Glass of Syrah red wine in the foreground of terraced vineyards at sunset in the Rhône Valley.  Let me know when you’re ready for the next one!

SYRAH

Dark Fruit, Deep Spice, Bold Soul

Syrah is a bold, expressive red grape known for its dark fruit flavors, peppery spice, and ability to reflect terroir. Whether in the cool slopes of the Northern Rhône or the sun-drenched vineyards of Australia (where it’s called Shiraz), Syrah offers a compelling spectrum—from elegant and savory to rich and opulent. It’s a favorite for those who enjoy depth, complexity, and a bit of dramatic flair in their reds.

Key Characteristics

Syrah is typically full-bodied with firm tannins and moderate to high acidity. Its signature profile includes ripe dark berries, black pepper, smoked meat, and earthy or herbal nuances. The style can vary widely based on climate and winemaking choices.

Style
Still, red

Body
Medium to full

Acidity
Medium to high

Primary Grapes
Syrah (aka Shiraz)

Typical Flavors
Blackberry, plum, black pepper, violet, smoked meat, olive, leather, dark chocolate

Origin & History

Syrah originates from the Northern Rhône Valley of France, where it is the sole red grape in appellations like Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, and Cornas. There, it produces age-worthy wines with savory complexity. The grape gained international fame in Australia, where it thrives as Shiraz—offering a more fruit-forward and powerful style. Today, Syrah is grown around the world and prized for both single-varietal wines and blends.

How It’s Made

Syrah is typically fermented on the skins for color and tannin extraction, then aged in oak barrels (both new and neutral, depending on the style). Some winemakers use whole-cluster fermentation to enhance spice and structure. Cooler-climate Syrahs emphasize pepper and herbs; warmer regions highlight lush fruit and sweet spice.

Notable Regions

Syrah is a global grape, with standout regions offering distinct expressions.

France
Northern Rhône
Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, Cornas

Savory, structured, and age-worthy with floral and meaty notes

France
Southern France
Languedoc
Provence

Often blended; spicy, rustic, and fruit-forward

Australia
Barossa Valley
McLaren Vale

Lush, bold Shiraz with ripe fruit, mocha, and spice

United States
California
Sonoma
Paso Robles

From dense and ripe to cool-climate restraint

United States
Washington State
Walla Walla
Yakima

Balanced, structured, and expressive with dark fruit and pepper

South Africa
Stellenbosch
Swartland

Smoky, earthy, and bold with mineral edge

Food Pairings

Syrah’s bold flavors and tannic grip make it ideal with richly flavored, grilled, or spiced dishes.

Red Meat
Lamb chops, steak au poivre, barbecue ribs

Game
Duck, venison, wild boar

Cheeses
Aged cheddar, blue cheese, Manchego

Other
Lentil stew, grilled eggplant, mushroom ragu

How to Serve It

Glassware
Large red wine or Syrah-specific glass to highlight aromatics and richness

Temperature
60–65°F (16–18°C)

Storage
Store on its side in a cool, dark place; many Syrahs age well for 5–20+ years, especially from top regions

Fun Fact

Despite the myths, Syrah has no connection to the ancient Persian city of Shiraz—it’s a native French grape with a noble lineage in the Rhône.

Try This If You Like


Cabernet Sauvignon

Zinfandel

Malbec

Petite Sirah

Grenache
(in fuller styles)

Recommended Producers

These houses exemplify the diversity and craftsmanship of Syrah, from the structured elegance of the Northern Rhône to the bold expression of the Pacific Northwest.

Amavi
A standout Walla Walla producer crafting polished, fruit-driven Syrah that reflects Washington’s vibrant energy and terroir.

Cave Yves Cuilleron
A leading Northern Rhône estate known for refined Côte-Rôtie wines that balance aromatic lift with savory complexity.

Domaine du Gour de Chaulé
A traditional Gigondas producer delivering bold, earthy blends with deep southern Rhône character.

Domaine J. Denuzière
A rising name in Crozes-Hermitage, offering accessible, terroir-expressive Syrah with freshness and finesse.

Recommended Pours

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Tempranillo