Syrah (Shiraz)

Syrah (or Shiraz) is a dark-skinned red wine grape variety that makes powerful, flavorful red wines. Syrah-based wines are characterized by their dense, deep purple-red color, dark fruit and spice flavors, and bold tannin structure. Originally from the Rhône region of France, it is now planted worldwide, most notably in Australia, where it is known as Shiraz. 

What does Syrah taste like?

Syrah red wines offer flavors of blackberry, black currant, pepper, and spices that produce savory, smokey, or meaty flavors. The best examples are rich and concentrated, with velvety tannins.

The flavor profiles vary based on where the grape is grown. Cooler climates lend black pepper spice and floral notes, while hot regions bring jammier fruit. Australian Shiraz leans towards ripe black fruit with chocolate and vanilla from oak aging. Rhône Syrah is more savory with olive, earth, and game characteristics.

Is Syrah wine sweet or dry?

Syrah wines are dry, with barely detectable residual sugar. The fruit flavors may taste jammy, but the wines will finish dry rather than sweet. Any sweetness is a result of the ripeness of the grapes, not residual sugar.

Is Petite Sirah the same as Syrah?

Petite Sirah is a distinct variety and not the same as Syrah, which is sometimes called Petite Syrah. Petite Sirah produces dark, tannic wines with black fruit and pepper notes, but it is more commonly used for blending rather than varietal bottling.

Where is Syrah wine produced?

The Rhône Valley region of France is Syrah's historic home, particularly the North Rhône appellations of Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie and Cornas.

Today, it is grown worldwide in regions with warm climates. Major regions include Australia, California, Washington State, and South Africa. It is also grown in Italy, Argentina, Chile, and New Zealand, among other countries.

Food pairings for Syrah wine

Syrah's savory, robust flavors pair well with flavorful meat dishes featuring beef, lamb, venison, or pork. Grilled meats are a go-to pairing. Braised short ribs, meaty stews, and sausages also match Syrah's hearty profile well.

For vegetarians, meaty mushrooms and umami-rich foods like caramelized onions and aged cheese provide compatible flavors. Herb-crusted vegetables, eggplant parmesan, and bean-based dishes also complement Syrah's layers of flavor.

How should Syrah and Shiraz be served?

Syrah should be served moderately cool at around 60–65°F (15–18°C) to allow its aromas and flavors to open up. Cooler than this can make the wine taste dull and muted. Warmer temperatures foreground the alcohol, resulting in a boozy and unbalanced experience.

Because of its high tannin and acidity, Syrah/Shiraz does well with a bit of aeration. Decanting for 30–60 minutes allows the wine to breathe and soften, helping smooth out bitter tannins and enhancing the fruit and savoriness.

Alternatives to Syrah

For those who enjoy the bold style of Syrah, alternatives to try include:

• Malbec - A dark, tannic red with similar notes of black fruit and pepper, though with a smoother, plumper texture.
• Zinfandel - Known for jammy blackberry and spice, California Zinfandel matches the ripe fruit intensity of Syrah.
• Cabernet Sauvignon - The king of bold reds, Cabernet has weight and structure similar to Syrah, albeit with more pronounced tannins. Cabernet's flavor is marked by blackcurrant and herbal notes rather than Syrah's black fruit and meatiness.
• Chianti Classico - The Italian Sangiovese grape has herbal, cherry flavors akin to Syrah's black fruit profile, with additional tobacco notes.

While none replicate Syrah exactly, these varieties express a similar sensibility of robust tannins, dark fruit, and savory complexity in their own unique way.