
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 Sauvignon97
- Pinot Noir64
- Bordeaux Red Blends46
- Other Red Blends35
- Sangiovese35
- Syrah/Shiraz26
- Tempranillo24
- Rhône Blends22
- Nebbiolo18
- Malbec15
- Merlot11
- Zinfandel11
- Cabernet Franc10
- Grenache9
- Carignan4
- Carmenere4
- Petite Sirah4
- Mourvedre3
- Barbera2
- Montepulciano2
- Tuscan Blends2
- Mencia2
- Negroamaro1
- Petit Verdot1
- Primitivo1
- Blaufrankisch1
- Freisa1
- Grignolino1
- Nerello Mascalese1
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Chateau Maris Les Planels Syrah 2017Syrah/Shiraz from Minervois La Liviniere, Minervois, Languedoc, South of France, France
- JS
- JD
- W&S
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Darioush Signature Shiraz 2017Syrah/Shiraz from Napa Valley, California
- WS
- RP
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K Vintners The Beautiful Syrah 2017Syrah/Shiraz from Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
- JS
- JD
- RP
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Neyers Garys' Vineyard Syrah 2017Syrah/Shiraz from Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey, Central Coast, California
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Jean-Luc Colombo Cornas Les Terres Brulees 2017Syrah/Shiraz from Cornas, Rhone, France
- WE
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Howard Park Flint Rock Shiraz 2017Syrah/Shiraz from Great Southern, Western Australia, Australia
- V
- RP
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d'Arenberg The Stump Jump Shiraz 2017Syrah/Shiraz from McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia
- WE
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Tait The Ball Buster 2017Syrah/Shiraz from Barossa Valley, Barossa, South Australia, Australia
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d'Arenberg The Dead Arm Shiraz 2017Syrah/Shiraz from McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia
- JS
- D
- W&S
- WW
- RP
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Small Gully Little Book Shiraz 2017Syrah/Shiraz from South Australia, Australia
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Leeuwin Estate Art Series Shiraz 2017Syrah/Shiraz from Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia
- JS
- RP
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Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona Fabius 2017Syrah/Shiraz from Tuscany, Italy
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Earthworks Shiraz 2017Syrah/Shiraz from Barossa Valley, Barossa, South Australia, Australia
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Powell & Son Barossa and Eden Valley Shiraz 2017Syrah/Shiraz from Barossa, South Australia, Australia
- WE
- V
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Powell & Son Loechel Eden Valley Shiraz 2017Syrah/Shiraz from Eden Valley, Barossa, South Australia, Australia
- JS
- WE
- WS
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Gust Syrah 2017Syrah/Shiraz from Petaluma Gap, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California
- TP
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Mad Fish Shiraz 2017Syrah/Shiraz from Western Australia, Australia
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Stolpman Vineyards Ruben's Block Syrah 2017Syrah/Shiraz from Ballard Canyon, Santa Barbara, Central Coast, California
- RP
- JD
- CG
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Fowles Wine Farm to Table Shiraz 2017Syrah/Shiraz from Victoria, Australia
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Jim Barry Lodge Hill Shiraz 2017Syrah/Shiraz from Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia
- W&S
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Lafond SRH Series Syrah 2017Syrah/Shiraz from Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Barbara, Central Coast, California
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Vintage Longbottom H Syrah 2017Syrah/Shiraz from Adelaide Hills, South Australia, Australia
- V
- WE
- WS
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Oliverhill Red Silk Shiraz 2017Syrah/Shiraz from McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia
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Glaetzer Bishop Shiraz 2017Syrah/Shiraz from Barossa Valley, Barossa, South Australia, Australia
- JS
- V
- RP
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Sequel Syrah 2017Syrah/Shiraz from Columbia Valley, Washington
- JS
- RP