Syrah: powerful red wine from the Rhône to Australia
Syrah is a dark-skinned, spicy red wine variety that is also known as Shiraz. Vinoscout carries over 150 wines of this grape variety. The selection ranges from French appellations such as Crozes-Hermitage and Côtes du Rhône to wines from McLaren Vale and South Africa, as well as wines from Tuscany.
Style & Taste
Syrah tastes of dark fruits and spices. Typical aromas include plum, blackcurrant, and blackberry, accompanied by pepper, liquorice, and often a smoky tone. The wines are usually dry, have a medium to full body, and firm but ripe tannins.
The origin significantly shapes the style. Syrah from cooler sites in the northern Rhône appears tighter, spicier, and more peppery. Shiraz from McLaren Vale in South Australia is denser and more fruit-forward, with notes of ripe plum and chocolate. The aging process also changes the profile. Steel tanks emphasize the fruit. Barriques and larger wood vessels bring roasted aromas, vanilla, and more structure.
Some wines in the assortment are blends. Syrah is then, for example, blended with Cabernet Sauvignon or Carignan. The alcohol content in the assortment ranges between 0.5 and 16% vol. Around 9% of the selection comes from organic farming.
Which Syrah suits whom
Entry-level (under €20): This level is aimed at anyone looking for an uncomplicated everyday wine. Around a third of the assortment is in this category. The wines usually carry the designations IGP, IGT, or AOC and come from Languedoc-Roussillon, the Western Cape, McLaren Vale, and Sicily. They are fruit-forward and are often aged in steel tanks or used wood. Producers like Chateau Fontarèche, Kaapzicht Estate, Domaine Mira Luna, and KWV stand for this style.
Mid-range (€20–60): Here you will find wines with a clear origin and more depth. Around a quarter of the assortment belongs to this level. The regions are McLaren Vale, Crozes-Hermitage, Franschhoek, and Washington. The designations are AOC, AOP, or Qualitätswein. Barriques and wood provide structure and spice. Penfolds, E. Guigal, Delas, and Peter Lehmann define this price category.
Top-tier (from €60): This level is intended for collectors and special occasions. Around a third of the assortment is in this category. The wines come from Côtes du Rhône, McLaren Vale, South Australia, and Tuscany, with the designations AOC, AOP, or IGT. They are concentrated, complex, and are frequently aged in barriques or large wood vessels. Delas, Paul Jaboulet Aîné, Penfolds, and Henschke stand for this standard.
Origin & Subcategories
The selection includes Syrah from France, Australia, South Africa, Italy, Germany, and the United States. France is the home of the variety, and you can find its wines under France. There, the Rhône appellations form the core. More on this can be found on the Rhône and Côtes du Rhône pages. Wines from the south of the country come from the Languedoc.
Australia stands for the Shiraz style. The wines from Australia are usually powerful and fruity. One of the defining regions is McLaren Vale. From South Africa come wines that often combine fruit with spicy aging.
In addition, there are smaller groups from Italy, Germany, and the United States. They show how versatile the grape variety is on different soils and in different climates.
Pairs well with
Syrah pairs well with hearty meat dishes. It harmonizes particularly well with lamb, game, beef, veal, and steak. Braised and grilled dishes also bring out the spice and tannins of the wine well.
As an accompaniment to cheese, more mature, spicy varieties are suitable. For a barbecue, a fruity Syrah from the entry-level tier is a good fit. For a meal with braised roast or game, a wine from the mid-range or top-tier is worth it. Serve it not too warm so that the fruit and spice remain clear.
