A Quick Guide to Syrah

Syrah, which is the same grape as Shiraz, is often grown in more moderate climates like the Northern Rhone. Whereas Shiraz is grown in warmer climates like its famous home in the Barossa Valley, Australia. Let’s take a closer look at this complex grape.

About the wines

Syrah is a thick skinned grape which means it tends to be a darkly coloured full bodied red wine with medium to high tannins and moderate acidity.

From the Northern Rhone, it produces wines with black fruit flavours, with hints of pepper, smoked meats, and black olive. In warmer climates, Syrah exhibits riper fruit flavours, often complemented by sweet spice notes from oak ageing. With ageing, Syrah can develop notes of tobacco, damp earth, and leather.

Most commonly known for producing dry red wines, Syrah can also produce dry and sweet sparkling wines in Australia.

Syrah is a versatile blending partner, most notably in GSM blends with Grenache and Mourvèdre. Additionally, it is commonly blended with Viognier in the Northern Rhone and Carignan in the Southern Rhone. In Australia and South Africa, Cinsault is also introduced to the blend.

Notable regions

Syrah’s most famous home is the Northern Rhone with outstanding examples coming from Cote Rotie, Hermitage and Cornas. Hawkes Bay, New Zealand also produces fruit-forward Syrah with good savoury balance and kick of pepper.

Shiraz is most famously made in the Barossa Valley in Australia. South Africa is also producing fantastic Shiraz across Stellenbosch, Constantia, Elgin and Swartland.

Try with

Syrah and Shiraz pair excellently with barbecued meats and can withstand a touch of spice. Syrah, in particular, complements root vegetables beautifully.