
Syrah / Shiraz Wine
Learn about Syrah — taste profile, popular regions and more ...
Marked by an unmistakable deep purple hue and savory aromatics, Syrah, also known as Shiraz, accounts for a good deal of some of the most intense, powerful and age-worthy reds in the world. Native to the Northern Rhône, Syrah still achieves some of its maximum potential here, especially from Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie.
Syrah and Shiraz wine also plays an important component in the canonical Southern Rhône blends based on Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre, adding color, depth, complexity and structure to the mix. Today these blends have become well-appreciated from key appellations of the New World, namely Australia, California and increasingly, with praise, from Washington.
Due to the success of Australian “Shiraz,” winemakers throughout the world have adopted this synonym for Syrah when they have produced a plush and fruit forward wine made in the Australian style.
Tasting Notes for Syrah / Shiraz
Syrah/Shiraz is a dry, red wine that typically shows aromas and flavors of purple fruits, fragrant violets, baking spice and even bacon, smoke or black olive. In Australia, where it goes under the name Shiraz, it produces deep, dark, intense and often, jammy reds. While Northern Rhône examples are typically less fruity and more earthy, California appears increasingly capable of either style.
Perfect Food Pairings for Syrah / Shiraz
Flavorful Moroccan-spiced lamb, grilled meats, spareribs and hard, aged cheeses are perfect with Syrah. Blue cheeses are perfect with a dense and fruit-driven Australian Shiraz.
Sommelier Secrets for Syrah / Shiraz
Syrah once played a role as a blending partner to the austere Cabernet in Bordeaux as it added some body and texture. Now, Australians are fond of tempering their fruit-forward Shiraz by blending with Cabernet Sauvignon, which adds depth and structure.
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Cayuse Armada Syrah 2007Syrah/Shiraz from Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
- RP
- WE
- WS
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Cayuse Bionic Frog Syrah (slightly torn label) 2007Syrah/Shiraz from Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
- WE
- JS
- RP
- WS
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Cayuse Cailloux Syrah 2007Syrah/Shiraz from Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
- WE
- RP
- WS
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Donkey & Goat The Recluse Broken Leg Vineyard Syrah 2007Syrah/Shiraz from North Coast, California
- WE
- W&S
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Cayuse En Chamberlin Syrah 2007Syrah/Shiraz from Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
- WE
- RP
- WS
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Chateau de Saint Cosme Cote Rotie 2007Syrah/Shiraz from Cote Rotie, Rhone, France
- RP
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Laurent Miquel Nord Sud Syrah 2007Syrah/Shiraz from Languedoc, South of France, France
- WE
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d'Arenberg The Dead Arm Shiraz 2007Syrah/Shiraz from McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia
- W&S
- RP
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d'Arenberg The Laughing Magpie Shiraz Viognier (1.5L Magnum) 2007Syrah/Shiraz from McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia
- RP
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Chateau Maris Biodynamic Old Vine Syrah 2007Syrah/Shiraz from Languedoc, South of France, France
- RP
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Yalumba Y Series Shiraz and Viognier 2007Syrah/Shiraz from Australia
- WS
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Bonterra Organically Grown Syrah 2007Syrah/Shiraz from Central Coast, California
- WE
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d'Arenberg The Footbolt Shiraz 2007Syrah/Shiraz from McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia
- WE
- RP
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Les Tours Syrah 2007Syrah/Shiraz from Languedoc, South of France, France
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Matetic Corralillo Syrah 2007Syrah/Shiraz from Chile
- RP
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d'Arenberg The Love Grass Shiraz 2007Syrah/Shiraz from McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia
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Donkey & Goat Vieilles Vignes Syrah 2007Syrah/Shiraz from North Coast, California
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Yalumba Patchwork Shiraz 2007Syrah/Shiraz from Barossa, South Australia, Australia
- WE
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Chateau de Saint Cosme Saint-Joseph 2007Syrah/Shiraz from Rhone, France
- RP
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Gilles Troullier Boreal 2007Syrah/Shiraz from Languedoc, South of France, France
- RP
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Georges Vernay Cotes du Rhone Sainte-Agathe 2007Syrah/Shiraz from Cotes du Rhone, Rhone, France
- WS
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Domaine Terlato & Chapoutier lieu dit Malakoff Shiraz 2007Syrah/Shiraz from Victoria, Australia
- WE
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Earthworks Shiraz 2007Syrah/Shiraz from Barossa Valley, Barossa, South Australia, Australia
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Araujo Eisele Vineyard Syrah 2007Syrah/Shiraz from Calistoga, Napa Valley, California
- RP
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Elderton Command Shiraz 2007Syrah/Shiraz from Barossa, South Australia, Australia
- RP
- WS