Syrah
A dark, peppery Rhône red (Shiraz in Australia) that ranges from savory and smoky to ripe and jammy. Washington, Paso Robles and Santa Barbara make some of America's best.
Syrah is the noble red grape of France's northern Rhône Valley, behind Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie. In Australia it's called Shiraz and made in a riper, fruitier style. American Syrah spans both, from savory, peppery cool-climate wines to lush, jammy ones from warmer sites.
What It Tastes Like
Syrah is dark and full-bodied, with blackberry, blueberry and plum, plus black pepper, smoked meat, olive and violets. Cool-climate Syrah is savory and peppery. Warm-climate Syrah or Shiraz is riper, with jammy fruit and chocolate. Tannins are firm and the wines age well.
Where It Grows
Washington makes some of the most exciting Syrah in the country, especially in Walla Walla Valley, Red Mountain, the Yakima Valley and the Rocks District of Milton-Freewater (in Oregon). California's Paso Robles, Santa Barbara County, Sonoma Coast and Sierra Foothills are strong too, as are southern Oregon, Texas and Virginia.
What to Look For
- Washington Syrah, savory and structured.
- Central Coast Syrah, riper and richer.
- GSM blends with Grenache and Mourvèdre.
- Syrah-Viognier, co-fermented in the Côte-Rôtie style.
Where to Find Syrah
Wine regions on American Winery Guide where Syrah is grown or poured: