Syrah
Bold. Smoky. Unforgettable.
The Profile
What makes Syrah unique
Flavors
Blackberry, black olive, black pepper, smoked meat, leather, violet
Body
Full
Dryness
Dry
Acidity
Medium to High
Tannin
Medium to High
Regions
Paso Robles, Sonoma County, Santa Barbara, Sierra Foothills
Perfect Pairings
Braised short ribs, lamb tagine, grilled sausages, aged Gouda
What it tastes like
Syrah is dark fruit meets savory complexity. Expect concentrated blackberry and blueberry, but also black olive, cured meat, cracked black pepper, and leather. There's often a floral lift—violets or lavender—that adds elegance. The tannins are firm but refined, the acidity keeps it fresh, and the finish lingers with smoke and spice. This is a wine that demands your attention and rewards contemplation.
"California gave Syrah a new identity—complex, food-friendly, and endlessly fascinating."
Why it matters
France's Rhône Valley made Syrah legendary, but California gave it a new identity. In the 1990s, the "Rhône Rangers" movement championed Syrah and other Rhône varieties, proving California could do more than Cabernet and Chardonnay. Today, California Syrah ranges from fruit-forward and approachable to dark, brooding, and age-worthy. It's the thinking person's red—complex, food-friendly, and endlessly fascinating.
California Heritage
Syrah and Shiraz are the same grape genetically, but the name often signals style—Syrah tends toward elegance and restraint, while Shiraz suggests ripe fruit and power.
Where it shines
Paso Robles is Syrah central—warm days and cool nights produce rich, spicy wines with ripe fruit and savory notes. Sonoma County delivers more elegance and restraint, with black pepper and herbs taking center stage. Santa Barbara's cooler sites craft bright, perfumed Syrahs with floral aromatics. Sierra Foothills produces rustic, powerful expressions with wild berry and earth. Each region puts its stamp on this chameleon grape.
How to choose
Look for Paso Robles for power and concentration. Sonoma or Santa Barbara for elegance and finesse. Check the alcohol—above 14.5% signals ripe, fruit-forward styles; under 14% leans more restrained and Old World. Single-vineyard bottlings often show the most character. And don't overlook "Shiraz" on California labels—some producers use the Australian term for fruit-forward styles.
Pairs well with
Syrah loves fat, char, and spice. Braised short ribs with the wine's savory notes create perfect harmony. Lamb tagine with dried fruits and warm spices mirror the wine's complexity. Grilled sausages—especially lamb merguez—are a classic match. Aged Gouda or other nutty, caramelized cheeses bring out the wine's depth. This is a wine built for bold, hearty food.
