Learn about Syrah
Syrah is the hallmark grape of the Rhone region in France. In Northern Rhone by law, the Rhone red wines must be 100% Syrah. In the Southern Rhone, Syrah can be blended with Grenache, Carignane, or Mourvedre. Syrah is also grown widely in the Languedoc wine region in Southern France. Syrah is grown extensively in California and in Washington. My favorite Syrah wines come from the Ballard Canyon AVA in Santa Barbara wine country. In Australia Syrah is called Shiraz. These wines are very popular in Australia and the wines tend to be more on the robust and heavy side of the spectrum.
Character of Syrah
Syrah wines tend to be spicy with white pepper predominant. Sometimes certain Syrah wines can a bacon-like character. The wines are generally lush with dark fruit flavors. French Syrah wines tend to more on the earthy side.
Under $20 Cabernet Sauvignon wines we like:
- Tous les Jours Syrah – Andrew Murray
- Zaca Mesa Syrah
- Sobon Estate Syrah
- Charles Smith Boom Boom Syrah
Foods we like with Syrah
- Grilled chicken – see recipe
- Coq au vin
- Fig Pizza with pesto and goat cheese
- Mushroom pizza – see recipe
- Healthy portobello mushroom sandwich – see recipe
Syrah vineyards in the Rockpile AVA of Dry Creek Valley