Why Does Some Wine Give Me a Headache?
10 July 2025
If you’re a fan of bold, full-bodied red wines, Syrah might already be on your radar. Known for its deep colour, rich flavours, and spicy aromas, Syrah is one of the world’s most renowned wine varietals.
But did you know that Syrah and Shiraz are essentially the same grape, just with different names?
Syrah and Shiraz are indeed the same grape, but the name difference comes down to regional style.
Syrah is the original name, rooted in the Rhône Valley of southern France. When the grape made its way to Australia in the 1830s, it adapted beautifully to the warmer climate and took on a new identity: Shiraz.
Today, “Syrah” typically refers to wines made in a cooler, Old World style, while “Shiraz” refers to warmer-climate, New World expressions of the grape.
In France’s Rhône Valley, it’s known as Syrah and tends to produce wines that are elegant, complex, and slightly peppery.
When this same grape travelled to Australia, winemakers began calling it Shiraz, where it has taken on a more robust and fruit-forward profile.
In France, Syrah is known for its elegance, complexity and savoury character. Think blackberries, plums, cracked pepper, olive tapenade and earthy, herbal notes.
French Syrahs – especially those from northern Rhône appellations like Hermitage or Côte-Rôtie – tend to be medium-bodied, structured, and built to age. They’re often blended with a splash of white Viognier or other red Rhône varietals like Grenache and Mourvèdre.
Climate plays a huge role in how Syrah/Shiraz expresses itself in the bottle:
At Greenskin Wine, we use “Syrah” because our wine is made in the Rhône style – elegant, sophisticated, and refined. Our 2021 Margaret River Syrah is crafted in a style that reflects the classic characteristics of this renowned grape, balancing rich fruit flavours with a refined, spicy finish.
The Greenskin Wine Syrah is made by talented winemaker Japo Dalli Cani (from McHenry Hohnen Winery) from the finest grapes in the Margaret River region, one of Australia’s most celebrated wine-producing areas.
Our Rhône-style Syrah is a wine lover’s dream. With a deep, ruby-red colour, this wine opens with bold aromas of dark berries, black pepper, and a hint of earthy spice. On the palate, you’ll experience layers of blackcurrant, plum, and subtle vanilla, all wrapped in smooth, velvety tannins.
The finish is long, with a balanced acidity that keeps the wine refreshing, making it a perfect match for a range of foods, from grilled meats to hearty vegetable dishes.
When you choose Greenskin Wine, you’re not just getting premium wine – you’re also supporting sustainable practices.
Our innovative wine pouch packaging ensures your wine stays fresh while reducing the environmental impact compared to traditional glass bottles.
Each 750ml pouch is 100% recyclable, lightweight, and designed for life on the go, making it perfect for everything from outdoor adventures to relaxing at home.
Our commitment to quality ensures that every sip of our Syrah delivers exceptional flavour and character.
Cheers to great wine and a greener future with Greenskin Wine!
Mike and Kim
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