Print this page Shiraz/Syrah: From Soil to Glass

Take a deep dive into one of the world’s most expressive red grapes. This intensive course explores Shiraz/Syrah from its Rhône origins to its celebrated Australian forms, with a focus on how place, climate and vineyard practice shape what ends up in the glass.

You’ll compare bold Barossa styles with cooler-climate, peppery expressions, while also looking at soil, yield, fermentation and oak. A guided tasting of selected premium wines brings the theory to life, helping you build confidence in identifying style, structure and regional character.

DELIVERY MODE

Face to face

COURSE OUTLINE

The Lecture

• History & Origins: Origins in Rhône Valley; journey to Australia’s signature grape status. 
• Viticulture & Grape Profile: Analysis of skin thickness, tannins, and acidity. 
• The Microbiome & Rotundone: New 2026 research on how soil bacteria influence peppery spice.
• Climate & Terroir: Impact of granite, schist, and clay soils on flavor; managing warm vs. cool climates. Winemaking Techniques: Open fermentation, whole-bunch complexity, and MLF. 
• The Oak Influence: Comparing traditional American oak with modern French larger formats. 
  • Regional Comparison: Northern Rhône (elegance/structure) vs. Barossa Valley (power/old vines). 
  • Food & Storage: Pairing principles; cellaring potential and 2026 pricing.

Tasting

• Tasting Methodology: Systematic approach to appearance, nose, and palate.
• Flight 1 (Rhône): Exploring savoury, peppery, and meaty Syrah profiles.
• Flight 2 (Barossa): Showcasing ripe fruit, chocolate, and oak integration.
• Flight 3 (Cool Climate): Highlighting "Modern Australian" spice and elegance.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Identify Key Characteristics: Articulate the aromatic and flavour profiles of Shiraz/Syrah, distinguishing between cool-climate "pepper" and warm-climate "ripe fruit" expressions.
• Understand Biological Terroir: Explain how soil microbiomes and specific bacterial communities influence the synthesis of rotundone in regions like the Barossa and Grampians.
• Analyze Viticultural Impact: Describe how soil types (granite, schist, clay) and modern canopy management affect grape quality and wine style.
• Evaluate Winemaking Techniques: Assess the influence of whole-bunch fermentation and the stylistic differences between French and American oak aging.
• Compare Global Styles: Differentiate between the structure of Northern Rhône Syrah and the power of Australian Shiraz, specifically from the Barossa Valley.
• Apply Professional Tasting Skills: Use a systematic methodology to critically describe and evaluate Shiraz/Syrah wines.
• Recommend Pairings & Storage: Suggest appropriate food pairings and identify the cellaring potential for various styles of the grape.

COURSE RESOURCES

• How to Drink Australian (Jane Lopes & Jonathan Ross)