Syrah / Shiraz
/see-rah / shi-raz/Syrah (known as Shiraz in Australia) is one of the world's great black grapes, capable of extraordinary power and elegance in equal measure. In the cool, steep vineyards of the northern Rhône, it produces the hauntingly aromatic, peppery wines of Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie. In Australia's warm, ancient valleys of Barossa and McLaren Vale, it becomes riper, sweeter, and more opulent. Across South Africa, California, and Argentina, it takes on regional personalities — from elegant and peppery to bold and fruit-forward.
Grape profile
Character & style
| Trait | Character |
|---|---|
| Body | full |
| Acidity | medium |
| Tannins | high |
| Sweetness | dry |
| Alcohol tendency | high |
| Origin | Rhône Valley, France |
| Common flavours | blackberry, black cherry, pepper, licorice, dark plum, game |
| Aromas | black pepper, blackberry, violet, smoke, leather, spice |
Pairing
Best food pairings
- Grilled lamb
- beef stew
- game
- aged cheeses
- spicy dishes
- barbecue
Where it thrives
Key regions for Syrah / Shiraz
France, Australia, United States, South Africa, Argentina, Spain
Rhône Valley
The Rhône Valley spans two worlds: the cool north, where Syrah reaches profound heights in Côte-Rôtie and Herm…
Barossa Valley
The Barossa Valley is Australia's most famous wine region, famed for deeply coloured, ripe, generous old-vine …
McLaren Vale
McLaren Vale makes ripe, fleshy Shiraz and one of the world's best regions for old-vine Grenache, with a long …
Hunter Valley
The Hunter Valley is Australia's oldest wine region, famous for a singular style of taut, age-worthy Semillon …
Swartland
Swartland's rolling wheat fields hide some of the world's oldest Chenin Blanc, the driving force behind a cele…