Syrah
Red wine grape variety
Also known as Shiraz
Syrah is a red wine grape with signature aromas of cured meat, black pepper, smoke. Structure: Full body, Medium acidity, Medium(+) tannin, High alcohol. Often confused with Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo.
Recognition cues
First checks
- Look for dark fruit plus pepper or smoked savory notes.
- Assess body and alcohol: many benchmark styles are full and warm.
Confidence signals
- Pepper and blackberry together
- Deep color with savory edge
Aromas
Signature
Common
Occasional
Commonly confused with
Classic anchors
- Classic regions: Northern Rhone · Barossa · Swartland · Walla Walla
- Classic styles: Savory peppery cool-climate red · Ripe full-bodied warm-climate Shiraz
Common questions
Is Syrah a red or white grape variety?
Syrah is a red wine grape variety.
What does Syrah smell and taste like?
Signature aromas of Syrah include cured meat, black pepper and smoke. Structural profile: Full body, Medium acidity, Medium(+) tannin, High alcohol.
What blind-tasting cues distinguish Syrah?
Documented tells for Syrah: Look for dark fruit plus pepper or smoked savory notes. and Assess body and alcohol: many benchmark styles are full and warm..
What is Syrah most often confused with in blind tasting?
Syrah is most commonly confused with Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo and Grenache. Resolve the call with structure and signature aromas.
Where is Syrah grown?
Classic regions for Syrah include Northern Rhone, Barossa, Swartland and Walla Walla.