
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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Sine Qua Non Patine Syrah 2011Syrah/Shiraz from Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Barbara, Central Coast, California
- RP
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Clarendon Hills Moritz Syrah 2011Syrah/Shiraz from McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia
- WW
- RP
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Gramercy Cellars Lagniappe Syrah 2011Syrah/Shiraz from Columbia Valley, Washington
- RP
- WS
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Patrick Jasmin Cote Rotie 2011Syrah/Shiraz from Cote Rotie, Rhone, France
- WS
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Cayuse Cailloux Syrah 2011Syrah/Shiraz from Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
- RP
- WE
- WS
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Cayuse Bionic Frog Syrah 2011Syrah/Shiraz from Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
- RP
- WE
- WS
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Sine Qua Non Dark Blossom Syrah 2011Syrah/Shiraz from California
- RP
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Cayuse Armada Syrah 2011Syrah/Shiraz from Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
- RP
- WS
- WE
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Falernia Syrah Reserva 2011Syrah/Shiraz from Elqui Valley, Chile
- WW
- RP
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Tensley Colson Canyon Vineyard Syrah 2011Syrah/Shiraz from Santa Barbara, Central Coast, California
- RP
- WS
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Hogue Genesis Syrah 2011Syrah/Shiraz from Washington
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Colgin IX Estate Syrah 2011Syrah/Shiraz from Napa Valley, California
- JS
- WS
- RP
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Two Hands Bella's Garden Shiraz 2011Syrah/Shiraz from Barossa Valley, Barossa, South Australia, Australia
- WS
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Guigal Chateau D'Ampuis Cote Rotie 2011Syrah/Shiraz from Cote Rotie, Rhone, France
- WS
- WE
- RP
- W&S
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Mollydooker Carnival of Love 2011Syrah/Shiraz from McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia
- WS
- RP
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Kilikanoon Killerman's Run Shiraz 2011Syrah/Shiraz from Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia
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Alban Reva Estate Syrah 2011Syrah/Shiraz from Edna Valley, Central Coast, California
- RP
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K Vintners Clifton Hill Syrah 2011Syrah/Shiraz from Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
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Yalumba Organic Shiraz 2011Syrah/Shiraz from South Australia, Australia
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Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz 2011Syrah/Shiraz from South Africa
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Cayuse En Cerise Syrah 2011Syrah/Shiraz from Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
- WE
- RP
- WS
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Andrew Murray Tous les Jours Syrah 2011Syrah/Shiraz from Central Coast, California
- W&S
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Matchbook Syrah 2011Syrah/Shiraz from Dunnigan Hills, Yolo County, California
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Eric Kent Kalen's Big Boy Blend Syrah 2011Syrah/Shiraz from Sonoma County, California
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L'Ecole 41 Columbia Valley Syrah 2011Syrah/Shiraz from Columbia Valley, Washington