A rich, powerful, and sometimes meaty red wine originating in southeastern France and most closely associated with the Rhône Valley. 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
-
SERVE
60–68°F / 15-20°C
-
GLASS TYPE
Universal -
DECANT
1 Hour -
CELLAR
10+ Years
Food Pairing
Rich meats and boldly spiced dishes bring out Syrah’s dark fruit and savory character. 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 in southeastern France and is closely associated with the Rhône Valley.
- From the 1980s to the mid-2000s, Syrah increased in planted hectares from approximately 10,000 ha to over 180,000 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, expect concentrated dark fruit flavors up front, followed by savory notes and a lingering peppery finish.
Because it delivers intense fruit and spice flavors, winemakers often blend Syrah with varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon to add structure, complexity, 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 cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the region and producer. Price often reflects region and winemaking style, so understanding where a Syrah comes from can tell you a lot about what to expect in the glass.