It’s time to address the problem first. Syrah and Shiraz are the same grape variety. However, neither is akin to Petite Sirah, a varietal that is a distinct variety. It is in France; Syrah reaches its apex in the northern Rhone, which is where the wines that are produced by Hermitage, Cote-Rotie (where it’s typically blended with a bit of white wine Viognier) as well, as St.-Joseph, which adds flavors and spice to blends of wines from the Southern Rhone. In Australia, it’s referred to as Shiraz which often (but often) is expressed in a more fruit-forward way even though the traditional image of a fruit bomb Australian Shiraz can be seen getting more and more dated with each new vintage. It is also very popular with California, Washington State (the Rocks AVA is particularly notable; however, the larger Walla Walla Valley is unique — check out the standout Syrah of Cayuse and Horsepower for great samples), Israel, and beyond.
What is Syrah Wine?
Syrah is one of the wines made from the grape of the identical name. It’s typically made in the form of a red wine, which is logical considering the heftier skins, the tannins, and phenolic compounds that could get extracted through maceration and fermentation. However, Syrah is also a significant participant in the scene of roses: Its examples that come from Rhone Valley, Provence, Languedoc, and beyond are very loved by consumers all over the world. Syrah can find its place at the savory end of the range, as it does in Northern Rhone with its telltale bacon and peppercorn flavors (as occasional notes of flowers, like violets) and in more fruit-forward styles. In the regions that are part of the Central Coast, for example, it could play an important role in highly fruity and high-octane reds that are very popular. If you can find these reds, the Syrah-based wines from the famous maker Sine Qua Non are worth a look.
Where Does Syrah Wine Come From?
Syrah is the most well-known variety of Syrah and is made within the Rhone Valley in France; some of the most adored wines from the northern region in the area are made on the foundation of Syrah or comprised entirely of the grape variety. Hermitage is among the finest examples of Syrah, like Cote-Rotie. St,-Joseph and Cornas are also significant sources of outstanding Syrah-based wine and Crozes-Hermitage. In the Southern Rhone, though Grenache is the dominant grape in the region, Syrah is still a critical component. It’s one of the 13 allowed varieties in Chateauneuf du-Pape and is vital in numerous Cotes du Rhone blends. It is essential for both roses and reds in Provence and in Languedoc; in the Languedoc and Roussillon, it should be addressed.
The wine of Australia, Shiraz, was responsible for introducing a whole generation of drinkers to the wines Shiraz, which was responsible for submitting an entire generation of consumers to the wines from Land Down Under, most notably with its fruit-forward and drink-anytime versions which were typically made in huge quantities. From the mid-to the late 1990s, they were generally available throughout the US States…often with bottles decorated with vibrant, cute, adorable, or stylized animal designs. Some of the most outstanding Shiraz-based wine worldwide are made in Australia, and painting every aspect of Australian Shiraz using the same brush needs to be more accurate. Producers such as Two Hands, Hentley Farm, Torbreck, Henschke, Penfolds, Clarendon Hills, and many others make Shiraz-based wines that can be compared to the best from France and other countries. The potential to age is quite impressive. There are plenty of stories about vintages from the past of Penfolds Grange. One that is less well-known but tasty can be the new 2019 Mount Langi Ghiran Cliff Edge Shiraz, which has a balanced blend of the brambly berry flavor and spice laced with dried scrubby herbs and the hint of game meat.
In California, the full-throttle version of Syrah is prevalent in regions such as Paso Robles and Santa Barbara. Still, The Golden State makes more refined and savory varieties. In Washington, Syrah has found its place within The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater AVA and other appellations.
Its ability to perform very well even in hot climates (though it also makes excellent wines in cooler temperatures) is no surprise that it’s even more stunning in Israel. For South Africa, it also shines in more relaxed and warmer microclimates. In South America, it does very well in both Chile and Argentina.
Why Should You Drink Syrah Wine?
Syrah is a wine that offers incredibly delicious drinking experiences across the whole style spectrum: Whether like more fruit-forward and generous red wines, spicy, savory, and meaty varieties, or both! The Syrah (or Shiraz) will please.
It’s also one of the grape varieties susceptible to temperature. However, it is also highly flexible. Whether it’s grown in a moderate climate or warmer (and it thrives in hotter climates), Syrah has a fantastic ability to convey the region in which its roots are located, as well as the wine has style.
People who prefer red wines with more depth will discover plenty to like regarding Syrah and Shiraz. The tannic structure of the wine is prominent, and it can attain high levels of alcohol. Its harmony between spices and fruit perfectly matches heartier dishes like sausages, game meats, saucy, and barbecue seasoned with spices.
What Does Syrah Taste Like?
Syrah tends to focus on fruits on the darker side of the spectrum, including brambly mixed mountain berries and plums among the typical notes. In more excellent areas or vintages, red fruits are also available. Savory notes of leather cracked peppercorns, or bacon can also be famous as the scents of flowers such as violets.
Due to its thicker skin, Syrah’s tannins permit the wine to mature with impressive longevity, based on the place it’s grown and the manner of vinification. While it’s not unusual to see wine bottles made of Syrah or Shiraz with alcohol levels of 15% or more, There are also excellent choices with less moderate amounts of alcohol. The most awesome can find the right balance between savory, spice, and plenty of ripe fruit.
It might seem odd considering Syrah’s tannic nature; however, serving it slightly lower than ambient temperature can be the best since warm Syrah is often perceived as unbalanced and boozy, and a short 15-minute pause in the refrigerator can assist with this. If the Syrah bottle isn’t entirely tannic when you first open it, decanting may assist, as would vigorous swirling within the Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon glass. Also, as always, proteins and fats can help balance the wine’s tannic character, allowing the fruit to shine more clearly.
Five Great Syrah Wines
There are numerous excellent Syrah wines available at present. The producers listed alphabetically are the perfect starting point to explore Syrah’s many options.
Gerard Bertrand
Bertrand has been a prolific winemaker of whites, reds, and roses among his offerings. The 2018 Chateau L’Hospitalet Clape Grand Vin blends 60 percent Syrah with 30 Grenache at a % and 10 percent Mourvedre. It can be described as a Demeter-certified biodynamic and excellent. Hints of kirsch and crushed boysenberries complement the hoisin sauce’s ripe notes and peppercorn-crusted venison. The spice, fruit, and savory flavors present here are exquisitely balanced.
Minus Tide
Minus Tide has gained real popularity over the last few years from their home in Philo, California. This is no surprise since their wines, which span in price from Carignan roses through Chardonnay, are well-thought-out and meticulous. Two Syrahs from Mendocino Ridge, single-vineyard releases made of Mendocino Ridge, embody this. Its 2019 Valenti Vineyard bottle is all aroma of peppercorn. It is followed by a vibrant, lively palate of red fruits and peppercorns and subtle notes of iron and blood oranges in the well-balanced, mouthwatering end. In 2019, the Perli Vineyard was more fragrant, with crushed flowers and blueberries in the aroma creating the scene for flavors of huckleberries and cherries and a delicate note of jasmine, which makes excellent tension, with notes of dry-aged beef.
Mira and Herman Story
Mira is a well-known winemaker for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. However, it’s 2017. Hyde Vineyard Syrah shows how it works alongside Napa Valley Syrah, too. It’s mineral-driven and has blackberries and bacon fat, infused by Blood Orange acidity throughout its lengthy, sweet star-anise-dusted final with tea-like tannins. To make a bigger Syrah, The massive muscular 2019 Herman Story Nuts & Bolts Syrah is, as the fans who watched “This Is Spinal Tap” may say, a notch higher. It is a slurp that floats across the palate with a swell of tartar, pomegranate molasses, Kirsch-filled chocolate ganache, and candied violets and olives in black and is smokin’ with pink peppercorns that have been cracked.
Tulip
The standout Israeli producer Tulip is located in Kfar Tikvah, or the Village of Hope in Galilee, and has employed disabled people to make their soulful wines. The single vineyard wine is a delicious red severe with notes of iron, leather, and black olives that have been cured and cracked. White peppercorns are balanced with dark plums and blackberries.
Vina Montes
Montes produces a variety of wines from Chile. “Folly” from the 2019 vintage “Folly” is a rich large, high-altitude Syrah produced by Montes’ Apalta vineyard in the appellation with the same name in the Colchagua Valley. It’s velvety and plush, yet well-structured with tannins that will provide an evolution throughout the bottle, and it has the aromas of spice-rubbed pork ribs, dried violets, olives, peppercorns blueberries, black licorice, and cassis.
