We show that for every pair of matrices (S,P), having the closed symmetrized bidisc $Gamma$ as a spectral set, there is a one dimensional complex algebraic variety $Lambda$ in $Gamma$ such that for every matrix valued polynomial f, the norm of f(S,P)
is less then the sup norm of f on $Lambda$. The variety $Lambda$ is shown to have a particular determinantal representation, related to the so-called fundamental operator of the pair (S,P). When (S,P) is a strict $Gamma$-contraction, then $Lambda$ is a distinguished variety in the symmetrized bidisc, i.e., a one dimensional algebraic variety that exits the symmetrized bidisc through its distinguished boundary. We characterize all distinguished varieties of the symmetrized bidisc by a determinantal representation as above.
