Uncovering America's best kept wine secrets
Syrah
Syrah is the brooding artist of the wine world: intense, a little mysterious, and packing way more flavor than it lets on. It’s smoky, spicy, and complex, but it’s not here to show off. It’s just naturally cool.
Syrah is Spicy, Bold, and Smoky. If you like Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, or Zinfandel, you may enjoy Syrah for its similar profile.
Flavors
Blueberry
Blackberry
Cracked pepper
Smoked bacon
Mole sauce
Imagine the smell of a bonfire, a drizzle of blackberry syrup, and the heat of peppered jerky. It’s rustic, layered, and just the right amount of untamed.
Syrah wears a lot of different outfits depending on where it’s from. In France’s Northern Rhône, it can be savory and peppery, with black olive and smoked meat notes, while in Australia (as Shiraz) it often bursts with ripe blackberry, blueberry, and dark chocolate. Compared to Cabernet, Syrah tends to be spicier and sometimes more rustic, with a smoky, earthy edge. And despite all those rich flavors, most Syrahs aren’t sweet. They’re dry, structured reds that can range from silky and elegant to bold and in-your-face. The fun is in discovering just how different they can be from one region to another.
Acid
Syrah balances dark, savory flavors with medium acidity, adding freshness to its bold body.
Tannin
Syrah can show powerful, cotton-ball-like tannins, especially from cooler climates where structure is emphasized.
Alcohol
Syrah ranges from 13–15.5%. Cool-climate versions like Washington’s Yakima Valley show more structure and reveal alcohol clearly while warmer California Shiraz-style bottlings cloak it in lush fruit. Depending on where it is grown, it can be a sneaky one.
Serving Temp
60–65°F (just under room temp)
Chill for 15–20 minutes in the fridge before opening, or decant and serve slightly cool for a smoother taste.
Food Pairing
Takeout: Smoked brisket or BBQ ribs
Snack: Salt & pepper chips
From the Fridge: Leftover cajun food
Elevated Pairing: Braised wild boar with smoked paprika jus
Where you'll find it
Originally from the Rhône Valley in southern France, Syrah is known for its dark, spicy, and savory style in regions like Côte-Rôtie and Hermitage.
Washington
Especially in Walla Walla, Yakima Valley, and Red Mountain, where its often more savory, earthy, and age-worthy.
California
Found from Paso Robles to Sonoma Coast; styles vary from jammy and lush to smoky and peppery.
Texas
Syrah is gaining traction in the Texas High Plains. It handles heat well, which brings out spice and black fruit.
Arizona (Verde Valley, Willcox)
High-altitude Syrah here shows bold fruit with brambly edge.
Virginia
Small plantings, often blended, but worth watching.
The Last Drop
Syrah and Shiraz are the same grape. Syrah is the French name used for elegant, peppery, Rhone style, where Shiraz is the Australian name for their bolder, riper style. While most US versions are labeled Syrah, some winemakers use Shiraz to indicate the wine will be more fruit forward.