
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 Sauvignon167
- Pinot Noir156
- Other Red Blends71
- Bordeaux Red Blends52
- Syrah/Shiraz37
- Rhône Blends30
- Merlot29
- Sangiovese19
- Malbec17
- Tempranillo17
- Zinfandel16
- Nebbiolo13
- Tuscan Blends10
- Cabernet Franc9
- Grenache9
- Nero d'Avola6
- Barbera4
- Carignan2
- Carmenere2
- Mourvedre2
- Other Red Wine2
- Nerello Mascalese2
- Aglianico1
- Bonarda1
- Gamay1
- Lagrein1
- Montepulciano1
- Pinotage1
- Primitivo1
- Mencia1
-
Shafer Relentless 2017Syrah/Shiraz from Napa Valley, California
- TP
- JD
- WS
- RP
-
Howard Park Flint Rock Shiraz 2017Syrah/Shiraz from Great Southern, Western Australia, Australia
- RP
-
Jaboulet Crozes Hermitage Domaine de Thalabert 2017Syrah/Shiraz from Crozes-Hermitage, Rhone, France
- JD
- RP
- JS
-
Elderton Shiraz 2017Syrah/Shiraz from Barossa, South Australia, Australia
-
K Vintners The Hidden Syrah 2017Syrah/Shiraz from Wahluke Slope, Columbia Valley, Washington
- JS
- JD
- RP
-
Torbreck RunRig 2017Syrah/Shiraz from Barossa Valley, Barossa, South Australia, Australia
- RP
- JS
- WS
-
Mollydooker Velvet Glove Shiraz 2017Syrah/Shiraz from McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia
- RP
- WS
-
Shaw & Smith Shiraz 2017Syrah/Shiraz from Adelaide Hills, South Australia, Australia
- JS
-
Boomtown by Dusted Valley Syrah 2017Syrah/Shiraz from Columbia Valley, Washington
- WW
-
K Vintners Powerline Syrah 2017Syrah/Shiraz from Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
- JD
-
d'Arenberg The Footbolt Shiraz 2017Syrah/Shiraz from McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia
- JS
- W&S
-
Vinaceous Snake Charmer Shiraz 2017Syrah/Shiraz from South Australia, Australia
-
Shoofly Shiraz 2017Syrah/Shiraz from South Australia, Australia
-
Powell & Son Barossa Valley Shiraz 2017Syrah/Shiraz from Barossa Valley, Barossa, South Australia, Australia
- WS
- JS
-
McGuigan Wines The Plan Shiraz 2017Syrah/Shiraz from South Australia, Australia
-
K Vintners The Beautiful Syrah 2017Syrah/Shiraz from Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
- JS
- JD
- RP
-
K Vintners The Deal Sundance Vineyard Syrah 2017Syrah/Shiraz from Wahluke Slope, Columbia Valley, Washington
- JS
- JD
- RP
-
Lafond SRH Series Syrah 2017Syrah/Shiraz from Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Barbara, Central Coast, California
-
L'Ecole 41 Columbia Valley Syrah 2017Syrah/Shiraz from Columbia Valley, Washington
-
Lucia Vineyards Soberanes Vineyard Syrah 2017Syrah/Shiraz from Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey, Central Coast, California
- WE
- RP
- WS
-
d'Arenberg The Stump Jump Shiraz 2017Syrah/Shiraz from McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia
- WE
-
Jacob's Creek Double Barrel Shiraz 2017Syrah/Shiraz from Barossa, South Australia, Australia
-
Mollydooker The Boxer Shiraz 2017Syrah/Shiraz from South Australia, Australia
- WW
-
Dusted Valley Stained Tooth Syrah 2017Syrah/Shiraz from Columbia Valley, Washington
- WS
- JS
-
Jean-Louis Chave Saint-Joseph 2017Syrah/Shiraz from Saint-Joseph, Rhone, France
- D
- WS
- JD
- JS
- RP