78% of people didn't know Syrah is Shiraz | Rhone Valley Masterclass

78% of people didn't know Syrah is Shiraz | Rhone Valley Masterclass

Author: SESSION in PROGRESS August 6, 2025 Duration: 20:51

Discover how one grape tells two stories. Rhône Valley Syrah meets Heathcote Shiraz in a tasting that uncorks terroir, trends, and label politics.

Syrah and Shiraz share identical genetics yet walk very different cultural paths. In this episode of Got Somme, we taste benchmark bottles from France’s Rhône Valley alongside Heathcote, Victoria, to reveal how soil, climate, and marketing shape each wine’s personality. You'll learn why cooler-climate Australian producers are embracing the term “Syrah", how Cambrian soil defines Heathcote Shiraz, and what these trends mean for Australia’s export future.

We alos want to know your thoughts on what defines labelling Syrah on Australian bottles?

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Key Takeaways

  • One grape, two personas: “Syrah” signals elegance while “Shiraz” hints at bold generosity.

  • Labels guide perception: Name choice influences consumer expectations before the first sip.

  • Terroir tells the truth: Rhône delivers peppery finesse, Heathcote offers mineral-driven power.

  • Trends are cyclical: Market demand swings between delicate and full-bodied styles.

  • Blind tasting wins: Remove the label and let origin and craftsmanship speak louder.


Chapters

  • 00:00 The Syrah vs Shiraz Debate

  • 02:50 French Style Deep-Dive

  • 06:03 Rhône vs Heathcote Tasting Notes

  • 08:55 Shiraz’s Evolution in Australia

  • 11:38 Reading the Label: Syrah or Shiraz

  • 14:38 Looking Ahead: Future of Australian Shiraz


 

This podcast proudly presented by Grays.com: https://www.grays.com/search/wine-and-more?tab=items

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Ever felt a bit lost staring at a wine list or wondering what you're actually tasting in your glass? Got Somme is here to help, without any of the pretence. This isn't a stuffy lecture; it's a conversation between Master Sommelier Carlos Santos and his mate, radio announcer Angus O'Loughlin, who's keen to learn but starting from scratch. Each episode, Carlos guides Angus-and by extension, all of us-through the fundamentals, breaking down everything from grape varieties and regional styles to understanding why a wine tastes the way it does. The real magic happens when they're joined by some of the world's most respected winemakers, who share the stories and craft behind their bottles. You'll hear Carlos explain how to pick a good wine from a bad one, demystifying terms like tannin and terroir along the way. It's an accessible, often funny journey into wine, perfect for anyone who enjoys a glass but wants to understand the world behind it. Produced by SESSION in PROGRESS, this podcast turns curiosity into genuine knowledge, one bottle at a time.
Author: Language: en-au Episodes: 50

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