shiraz: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Specialist/Common (in wine and food contexts)
Quick answer
What does “shiraz” mean?
A full-bodied red wine made from the Syrah grape variety, originally associated with the city of Shiraz in Iran but now primarily produced in Australia, South Africa, and other New World wine regions.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A full-bodied red wine made from the Syrah grape variety, originally associated with the city of Shiraz in Iran but now primarily produced in Australia, South Africa, and other New World wine regions.
The name of the dark-skinned grape variety (Syrah) used to make the wine. It can also refer to the city in Iran, historically famous for its wine production, and is sometimes used as a given name.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Usage is identical, though market penetration and brand recognition of Australian 'Shiraz' may vary.
Connotations
Conveys a sense of a robust, fruity, often spicy red wine. In the UK, it may have stronger associations with Australian imports. In the US, it is one of many popular red wine varieties.
Frequency
Equally frequent in wine-related discourse in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “shiraz” in a Sentence
Uncountable noun (I like Shiraz)Countable noun (We tried three different Shirazes)Modifier noun (Shiraz vineyard)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “shiraz” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Shiraz blend was particularly popular that year.
American English
- They planted a Shiraz vineyard in California.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Discussed in the wine trade, hospitality, and export/import sectors.
Academic
Appears in oenology, viticulture, gastronomy, and historical texts about Persia.
Everyday
Common in social dining, restaurant menus, and casual conversation about wine preferences.
Technical
Used in winemaking to specify grape variety, blending components, and wine-tasting notes (e.g., 'Shiraz shows notes of blackberry and pepper').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “shiraz”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “shiraz”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shiraz”
- Misspelling as 'Shiraz', 'Shyraz', or 'Syraz'. Incorrectly using it as a plural (e.g., 'Shiraz's' instead of 'Shirazes'). Confusing it with 'Sherry', a fortified wine.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are the same grape variety. 'Shiraz' is the name commonly used in Australia, South Africa, and some other New World countries, while 'Syrah' is typical in France and the United States. The names can also imply a stylistic difference.
Shiraz is typically full-bodied with flavours of dark fruit like blackberry and plum, often accompanied by notes of black pepper, spice, chocolate, and sometimes a smoky or leathery character.
The name originates from the city of Shiraz in Iran, which was historically famous for wine production. The grape is now genetically linked to the Rhône region of France.
Its boldness makes it an excellent match for grilled or roasted red meats (steak, lamb), hard cheeses, barbecued food, and rich stews.
A full-bodied red wine made from the Syrah grape variety, originally associated with the city of Shiraz in Iran but now primarily produced in Australia, South Africa, and other New World wine regions.
Shiraz is usually specialist/common (in wine and food contexts) in register.
Shiraz: in British English it is pronounced /ʃɪˈræz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ʃɪˈræz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(No common idioms. Potential creative use: 'as bold as a Barossa Shiraz')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'She RAZZes up the party with a bottle of SHIRAZ.' (Associating the word with a lively person and a social drink).
Conceptual Metaphor
Shiraz is often metaphorically described as a POWERFUL/ROBUST ENTITY (e.g., 'a bold Shiraz', 'a muscular wine').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary difference between 'Shiraz' and 'Syrah'?