Syrah, also known as Shiraz, is a dark-skinned grape variety grown throughout the world and used primarily to produce red wine. The styles and flavors of Syrah/Shiraz wines vary greatly depending on the climate and soil where the grapes are grown, as well as the winemaking techniques employed.
In regions with cooler climates, such as the Rhône Valley in France, Syrah wines are typically medium to full-bodied with high tannins and acidity. They often exhibit flavors of blackberry, mint, and black pepper, with a characteristic meaty (sometimes bacon-like) note. The Northern Rhône appellations, like Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie, are particularly famed for producing some of the most esteemed and complex Syrah wines in the world.
In warmer regions, like Australia, where the grape is almost exclusively referred to as Shiraz, the wines tend to be fuller in body, riper, and more fruit-forward. Australian Shiraz, particularly from regions like Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, often showcases flavors of blackberry, black cherry, and plums, with chocolate and spice notes, and a softer, lusher texture compared to its French counterparts. Australian Shiraz can also be crafted into a range of styles, from relatively light and fruity wines to deep, intense, and highly concentrated offerings that can age for decades.
Syrah/Shiraz is also a popular variety in other wine-producing countries, including the United States, South Africa, and Argentina, where the style of the wine can vary between the elegant, peppery profile of cooler-climate Syrah and the lush, fruit-driven character of warmer-climate Shiraz.
In addition to being produced as a single varietal wine, Syrah/Shiraz is also commonly used in blends. In the Rhône Valley, it is often blended with Grenache and Mourvèdre to form the classic GSM blend, while in other regions, it can be found blended with a variety of other grapes to add complexity and structure to the wine.
Whether enjoyed young or with some bottle age, Syrah/Shiraz offers a rich tapestry of flavors and styles, reflecting the diversity of terroirs where it thrives and the creative expressions of winemakers around the globe.
