Syrah & Shiraz from South Africa

Explore the fascinating world of South African Syrah and Shiraz! Find your favourite in our selection of over 75 wines, from elegant and spicy to powerful and fruity.

Wine guide

Syrah & Shiraz: The Two Faces of a Cape Grape Variety

Style and Grape Varieties: Elegant, Spicy, or Powerful and Fruity?

Syrah and Shiraz – two names for the same noble red grape variety that performs impressively at the Cape. The name often reveals the style: 'Syrah' typically describes a wine in the style of the Northern Rhône – elegant, with notes of black pepper, violets, and a cooler fruit profile. 'Shiraz', on the other hand, often stands for the opulent, fruit-driven New World style with aromas of blackberry, plum, and chocolate. South Africa masterfully produces both styles. Our collection features over 75 different wines that reflect this diversity. Many winemakers produce single-varietal wines, but the grape is also a brilliant blending partner. Rhône-style blends, often with Grenache and Mourvèdre (GSM blends), are particularly popular, as are powerful blends with Cabernet Sauvignon.

Regions: The Terroir from Stellenbosch to Franschhoek

The home of the best South African Syrahs are the world-renowned wine regions of the Western Cape. Stellenbosch, with its diverse soils and Mediterranean climate, produces particularly structured and long-lived wines. Franschhoek, a picturesque valley, is known for wines that exhibit both power and elegance. Wineries like Marianne, Kleinood, and Holden Manz, which are well-represented here, impressively demonstrate the region's potential. But outstanding qualities also come from Paarl or the broader Coastal Region, bottling the unique terroir of South Africa.

Food Pairing: Perfect for a Braai and More

South African Syrah/Shiraz is incredibly versatile. A powerful Shiraz is the ideal companion for a social Braai (South African BBQ), grilled steak, or rack of lamb. Its opulent fruit and spice notes harmonize perfectly with the roasted flavours. A more elegant Syrah pairs wonderfully with game dishes, stews, or hearty vegetable casseroles. It's also an excellent choice with a cheese platter featuring mature hard cheeses.

Price Range: From Everyday Heroes to Icons

Our selection offers the right wine for every occasion and budget. You can find straightforward and fruity Shiraz wines for everyday enjoyment for under €10. In the €15 to €25 price range, you'll find an enormous density of complex and expressive wines with fantastic value for money. For special moments or for cellaring, we also carry iconic premium Syrahs from top wineries, which can cost up to €95 and have impressive ageing potential.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between Syrah and Shiraz?

They are the same grape variety. The name often indicates the style of the wine. 'Syrah' is frequently used for elegant, spicy wines in the French style, while 'Shiraz' usually denotes powerful, fruit-forward wines in the New World style.

What does Syrah/Shiraz from South Africa typically taste like?

The spectrum ranges from elegant wines with aromas of dark berries, pepper, and violets to powerful wines with notes of ripe plums, blackberries, chocolate, and smoke. The wines are mostly dry and full-bodied.

What food pairs best with South African Shiraz?

It's a perfect partner for robust meat dishes. It pairs especially well with grilled food, like at a South African Braai, as well as with lamb, beef, game, or spicy stews.

Can you age these wines?

Yes, many South African Syrah and Shiraz wines have excellent ageing potential. Especially the wines from the mid-to-high price range develop additional complexity in the bottle over several years.

What are the shipping costs at The WineStore?

Shipping within Germany is €6.90 and free for orders over €120 (1-3 working days). Within the EU, costs range from €6.90 to €11.90 depending on the country, with free shipping for orders over €150 (2-5 working days). For the UK, the cost is €11.90 (free from €150), and for CH/LI/MT/MC, it is €18.90 (free from €200).