A rich, powerful, and sometimes meaty red wine that originated in the Rhône Valley of France. Syrah is one of the most widely planted grapes in Australia, where it is known as Shiraz.
Primary Flavors
- Blueberry
- Black Plum
- Milk Chocolate
- Tobacco
- Green Peppercorn
Taste Profile
Handling
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SERVE
60–68°F / 15-20°C
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GLASS TYPE
Universal -
DECANT
1 Hour -
CELLAR
10+ Years
Food Pairing
Darker meats and exotic spices bring out the wine’s fruit notes. Try it with lamb shawarma, gyros, Chinese five-spice pork, or Indian tandoori dishes.
Fun Facts About Syrah Wine
- While called Syrah in most of the world, the grape is typically known as Shiraz in Australia.
- DNA profiling confirmed that this grape originated along the Rhône in France.
- From the 1980s to the mid-2000s, Syrah increased in planted hectares from approximately 10,000 ha to over 450,000 ha.
- Syrah wines have some of the most intense color concentration among the world’s red wines.
What To Look for in Syrah Wine
When you taste Syrah, you’ll be greeted with a punch of flavor that tapers off, followed by a spicy, peppery aftertaste.
Because it often delivers intense upfront flavors, winemakers often blend it with grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon to add mid-palate weight and balance.
Versions from Italy and France tend to have more acidity and earthy, herbaceous aromas. Versions from Australia, the U.S., and South America usually have more fruit-driven characteristics and lots of spice.
How Much Should You Expect to Spend?
Good-value Syrah can be found for $15–$30, while exceptional examples may range into the hundreds of dollars, depending on the region and producer. The most important part is considering where the wine comes from and what characteristics you should expect.