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?

Sponsors:

Socials:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gotsommepodcast

 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gotsomme


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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


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: 100

Got Somme : Master Sommelier's Wine Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Vernaccia di San Gimignano - 2021 Abazzia, Tuscany, Italy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:57
The PERFECT wine to match with Pizza has been revealed and reviewed by a Master Sommelier When we launched this podcast in January 2022 I didn't even know what 'Vernaccia di San Gimignano' was? In fact until last week I…
Muscadet - 2020 Plessis Duval, Loire Valley, France [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:30
Usually we match wine with food but in this episode of Got Somme we match the location of where this is best enjoyed, if you don't have a bedtime or young children that is! A classic dry white from near the mouth of the…
Merlot - Master Sommelier vs Public in Blind Tasting [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:23
We pitted Master Sommelier Carlos Santos against wine enthusiast Angus O'Loughlin to see who could choose the $30 bottle of 2019 Parker Estate Coonawarra Merlot from a lineup that included featured a $7.50 and $10 bottle…
Riesling - 2022 Pikes 'Traditionale', Clare Valley, South Australia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:07
We woke up, fasted then drank this wine at 10:30AM and THIS HAPPENED! "Searing and sharp" - Angus O'Loughlin We had to record this episode in the morning and Riesling could be the new alarm clock! Different to other Clar…

«1...678910