Syrah (AKA Shiraz)

TL; DR

Syrah (AKA Shiraz) is known around the world for its power and spice. Cooler climates produce a much more savoury and peppery expression than the typical rich Aussie blockbuster.

So, what is Syrah all about?--red

Shiraz may well be the poster boy for wine. Even our non-wine friends (we don't have very many of those) know what it is and that it packs a punch. Full of fruit, but savoury too, it has smoky overtones with plenty of pepper. Handles oak well and ages splendidly.

Where did Syrah Originate?--aromatic

Shiraz is native to the northern Rhône Valley in eastern France.

Though you may sometimes hear previously held theories that this grape was native to either the Greek island of Syrah or the city of Shiraz in Iran, there just isn't much evidence to back these ideas up.

Who's most famous for Syrah?--racy

Syrah is without a doubt most famously from France and Australia (where it's better known as Shiraz).

Some of the most famous French examples of Syrah are from the northern Rhône Valley, where it is the exclusive red grape. But when it comes to reading the wine label, you won't see "Syrah" on the bottle. Instead, the sub-region will be mentioned. So look for Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, Cornas and Saint-Joseph.

Syrah is also an important player in the southern Rhône, though not as often as a single varietal but as a blending partner with Grenache and Mouvedre, making the famous "GSM" blend (Grenache - Syrah- Mourvedre). And further south still, Syrah is an important grape in the Languedoc- Roussilon where it is used with other local red grapes to make delicious red blends.

In Australia, the grape has a cult following for wines from the Barossa Valley. However, it's found home all across the country making a range of styles, both as a single varietal expression (most commonly) and contributing to GSM blends.  

This grape loves temperate to warm climates and has also found great success in the USA, particularly in eastern Washington and California, as well as Spain, Chile, New Zealand and South Africa. It's one of those grapes that can really travel!

What does Syrah taste like?--aromatic

There can be quite a range of flavours here depending on the region this grape is from. French expressions are often more savoury and tend towards flavours of lavender, black cherry, pepper and olives. The best of these is at once floral, smoky, spicy and balanced — quite elegant.

On the other hand, Australian Shiraz tends to be much more weighty and bold. Think luscious and fruity, loaded with plum, raisin and plenty of oaky richness which brings extra spice and notes of vanilla. This is also similar to the style from other New World producers, ensuring that the power of these wines is not in doubt.

Both are equally delicious, and are simply a matter of taste!

Main styles Syrah is known for?--cellar

The climate the grapes were grown in has a big impact on the final style. That is, warmer climates typically result in a wine with a generous load of fruit, weight, and often a fair hit of oak (like in Australia). And cooler climates translate to more lavender, olive, pepper and earthiness (like in France).

It's important to note that in New World regions the wine can be labelled either "Syrah" or "Shiraz". This is up to the producer. Typically the choice to use "Syrah" indicates that the winemaker has intended it to resemble the more floral and savoury French style. Whereas the choice to use "Shiraz" indicates the wine was made in a bolder more powerful, Australian style.

What foods pair with Syrah?--plum

The best food pairings with Syrah will be able to match Syrah's robust structure and bold, savoury flavours. So go for big, intense and richer dishes. You can never go wrong with anything that comes off the BBQ — think steak, burgers, and eggplant! It's also a real champ paired with braised meat, stews, grilled mushrooms, roast lamb and eggplant lasagne.

Fun fact--earth

When Syrah first came to Australia, it was called exactly that, Syrah. But the Australians nick-named it "Shiraz" and now the name has spread across the world!

If you like this, you should also give these grapes a guzzle...--wines

Tempranillo, Malbec