Syrah Explained: From the Rhône to California and Everywhere Inbetween
Syrah, also known by many other names across the world, is a red grape variety that adapts amazingly well to different environments, resulting in a wide range of wine styles. In certain European areas, it is known for producing complex wines with distinctive flavours, while in parts of the Southern Hemisphere, it often takes on a bolder, more fruit-driven character. Elsewhere, such as in parts of North America, the grape yields wines that blend rich fruit notes with more savoury elements. Its versatility has contributed to its popularity among both producers and wine drinkers around the world.
The Rhône
The Northern Rhône is this noble grape's native land, where it thrives on the region’s steep granite slopes, yielding wines that are both powerful and elegant. In appellations like Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, and Cornas, Syrah expresses deep notes of blackberry, black pepper, and violet, often accompanied by a meaty or smoky undertone. These wines are structured and age-worthy, revealing greater complexity over time. In Côte-Rôtie, a touch of Viognier is sometimes co-fermented, adding floral lift to the wine. Further south, in Saint-Joseph and Crozes-Hermitage, Syrah offers a slightly more approachable style yet still showcases the grape’s signature spice and dark fruit character.
In the Southern Rhône, Syrah plays a supporting role in blends, contributing depth and structure to Grenache-based wines. Whether as a single varietal or in blends, Syrah from the Rhône Valley offers a captivating balance of fruit, spice, and savoury notes, making it a versatile choice for various pairings and occasions.
Laurent Habrard’s 2022 Crozes-Hermitage is a vibrant expression of Northern Rhône Syrah, showcasing aromas of blackberries, violets, and a touch of black pepper. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied with silky tannins, fresh acidity, and a savoury edge that reflects its organic vineyard origins and minimal-intervention winemaking.
Australia
In the sun-soaked Barossa Valley, Syrah—more commonly labelled as Shiraz—takes on a bold, generous character that’s become emblematic of Australian wine. Here, the grape sheds any lean restraint, instead offering plush waves of dark fruit, black pepper, and warm spice. Recent vintages reflect a move towards balance: while the region still delivers those rich, full-bodied classics, there’s a growing nod to freshness and structure, with some producers dialling back oak to let the vineyard speak. It's Syrah with swagger, but increasingly, with subtlety too.
North America
In California, Syrah has found a dynamic second home, producing bold, expressive wines that showcase the region’s sun-soaked terroir. Especially in areas like Paso Robles and Santa Barbara County, Syrah thrives—offering a vibrant spectrum of styles. You’ll find everything from plush, fruit-forward bottlings with blackberry and blueberry richness, to more restrained, savoury examples laced with pepper, olive, and smoky undertones. Much like the Rhône but with a West Coast swagger, Californian Syrah has carved out a compelling niche—both as a single-varietal star and in Rhône-style blends that embrace both power and finesse.
The Pax North Coast Syrah 2022 is a bold and expressive red wine showcasing the rugged character of California’s North Coast. It offers vibrant notes of blackberries, cracked pepper, and smoked herbs, balanced by bright acidity and a savoury, mineral-driven finish.
South America
In South America, Syrah has found a vibrant second home, particularly in Chile’s Elqui and Limarí Valleys and parts of Argentina like San Juan. Here, the grape thrives under intense sunlight and cooling mountain breezes, yielding wines that balance ripeness with freshness. The styles vary—from plush, fruit-forward reds brimming with blackberry and plum, to more structured, peppery expressions with smoky undertones and savoury depth. Increasingly, winemakers are exploring lighter, fresher takes on Syrah, dialling back oak to let the terroir shine. The result? A dynamic and evolving profile that feels both rooted and refreshingly new.
It’s a wide world of Syrah out there, so if your interested in finding out more, have a look at our website.