Syrah/Shiraz
Grape Varietal

Grape Varietal

Syrah/Shiraz

Syrah, known as Shiraz in warmer regions, is admired for its depth, spice, and complexity. Originating from the Rhône Valley in France, it produces full-bodied wines with notes of blackberry, black pepper, and smoked meat. Cooler climates highlight pepper and violets, while warmer sites bring riper fruit and chocolate tones. Firm tannins and balanced acidity give Syrah both structure and elegance, allowing it to age gracefully for decades while expressing remarkable regional diversity.
Origin
Origin
Northern Rhône Valley (France)
Notable Regions
Notable Regions
Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, Cornas, Saint-Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage (France), Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Hunter Valley (Australia), Stellenbosch, Swartland (South Africa), Elqui, Casablanca Valley (Chile), Sonoma, Central Coast (USA), Hawke’s Bay (New Zealand), Tuscany (Italy)
Popular Styles
Popular Styles
Northern Rhône Syrah, Barossa Valley Shiraz
Ageing Potential
Ageing Potential
20+ Years
Serving Temperature
Serving Temperature
Best enjoyed at 16-18°C
Alcohol
Alcohol
13.0-15.5%
Glass
Glass
Syrah

Taste Profile

Light
Body
Bold
Smooth
Tannins
Tannic
Soft
Acidity
Acidic
Dry
Sweetness
Sweet

Main Flavors

Primary (Grape-derived)

BlackberryBlueberryBlack PepperViolet

Secondary (Winemaking-derived)

CloveSmokeLicoriceCocoa

Tertiary (Ageing-derived)

LeatherGameBlack OliveEarth

Color

Young
Mature
Aged
Old

Food Pairing

General pairing principles
Protein-Rich Foods Smoky Flavors Aromatic/Spice-Driven Dishes Umami-Driven Dishes
Asian Pairing Suggestions
Chinese Black Pepper Beef Korean BBQ (Bulgogi or Galbi) Japanese Yakitori Vietnamese Shaking Beef Thai Panang Curry Mongolian Lamb
ChiliChili Chili
Pairs well with moderately spiced dishes, where flavors stay balanced with the wine’s ripe fruit and smooth tannins. Avoid very spicy food, as the wine’s structure may intensify the heat.

Filters

Country
Region
Subregion
Type
Brand
Grape Variety
94
DWWA
92
James Suckling
Luigi Bosca De Sangre Corte

Luigi Bosca De Sangre Corte

Alcohol
75 cL
|
14.6%
A bold and elegant harmony of Cabernet, Syrah, and Merlot, crafted to captivate from first sip to last.

Become a Wine Expert

Learn About Wine

Organic, Vegan and Biodynamic Wine: What is the Difference?

Organic, Vegan and Biodynamic Wine: What is the Difference?

What makes organic wine different from biodynamic wine and what exactly does vegan mean on a label? This guide answers all of these questions and more.
Guide to Wine Bottle Sizes

Guide to Wine Bottle Sizes

Read this definitive guide and dive into the fascinating world of different wine bottles sizes, names, and why wine benefits from storage in a large bottle.
How to Buy Wine: Help Your Salesperson Help You

How to Buy Wine: Help Your Salesperson Help You

Do you struggle for words in the wine shop? Here are some questions to ask your wine salesperson to make sure the bottle you buy is the bottle you want.