
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.
- Pinot Noir5889
- Cabernet Sauvignon3525
- Other Red Blends3342
- Syrah/Shiraz1839
- Rhône Blends1660
- Bordeaux Red Blends1570
- Merlot1071
- Sangiovese987
- Zinfandel975
- Other Red Wine823
- Malbec754
- Tempranillo715
- Nebbiolo584
- Barbera484
- Cabernet Franc446
- Grenache433
- Gamay346
- Petite Sirah229
- Tuscan Blends210
- Dolcetto198
- Carmenere158
- Primitivo135
- Mourvedre126
- Pinotage126
- Montepulciano120
- Nero d'Avola112
- Blaufrankisch72
- Petit Verdot52
- Negroamaro51
- Lagrein50
- Carignan49
- Zweigelt49
- Aglianico46
- Bonarda40
- Mencia40
- Refosco31
- Teroldego23
- St. Laurent22
- Tannat21
- Grignolino19
- Touriga Nacional15
- Trousseau14
- Bobal10
- Nerello Mascalese10
- Corvina9
- Agiorgitiko9
- Sagrantino9
- Xinomavro8
- Mondeuse7
- Cinsault6
- Alicante Bouschet6
- Schiava6
- Pinot Meunier5
- Valdiguie5
- Gaglioppo4
- Baga3
- Lambrusco2
-
Colgin IX Estate Syrah 2013Syrah/Shiraz from Napa Valley, California
- RP
- JS
- WS
-
Alban Lorraine Estate Syrah 2013Syrah/Shiraz from Edna Valley, Central Coast, California
- JD
- RP
-
Cayuse Bionic Frog Syrah 2013Syrah/Shiraz from Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
- RP
- WS
-
Jim Barry The Armagh Shiraz 2013Syrah/Shiraz from Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia
- RP
- JS
- WE
- WS
-
Delas Cote Rotie La Landonne 2013Syrah/Shiraz from Cote Rotie, Rhone, France
- RP
- JS
- WS
-
Tempus Two Copper Shiraz 2013Syrah/Shiraz from South Australia, Australia
- WS
- WE
-
Red Car Estate Vineyard Syrah 2013Syrah/Shiraz from Fort Ross-Seaview, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California
- W&S
-
North by Northwest NxNW Syrah 2013Syrah/Shiraz from Columbia Valley, Washington
- WS
- CG
-
Tokara Shiraz 2013Syrah/Shiraz from South Africa
-
Trabun Requinoa Syrah 2013Syrah/Shiraz from Cachapoal Valley, Rapel Valley, Chile
- RP
- JS
-
Owen Roe Chapel Block Syrah Red Willow Vineyard 2013Syrah/Shiraz from Yakima Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
-
Sine Qua Non Male Syrah 2013Syrah/Shiraz from California
- RP
-
Cayuse Cailloux Syrah 2013Syrah/Shiraz from Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
- WS
- RP
-
Sine Qua Non Syrah Le Supplement Eleven Confessions Estate Vineyard 2013Syrah/Shiraz from Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Barbara, Central Coast, California
- RP
-
Cayuse Wallah Wallah Special #5 (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2013Syrah/Shiraz from Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
- RP
- WE
-
Campbells Bobbie Burns Shiraz 2013Syrah/Shiraz from Rutherglen, Victoria, Australia
-
Cayuse Armada Syrah 2013Syrah/Shiraz from Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
- RP
- WE
- WS
-
Tyrrell's Vat 9 Shiraz 2013Syrah/Shiraz from Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia
- WE
-
Torbreck The Struie 2013Syrah/Shiraz from Barossa Valley, Barossa, South Australia, Australia
- WS
-
Tensley Colson Canyon Vineyard Syrah 2013Syrah/Shiraz from Central Coast, California
- RP
- WS
-
Sine Qua Non Male Syrah (slightly torn label) 2013Syrah/Shiraz from California
- RP
-
Bonny Doon Le Pousseur Syrah 2013Syrah/Shiraz from Central Coast, California
- JS
- WS
-
Booker Vineyard Fracture Syrah 2013Syrah/Shiraz from Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
- WS
-
Kilikanoon Killerman's Run Shiraz 2013Syrah/Shiraz from Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia
-
MAN Family Wines Shiraz 2013Syrah/Shiraz from South Africa