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Syrah / Shiraz grape
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Syrah / Shiraz is a red grape known for blackberry, pepper, smoke. Its best-known homes are Rhône, Barossa, Washington.
Origin and history
From the northern Rhône; DNA shows it is a cross of Dureza and Mondeuse Blanche, two grapes from south-east France.
Where it grows
Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie and Cornas in the Rhône, Barossa and McLaren Vale in Australia, Washington State, Chile, South Africa and Hawke's Bay.
Structure
Full body, medium-plus to high tannin and medium acidity. Deep, inky colour.
Aromas, young and aged
Cool climates: blackberry, black pepper, olive and smoked meat. Warm climates (Shiraz): ripe plum, jam, chocolate and liquorice.
Ageing
Good examples age 5–15 years; top Hermitage and Barossa can go 20 years or more.
Also known as
Shiraz (Australia, South Africa).
Good to know
In Côte-Rôtie it is traditionally co-fermented with a little white Viognier, which brightens colour and aroma.
Wine regions for Syrah / Shiraz
Syrah / Shiraz wines to try
Real bottles from The Wine Library.
E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône Rouge
Rhône Valley · Côtes du Rhône · Syrah / Shiraz, Garnacha / Grenache, Mourvèdre
Generous and peppery: dark berries, spice and soft tannins.
Food: Sausages, cassoulet, pizza
Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge
Rhône Valley · Châteauneuf-du-Pape · Mourvèdre, Garnacha / Grenache, Syrah / Shiraz
Deep and savoury: black fruit, garrigue herbs, leather and spice.
Food: Game, slow-cooked lamb
Paul Jaboulet Aîné Hermitage La Chapelle
Rhône Valley · Hermitage · Syrah / Shiraz
Powerful Syrah: blackberry, black olive, smoke and pepper.
Food: Venison, beef stew
Rockford Basket Press Shiraz
Barossa Valley · Syrah / Shiraz
Old-vine Barossa Shiraz: plum, blackberry, chocolate and spice.
Food: Barbecued lamb, beef
Gérard Bertrand Côte des Roses Rosé
Languedoc-Roussillon · Languedoc · Grenache Rosé, Cinsault, Syrah / Shiraz
Pale and fresh: redcurrant, citrus peel and a floral, gently saline finish.
Food: Grilled fish, salads, tapenade
Celler de Capçanes Mas Donís
Montsant · Garnacha / Grenache, Syrah / Shiraz
Juicy, sun-warmed Garnacha with ripe cherry, herbs and soft tannins. Easy and generous.
Food: Pizza, grilled sausages, lamb chops
Celler del Roure Les Alcusses
Valencia · Moixent · Monastrell, Garnacha Tintorera, Syrah / Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon
Mediterranean blend with dark berries, garrigue herbs and a smooth, savoury finish.
Food: Paella with rabbit, grilled meats, stews
Viña Altaïr Altaïr
Cachapoal Valley · Alto Cachapoal · Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère, Syrah / Shiraz
Andean-foothill flagship, cassis, graphite and fresh herbs with fine, structured tannins.
Food: Rib-eye steak, lamb rack, aged cheese
Jiménez-Landi Sotorrondero
Méntrida · Syrah / Shiraz, Garnacha / Grenache
Ripe black fruit and pepper from granite hills near Toledo, polished by gentle oak.
Food: Roast lamb, venison stew, aged cheese
Viña Falernia Syrah Reserva
Cool desert-edge Syrah, peppery and floral with blackberry and a fresh finish.
Food: Pepper steak, lamb kebabs, duck
Similar red grapes
Explore all grapes in the interactive guide
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