Syrah Wine

Syrah is a dark-skinned red grape that produces full-bodied wines with intense dark fruit flavors in a range of styles and blends. With its origins in France's Rhône Valley, Syrah is grown around the world and is the most-planted grape variety in Australia, where it is known as Shiraz.

Its widespread popularity is no surprise since the thick-skinned grape is naturally robust and able to adapt to different climates with ease. The result? A deliciously rich red wine capable of being produced in several styles with great aging potential.

Syrah wine is the perfect wine to serve with family-style meals with friends or to sip and enjoy in those quiet, relaxing moments.

Originating from the Rhône Valley in southeastern France, Syrah is one of the most popular red wine grapes grown in the world.

The Hermitage and Côte Rôtie subregions of France's northern Rhône region produce some of the finest Syrah wines in the world. In the southern Rhône, Syrah is a key player in the world-renowned red blends such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Outside of Europe, Syrah is the top wine grape grown in Australia, where it is more commonly known as Shiraz. Here the grape produces robust, bold wines with ripe black fruit aromas and a distinct chocolate flavor.

Syrah grapes can also thrive in California, South Africa, Italy, Spain, Argentina and Chile.

Syrah makes big, bold full-bodied wines that have plenty of tannins and are high in alcohol. Dark and luxurious, they’re best known for their ripe fruity flavors and warming, spicy hints of black pepper.

Syrah is often compared to another popular red variety—Cabernet Sauvignon. Both have similar tannins and alcohol levels, and both produce rich, full-bodied wines. However, Cabernet often has green bell pepper, cassis, and sometimes minty notes, which are less common in Syrah.

Syrah is a dark, intense wine packed with juicy dark-fruit flavors and savory, spicy hints. It has a characteristic black pepper finishing note, balancing the lingering jammy fruit flavors.

Depending on where in the world the Syrah is produced, its flavors will differ slightly.

Typical Syrah flavors can include:

• Plum
• Blueberry
• Blackberry
• Black cherry
• Black olive
• Licorice
• Tobacco
• Black pepper
• Allspice
• Violet

When aged in oak barrels, Syrah wines can develop secondary flavors of toasted spices and leather with a hint of smokiness and tempting aromas of coffee.

Although Syrah is grown in many places worldwide, French Syrah and Australian Shiraz wines are typically considered some of the best.

Northern Rhône Syrah wines are characteristically dark-fruited, savory, spicy (even gamey), while those from the southern Rhône tend to be silkier, fruit-forward and higher in alcohol.

Australian Shiraz wines from the Barossa Valley are known for being dark and fruity with significant tannins, while those from the nearby McLaren Vale are lush and smooth.

A wine as big and bold as Syrah deserves to be paired with equally flavorful dishes.

Syrah pairs perfectly with anything from the grill and is a great barbecue wine. It's particularly tasty with steak and other beef dishes, but its acidity means it can stand up to fattier meats like roast duck, pork belly and roast lamb, too.

Syrah can even help satisfy your sweet tooth—pair a bold Aussie Shiraz of California Syrah with rich, chocolatey desserts like chocolate fondant or dark chocolate mousse.

To make the most of your Syrah, decant it an hour (or more) before serving. This helps the wine aerate, releasing those rich, savory aromas and flavors.

Syrah is best served around room temperature—between 60-68°F—and in a universal wine glass. The tall stem prevents your hands’ heat from affecting the wine’s dense, fruity flavors, and the slightly narrower rim helps trap its enticing aromas.