International Syrah Day, celebrated each year on February 16, is a great excuse to revisit one of the wine world’s most complex and charismatic grapes. A bold, powerful and expressive grape, from the granite slopes of France’s northern Rhône to the sun-drenched vineyards of Australia, Syrah tells a story of heritage, adaptation, and stylistic diversity.

A Grape with French Roots and Global Reach

For centuries, Syrah’s origins were the subject of romantic speculation. Some believed it traveled from the ancient Persian city of Shiraz. However, modern science has provided a more definitive answer. In the 1990s, researchers at the University of California used DNA profiling to trace Syrah’s lineage to southeastern France. The grape is the natural offspring of two obscure French varieties; Dureza and Mondeuse Blanche which firmly established its birthplace in the Rhône Valley.

It was in the steep vineyards of the northern Rhône that Syrah first achieved greatness. Appellations such as Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, and Cornas built their reputations on wines of structure, longevity, and savory notes; the finest examples can evolve for decades, revealing layers of smoked meat, black olive, violet, cracked pepper, and dark fruit as they mature.

During the 19th century, Syrah cuttings made their way to Australia, where the grape would eventually become the country’s flagship red under the name Shiraz. From there, it spread to South Africa, the United States, Chile, and beyond. Today, Syrah ranks among the most planted grape varieties in the world, a testament to both its adaptability and its appeal.

The Character of Syrah in the Glass

Syrah is immediately recognizable for its deep, inky hue—a visual cue to the concentration within. Structurally, it tends toward full-bodied wines with firm tannins and fresh acidity, a combination that gives it both power and balance. Yet its true signature lies in its aromatic complexity.

In cooler climates, Syrah often shows notes of blackberry, black pepper, olive tapenade, smoked meat, and crushed violets. There is frequently a mineral or earthy undertone.

In warmer regions, wines are typically richer and more fruit-driven, offering ripe plum, blueberry, licorice, chocolate, and sweet spice. Alcohol levels may be higher, textures plusher, and tannins rounder. In California’s Paso Robles or Washington’s Walla Walla Valley, styles range from opulent to structured, depending on elevation, climate, and winemaking philosophy. 

What unites these interpretations is a distinct savory thread—a subtle note of cured meat, smoked bacon, or pepper—that sets Syrah apart from other bold reds.

Syrah vs. Shiraz: A Matter of Style

Technically speaking, Syrah and Shiraz are the same grape. The difference lies in the intended style. “Syrah” often signals an Old World approach: structure, restraint, and an emphasis on earth and spice. “Shiraz” typically points to a New World expression: riper fruit, fuller body, and a more generous texture.

Of course, these are generalizations rather than rules. A cool-climate Australian producer may label their wine Syrah to reflect a more restrained style, while a bold bottling elsewhere may embrace the Shiraz name. Ultimately, climate and winemaking decisions shape the wine more profoundly than terminology.

The Art of Pairing Syrah

A Northern Rhône Syrah, with its peppery edge, pairs beautifully with lamb chops, roast duck, or mushroom-based dishes that echo its earthy tones. A bold Australian Shiraz can stand up to grilled ribeye, barbecue brisket, or slow-cooked beef short ribs. The wine’s fruit concentration also allows it to harmonize with spice-driven cuisines, from Moroccan tagines to pepper-crusted steaks.

Our Recommended Syrah Wines: 

M. Chapoutier Petite Ruche Crozes-Hermitage

The Chocolate Block

Commandeur St Michel Cotes du Rhone

Why Syrah Deserves Celebration

Syrah’s enduring appeal lies in its duality. It can be powerful yet elegant, fruit-driven yet savory, approachable in youth yet capable of extraordinary longevity. It speaks clearly of place—whether the granite slopes of Hermitage or the sunbaked vineyards of Barossa—while maintaining a recognizable core identity.

On International Syrah Day, take the opportunity to explore its range. Compare a structured French bottling with a generous Australian Shiraz. Revisit a trusted favourite or seek out a region you’ve yet to experience. Few grapes offer such a compelling journey in a single glass.