
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 2008Syrah/Shiraz from Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
- WE
- RP
- WS
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Cayuse Cailloux Syrah 2008Syrah/Shiraz from Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
- RP
- WE
- WS
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Earthworks Shiraz 2008Syrah/Shiraz from Barossa Valley, Barossa, South Australia, Australia
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Cayuse Bionic Frog Syrah 2008Syrah/Shiraz from Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
- WE
- RP
- WS
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Cayuse En Chamberlin Syrah 2008Syrah/Shiraz from Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
- RP
- WE
- WS
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d'Arenberg The Laughing Magpie Shiraz Viognier 2008Syrah/Shiraz from McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia
- RP
- WE
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De Morgenzon DMZ Syrah 2008Syrah/Shiraz from South Africa
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Domaine Terlato & Chapoutier L Block Shiraz 2008Syrah/Shiraz from Victoria, Australia
- WS
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Yalumba Y Series Shiraz and Viognier 2008Syrah/Shiraz from Australia
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Gilles Troullier Boreal 2008Syrah/Shiraz from Languedoc, South of France, France
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Yalumba Eden Valley Shiraz/Viognier 2008Syrah/Shiraz from Eden Valley, Barossa, South Australia, Australia
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Zaca Mesa Santa Ynez Valley Syrah 2008Syrah/Shiraz from Central Coast, California
- WE
- RP
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Domaine Terlato & Chapoutier Shiraz-Viognier 2008Syrah/Shiraz from Victoria, Australia
- WS
- WE
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d'Arenberg The Love Grass Shiraz 2008Syrah/Shiraz from McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia
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d'Arenberg The Footbolt Shiraz 2008Syrah/Shiraz from McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia
- W&S
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Cline Cool Climate Syrah 2008Syrah/Shiraz from Sonoma County, California
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Yalumba Patchwork Shiraz 2008Syrah/Shiraz from Barossa, South Australia, Australia
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Reyneke Reserve 2008Syrah/Shiraz from South Africa
- RP
- WE
- WS
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Matetic Corralillo Syrah 2008Syrah/Shiraz from Chile
- W&S
- WS
- WE
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Yalumba Hand Picked Barossa Shiraz/Viognier 2008Syrah/Shiraz from Barossa Valley, Barossa, South Australia, Australia
- WE
- RP
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Donkey & Goat El Dorado Syrah 2008Syrah/Shiraz from Sierra Foothills, California
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d'Arenberg The Dead Arm Shiraz 2008Syrah/Shiraz from McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia
- D
- RP
- WS
- WE
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Domaine Terlato & Chapoutier lieu dit Malakoff Shiraz 2008Syrah/Shiraz from Victoria, Australia
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Chateau de Saint Cosme Cote Rotie 2008Syrah/Shiraz from Cote Rotie, Rhone, France
- WS
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Chateau de Saint Cosme Saint-Joseph 2008Syrah/Shiraz from Rhone, France
- WS