Shiraz/Syrah
Tasting Notes
The Syrah and Shiraz names are commonly interchanged. The grape and wine is commonly called Syrah in France and Shiraz in Australia, South Africa and the USA. Though once thought as the same grapes, Syrah originated in the Rhône Valley of France. It has been cultivated for centuries and is the offspring of two lesser known grapes; Dureza and Mondeuse Blanche native to southeast France.
Shiraz has a rich history that traces back to ancient Persia specifically the ancient city of Shiraz located in present day Iran. It has evolved through centuries to become a globally celebrated varietal known for its bold flavors and cultural significance.
🎯 Overall Character - Syrah /Shiraz is best described as dark, powerful, spicy, and full‑bodied. A wine of ripe fruit, pepper, and savoury depth.
🍒 On the Nose (Aromatics) - Syrah / Shiraz is intensely aromatic, with layers of fruit, spice and savory depth. It has fruit notes of black cherry, black plum, blackberry, and blueberry. The wine is also well known for its spicy notes of black pepper, clove, cinnamon and nutmeg. Notes of smoke, cured meat, olive, and meat are present in the Rhône style Syrah. Other aromatics include tobacco, green peppercorn, earth, and smoked paprika.
🍷 On the Palate - Syrah / Shiraz is typically dry, full‑bodied, medium‑high tannins with medium acidity. Alcohol level typically 13.5–15% ABV. Flavours include blackberry, black cherry, blueberry, black pepper, smoke, cured meat, milk chocolate, and tobacco.
🌍 Regional Style Differences
Australia (Shiraz) - Ripe black fruit, concentrated, spicy, bold and often has higher alcohol
France (Syrah — Rhône Valley) -More acidity, earthy, herbal, savory, pepper, olive, and smoked meat
California (Shiraz) - Styles range from fruity and dense to herbal and meaty
🕰️ Aging Profile - Most Syrah / Shiraz wines are produced to be consumed within 1-3 years of release, showcasing their fresh fruit characteristics and lively acidity. Some Shiraz/Syrah wines are suitable for medium-term aging such as 4-7 years. Many wines from France (Rhone Valley and Hermitage fall into this category). Aging longer than 7 years causes the wine to lose it’s fruit flavours and evolves to more tertiary aromas and flavours such as leather, tobacco, and forest floor.
Food Pairing
Shiraz / Syrah is bold, dark‑fruited, spicy, and full‑bodied, which makes it a natural partner for grilled meats, barbecue, peppery dishes, and rich, hearty foods.
🥩 1. Grilled & Roasted Beef (The Signature Pairing) - Shiraz, especially Australian styles, is made for beef. Best pairings are Grilled or roast beef, especially served with pepper sauce, Pepper crusted ribeye and London broil. Shiraz’s dark fruit + pepper + tannin harmonize beautifully with char, fat, and beefy richness.
🔥 2. Barbecue & Smoked Meats - Shiraz is one of the best red wines for BBQ especially sweet, smoky, or spicy styles. deal pairings include Ribs, Spicy sausages, Smoked brisket, Pulled pork and Slow‑cooked brisket. Shiraz’s ripe fruit and spice stand up to smoky rubs, sticky sauces, and charred edges.
🐑 3. Lamb (Especially with Herbs) - Shiraz’s pepper and dark fruit complement lamb’s richness. Best matches include Lamb chops with garlic and rosemary and Lean grilled lamb. Herbs like rosemary and garlic echo Shiraz’s savory, peppery notes.
🌶️ 4. Spicy & Boldly Seasoned Dishes - Shiraz handles spice better than many full‑bodied reds. The wine pairs well with Chili, Spicy sausages (BBQ or grilled) and dishes with pepper, smoked paprika, or cumin. Shiraz’s fruit sweetness and spice complement heat and bold seasoning.
🍲 5. Stews & Slow‑Cooked Dishes - Shiraz’s body and tannin love long‑cooked richness. Great pairings include Beef stew, and Slow‑braised meats with herbs and root vegetables
🍔 6. Burgers & Casual Comfort Foods - Shiraz is surprisingly good with elevated comfort food. Ideal pairing include Cheeseburgers with bacon and cheddar, BBQ burgers with caramelized onions and Smoky veggie burgers.
🌱 7. Vegetarian Pairings - Shiraz needs smoke, char, or richness to balance its power. Good pairing are Grilled vegetables (especially eggplant, peppers, mushrooms) and BBQ‑style veggie dishes.
Roast Beef
Lamb Chops
Chesseburger
Grilled Vegetables