Syrah

The Syrah grape, also known as Shiraz, is a versatile red variety primarily used to produce full-bodied, complex wines. It’s widely grown in many wine-producing regions worldwide, including France, Italy, Australia, the United States, and South Africa.

Syrah’s flavour profile is typically characterised by dark fruit notes such as blackberry, blackcurrant, and plum, along with hints of pepper, smoke, and leather. The wine’s body can range from medium to full, with a smooth texture and moderate to high tannins. In cooler climates, Syrah tends to exhibit more peppery and herbal characteristics, while warmer regions produce wines with riper fruit flavours and higher alcohol content. The aging potential of Syrah wines can vary, with some high-quality examples improving for decades in the cellar.

The diversity in Syrah production across different regions offers wine enthusiasts a comprehensive tasting experience. Let us explore the global presence of Syrah. In France, the Rhône Valley is considered the traditional home of this grape variety. The Northern Rhône wines, particularly Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie, are renowned for their complexity, offering a sophisticated blend of blackberry, mint, and black pepper notes.

Moving to South America, Chile and Argentina produce Syrah wines with a distinct fruity character. South Africa, especially the Stellenbosch region, is also noteworthy for its Syrah production, creating wines that harmoniously combine dark fruit flavors with spice and earthy undertones.

Finally, most famous Australian Shiraz comes from Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale. Barossa Valley is renowned for producing robust, full-bodied Shiraz characterised by intense dark fruit flavours, complemented by fuller notes of chocolate and spice. McLaren Vale is recognised for crafting Shiraz with a harmonious balance of fruit and spice flavours.

Different Shiraz varieties invite diverse dish pairings, depending on their unique origins. A more intense Shiraz will form a hearty friendship with a lamb barbecue, while lighter, fruitier, and more herbal varieties will shine alongside a strong cheese plate.