Syrah (aka "The Steakhouse Bouncer")

If Cabernet is the president and Pinot is the poet, Syrah is the guy in a leather jacket standing next to the grill, flipping ribeyes with one hand and quoting Hemingway with the other.

This bold red is a global jetsetter: popular in France (where they call it “Sirahh”), Australia (where it’s “Shiraz”), and California (where it’s “hot dang, that’s good”). It's got flavor for days: pepper, spice, dark fruit, and this wild little savory streak that ranges from meaty to “is that a campfire and bacon sandwich?”

Graphite? Yep. Blackberries and smoke? Double yep. This wine doesn’t just have personality - it’s got a whole résumé.

And when it comes to food, Syrah doesn’t just pair with grilled meats - it high-fives them. Burgers, brisket, lamb chops: it’s like they were born to dance together in your mouth.

Tasting Tips:

• Let it breathe. Syrah opens up beautifully with a bit of air.
• Look for that signature pepper-and-smoke note—it’s like barbecue in a glass.
• Cooler-climate Syrah (Northern Rhône) leans savory and earthy; warmer-climate Shiraz (Australia) is fruitier, juicier, and more powerful.
• Don’t serve too warm—slightly below room temp keeps it fresh, not flabby.

Characteristics

• Full-bodied with bold tannins
• Flavors of blackberry, plum, blueberry
• Pepper, spice, smoke, and cured meat notes
• Often oaked, adding vanilla and espresso touches
• Long, robust finish

Food Pairing Spotlights

• Grilled Steak – The peppery punch of Syrah amplifies charred ribeyes. (Pro tip: sprinkle cracked black pepper on the steak for a knockout pairing.)
• Smoked Brisket – Syrah’s smoky edge mirrors slow-cooked barbecue flavors. (Better if you brush on a pepper-spiced glaze.)
• Lamb Chops – The wine’s herbal-meaty notes sing with roasted lamb. (Add rosemary for extra harmony.)
• Burgers with Blue Cheese – Fruit and spice balance the richness. (Toast the bun for added smoky magic.)
• Charcuterie Board – Cured meats and Syrah are basically soulmates. (Slip in some smoked gouda to seal the deal.)

Fun Extra Info

• Known as Shiraz in Australia, where it produces some of the boldest reds on the planet.
• In France’s Rhône Valley, Syrah is the backbone of legendary wines like Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie.
• Often blended with Grenache and Mourvèdre (aka “GSM blends”).
• Fun fact: Syrah is one of the oldest noble grapes, with DNA tracing back to southeastern France.
• It’s the “spice rack” of red wines—if Cabernet is order, Syrah is chaos (the fun kind).

Syrah vs. Shiraz: Same Grape, Different Attitude