
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.
- Cabernet Sauvignon506
- Pinot Noir357
- Bordeaux Red Blends226
- Syrah/Shiraz211
- Sangiovese195
- Other Red Blends162
- Rhône Blends146
- Nebbiolo119
- Zinfandel51
- Malbec48
- Grenache36
- Tempranillo33
- Merlot27
- Cabernet Franc22
- Tuscan Blends20
- Petite Sirah14
- Gamay13
- Other Red Wine7
- Mencia7
- Mourvedre5
- Nero d'Avola5
- Aglianico4
- Carignan3
- Carmenere3
- Sagrantino3
- Xinomavro3
- Barbera2
- Bonarda2
- Lagrein2
- Negroamaro2
- Primitivo2
- Nerello Mascalese2
- Corvina1
- Montepulciano1
- Petit Verdot1
- Tannat1
- Alicante Bouschet1
- Baga1
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Colgin IX Estate Syrah 2013Syrah/Shiraz from Napa Valley, California
- RP
- JS
- WS
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Alban Lorraine Estate Syrah 2013Syrah/Shiraz from Edna Valley, Central Coast, California
- JD
- RP
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Cayuse Bionic Frog Syrah 2013Syrah/Shiraz from Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
- RP
- WS
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Jim Barry The Armagh Shiraz 2013Syrah/Shiraz from Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia
- RP
- JS
- WE
- WS
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Delas Cote Rotie La Landonne 2013Syrah/Shiraz from Cote Rotie, Rhone, France
- RP
- JS
- WS
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Trabun Requinoa Syrah 2013Syrah/Shiraz from Cachapoal Valley, Rapel Valley, Chile
- RP
- JS
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Sine Qua Non Male Syrah 2013Syrah/Shiraz from California
- RP
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Cayuse Cailloux Syrah 2013Syrah/Shiraz from Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
- WS
- RP
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Cayuse Wallah Wallah Special #5 (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2013Syrah/Shiraz from Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
- RP
- WE
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Cayuse Armada Syrah 2013Syrah/Shiraz from Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
- RP
- WE
- WS
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Rudius Hudson Vineyard Syrah 2013Syrah/Shiraz from Carneros, California
- RP
- WS
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Tensley Colson Canyon Vineyard Syrah 2013Syrah/Shiraz from Central Coast, California
- RP
- WS
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Sine Qua Non Male Syrah (slightly torn label) 2013Syrah/Shiraz from California
- RP
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Gramercy Cellars Columbia Valley Syrah 2013Syrah/Shiraz from Columbia Valley, Washington
- RP
- WE
- W&S
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Rocca Family Vineyards Grigsby Syrah 2013Syrah/Shiraz from Yountville, Napa Valley, California
- RP
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Jeff Cohn Cellars Domaine des Chirats Syrah 2013Syrah/Shiraz from Rockpile, Sonoma County, California
- CG
- RP
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Horsepower Vineyards Sur Echalas Vineyard Syrah 2013Syrah/Shiraz from Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
- RP
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Kingston Family Lucero Syrah 2013Syrah/Shiraz from Casablanca Valley, Chile
- JS
- W&S
- RP
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Shafer Relentless 2013Syrah/Shiraz from Napa Valley, California
- RP
- WS
- W&S
- CG
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K Vintners Milbrandt Syrah 2013Syrah/Shiraz from Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
- WS
- RP
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K Vintners Morrison Lane Syrah 2013Syrah/Shiraz from Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
- RP
- WE
- WS
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Kilikanoon Covenant Shiraz 2013Syrah/Shiraz from Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia
- RP
- WS
- WE
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K Vintners The Beautiful Syrah 2013Syrah/Shiraz from Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
- RP
- TP
- WS
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Bien Nacido Estate Syrah 2013Syrah/Shiraz from Santa Maria Valley, Central Coast, California
- W&S
- RP
- WE
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Booker Vineyard Estate Syrah Blend 2013Syrah/Shiraz from Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
- RP