
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 Sauvignon1053
- Pinot Noir876
- Syrah/Shiraz758
- Other Red Blends710
- Bordeaux Red Blends608
- Merlot402
- Sangiovese344
- Tempranillo338
- Nebbiolo304
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- Zinfandel241
- Other Red Wine133
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- Grenache85
- Malbec72
- Petite Sirah70
- Cabernet Franc57
- Tuscan Blends54
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- Mourvedre26
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- Primitivo12
- Carmenere9
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- Negroamaro7
- Bonarda5
- Petit Verdot5
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- Carignan3
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- Corvina1
- Agiorgitiko1
- Alicante Bouschet1
- Gaglioppo1
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Shafer Relentless 2004Syrah/Shiraz from Napa Valley, California
- RP
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Glaetzer Amon Ra Shiraz 2004Syrah/Shiraz from Barossa Valley, Barossa, South Australia, Australia
- RP
- JD
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Greenock Creek Apricot Block Shiraz 2004Syrah/Shiraz from Barossa Valley, Barossa, South Australia, Australia
- RP
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Clarendon Hills Astralis Syrah 2004Syrah/Shiraz from McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia
- RP
- WE
- WS
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Colgin IX Estate Syrah 2004Syrah/Shiraz from Napa Valley, California
- RP
- WS
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Sine Qua Non Ode to E Syrah 2004Syrah/Shiraz from California
- RP
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Cayuse Bionic Frog Syrah 2004Syrah/Shiraz from Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
- RP
- WE
- WS
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Mitolo G.A.M. 2004Syrah/Shiraz from McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia
- RP
- WE
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Clarendon Hills Moritz Syrah 2004Syrah/Shiraz from McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia
- RP
- WE
- WS
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Cayuse En Chamberlin Syrah 2004Syrah/Shiraz from Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
- RP
- WE
- WS
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Havens Syrah Hudson Vineyard 2004Syrah/Shiraz from Carneros, California
- RP
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Clarendon Hills Brookman Syrah 2004Syrah/Shiraz from McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia
- RP
- WE
- WS
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Elderton Command Shiraz 2004Syrah/Shiraz from Barossa, South Australia, Australia
- RP
- WE
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Torbreck The Factor Shiraz 2004Syrah/Shiraz from Barossa Valley, Barossa, South Australia, Australia
- RP
- JD
- WE
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Garretson Aisling Syrah 2004Syrah/Shiraz from Central Coast, California
- RP
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McWilliam's Shiraz 2004Syrah/Shiraz from Australia
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Cayuse En Cerise Syrah 2004Syrah/Shiraz from Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
- RP
- WS
- WE
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Marquis Philips S9 Shiraz 2004Syrah/Shiraz from Australia
- RP
- WS
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Consilience Santa Barbara County Syrah 2004Syrah/Shiraz from Santa Barbara, Central Coast, California
- RP
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Lost Canyon Winery Allegria Vineyard Syrah 2004Syrah/Shiraz from Russian River, Sonoma County, California
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Kay Brothers Shiraz 2004Syrah/Shiraz from McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia
- RP
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Kay Brothers Block 6 Shiraz 2004Syrah/Shiraz from McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia
- RP
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Greenock Creek Creek Block Shiraz 2004Syrah/Shiraz from Barossa Valley, Barossa, South Australia, Australia
- RP
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Lane Tanner French Camp Vineyard Syrah 2004Syrah/Shiraz from California
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Elsa Bianchi Syrah 2004Syrah/Shiraz from Argentina