What is Syrah?
Syrah, also called Shiraz, is a full-bodied red wine grape that tastes dark and spicy, with blackberry, blueberry, black pepper and sometimes smoked meat or olive.
Syrah and Shiraz are the same grape. 'Shiraz' is what Australia calls it, and those bottles tend to be riper and jammier. 'Syrah' usually signals a French or French-style wine that's more peppery and savory.
- Tastes like
- Blackberry, blueberry, black pepper, smoke, olive
- Sweetness
- Dry
- Where it's from
- France's Rhône Valley; Australia; Washington; California
- Price range
- About $8–25
- Serve at
- Cool room temperature, 60–65°F
- Bodylight → big
- Sweetnessdry → sweet
- Zingsoft → zippy
- Gripsmooth → grippy
What Syrah tastes like
Dark berries, especially blackberry and blueberry, with a cracked-black-pepper spice that's its signature. French and Washington Syrah can taste savory, like bacon, olives or smoke. Australian Shiraz is plusher, with jammy fruit and chocolate.
Where it comes from
Syrah's home is the northern Rhône Valley in France, in famous spots like Côte-Rôtie and Hermitage. It's also a big part of southern Rhône blends like Côtes du Rhône. Australia's Barossa Valley made Shiraz a household name, and Washington State makes excellent, peppery Syrah.
How to pick a bottle
If you want ripe, smooth and fruity, grab an Australian Shiraz. If you want savory and spicy, look for Washington Syrah or a French 'Crozes-Hermitage'. A 'Côtes du Rhône' is a cheap, easy blend with plenty of Syrah in it.
What to eat with it
Peppery, smoky food matches the wine's own spice: grilled lamb, BBQ brisket, sausages, pepper-crusted steak, hearty stews. Shiraz also handles burgers and pizza with ease.
Syrah and Shiraz to try
[yellow tail] Shiraz
about $7Shiraz (Syrah)It's fine
Soft, jammy and super cheap. Easy Aussie Shiraz for a party.
Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz
about $12Shiraz (Syrah)
More depth and grip than most $12 Shiraz, from a big Aussie name.
Jacob’s Creek Shiraz
about $9Shiraz (Syrah)
Simple, plummy and widely available. A cheap intro to the grape.
Keep reading
- What is dry red wine?
- What is Petite Sirah?
- Shiraz vs Syrah: what's the difference?
- What wine goes with lamb?
- What wine goes with BBQ?
Last checked 2026-10-11.