice, power and finesse. From cooler coastal vineyards to the sun-drenched inland slopes, the grape reflects its environment beautifully. The result? Wines with notes of dark berries, violets, black pepper, herbs, and often a hint of smokiness – complex, expressive, and distinctly South African.
Syrah was made for food. Its structure stands up to rich, meaty dishes, while its spice complements deep, slow-cooked flavours. Game meats like kudu, springbok and ostrich? Syrah doesn’t just pair with them, it elevates them. And if you’re feeling adventurous, pour a glass alongside a slab of dark chocolate laced with chilli – an unexpected but perfect pairing.
But don’t let tradition box you in. A wine this versatile, this generous, is meant to be enjoyed however you like it. Whether you’re raising a glass to something special or just easing into a Friday evening, Syrah is the perfect choice. At Belthazar, we believe wine should be memorable, and we’ll make sure to hand you a Syrah that is impossible to forget.
1 August 2025
