Shiraz vs Syrah: What’s the difference and why does it matter?

The world of wine can be confusing, with tricky naming conventions, different winemaking techniques and obscure varietals. So, in this article, we aim to dispel one of the more household name wines in Syrah and Shiraz. For those not in the know, Shiraz and Syrah are the same grape, with years of tradition between the two different styles of production. These names tell a story of style, winemaking philosophy, and hold a wonderful connection to the history of wine.

One Grape, Two Interpretations

The difference between Shiraz and Syrah lies not in the grape, but in the intention behind the winemaking.

• Shiraz, typically associated with the New World, is bolder, richer, and more fruit-forward. These wines often use riper fruit and showcase the opulence of the grape, layered with spice and a more pronounced oak influence. Made popular by Australia, with the warmer climate leading the wine to a riper character, which guided the winemakers toward creating the Shiraz style.
• Syrah, rooted in Old World winemaking traditions, leans into restraint, structure, and elegance. These wines often incorporate techniques such as whole bunch fermentation and minimal oak use, allowing for a more savoury, nuanced, and terroir-driven expression. The elegant wines produced by the Rhone region in France are a testament to this style. The minimal intervention from the winemaking was intentional, as too much oak would dominate the delicate wine from the vineyard.

In South Africa, our laws surrounding winemaking are farmore relaxed than those of our European counterparts, allowing us more freedom in choosing our naming conventions, wine styles, and vineyard makeups. At Waterford Estate, we embrace this freedom which allows us to explore both styles, celebrating the grape’s versatility while remaining true to our vineyard-first philosophy.

The legacy of Kevin Arnold Shiraz

Among our most celebrated wines is the Kevin Arnold Shiraz, a wine that carries far more than a name; it carries the legacy of Waterford Estate itself.

Named after our founding winemaker, Kevin Arnold, this wine represents the passing down of passion, knowledge, and experience. Kevin played a pivotal role not only in shaping the philosophy of Waterford Estate but in influencing modern South African winemaking.

While the wine holds a place in South African winemaking history, it is the label that quietly tells the deeper story. Each vintage bears a different name beneath Kevin Arnold’s. Originally, these were the names of the owners’ children, symbolising family, mentorship, and the generational transfer of wisdom and love for wine.

With the 2020 vintage, the story deepens. For the first time, the label carries the name of a grandchild, Harrison. It’s a heartfelt nod to the cyclical nature of life, legacy, and wine. As the vines grow and seasons turn, so too is our passion for South African wine passed from one generation to the next. The Kevin Arnold Shiraz stands as a liquid time capsule, capturing not just flavour but philosophy, holding the belief that great wine is meant to be shared, and so too is the knowledge behind it.

Crafted in a style inspired by Syrah, the wine is elegant,structured, and tells the story of the vineyard. Stylistically, the wine straddles the line between Old and New World, while its label reads Shiraz, its soul leans into the refined artistry of Syrah.

The mixed case: An invitation to explore

Our Shiraz vs Syrah mixed case is more than a selection of wines. It is our invitation to you to explore the two identitiesof a single varietal, brought to life through two distinct lenses. Featuring a limited-release Library Collection Syrah and our iconic Kevin Arnold Shiraz, this case will introduce you to the refined, structured world of Syrah and the bold, expressive style of Shiraz.

Together, these wines serve as our at-home masterclass, demonstrating how intent, technique, and philosophy shape what ends up in our glass.

Whether you’re a long-time lover of bold reds or a curious newcomer eager to understand the nuance behind a label, this mixed case offers the perfect gateway into the world of Shiraz and Syrah.