February 16 is International Syrah Day, which means there's no better time to stock up on this delicious wine.
If you're unfamiliar with the variety, you might be wondering – what is syrah? And what's the difference between syrah and shiraz? Essentially, it's the exact same grape variety. Old world wine regions (such as those in Europe) use the term syrah, and shiraz is more common in new world regions such as Australia. There are notable differences in style, however.
Syrah from the Rhône Valley in France, where the grape originated, generally has more earthy and herbaceous notes, along with more acidity. Conversely, shiraz from Australia, the United States and South Africa, is often packed with spice and the fruit is the hero.
So, although 'shiraz' is more widely used here, winemakers might choose the term 'syrah' to indicate that their wine has been made in a style that more closely resembles expressions from France (lighter and more elegant) than the big, spicy, fruit-forward wines more typically associated with Australian shiraz.
Below are five expressions of syrah from around the country to try; from Yarra Valley wineries Medhurst and Helen & Joey Estate, Pyrenees syrah from Babche Wines, an Eden Valley expression from Chaffey Bros Wine Co and a Tasmanian example from Mewstone Wines.
Cheers to syrah!
2023 Babche Wines Daimo's Syrah
From the NASAA Certified Organic Malakoff vineyard in the Pyrenees. A medium, bright ruby red. Dark cherries and blackcurrants are complemented by aromas of iodine and dark spice. The palate is medium bodied, elegant and very nicely balanced, while the tannins are finely wrought and in perfect harmony with the fruit. My first look at one of Babche's minimal-intervention wines and I like what I see. – Philip Rich, 93 points, Halliday Wine CompanionWinemakers Timothy Byrne and Niki Nikolovski say: The syrah grape is versatile, disease resistant and it has become quintessentially Australian. We love the softer representation of the variety in this wine. There is harmony of fruit, spice and a savoury edge.
H. How does your region influence the wine?
TB & NN. The Pyrenees experiences substantial diurnal temps, low humidity and limited rainfall over spring and summer, generally. Long sunlight hours are perfect for maturing this variety. The site is planted on undulating hills, providing ripening variation that allows us to shape the wine in the vineyard. This wine was picked over three weeks in desired parcels, offering us a spectrum of the syrah grape – from savoury and refreshing to lush and bold.
H. Tell us about the ageing potential for this syrah.
TB & NN. This syrah is made without the use of any additives or preservatives. Therefore, it ages more quickly than a wine made with the use of preservatives. Juice is extracted delicately and tannins are integrated more easily. This wine is intended to be enjoyed within the first four years of its life, cellared well.
Best enjoyed: This wine should be rested and aged soundly. Serving in a glass specific to thicker-skinned varietals is ideal, at 17°C with medium-rare steak and greens.
RRP $45 | Drink to 2027 | babchewines.com | Shop this wine
2021 Chaffey Bros Evangeline Eden Valley Syrah
Single-vineyard Eden Valley syrah sourced from the Noack family property in Springton at 410m elevation. Plummy and pure with layers of spice, sage, licorice, blueberry pie, violets, pepper, vanillin oak and the merest whiff of mint. There is a graceful air to the fruit passage across the palate, the tannins fine but tensing on the mid-palate with a purple floral flourish on the exit.Winemaker Daniel Chaffey Hartwig says: We first started experimenting with the delicate ‘syrah’ style from the Eden Valley over 10 years ago. The intention of this wine was to highlight the lifted perfumes and blue fruits of Eden Valley shiraz. There is a movement within the Australian wine scene celebrating lighter and elegant expressions of shiraz, and our recent “Best in Show” win at Decanter World Wine Awards shows we’re truly able to champion it.
H. How does your region influence the wine?
DCH. Sun-drenched vineyards by day and lower temperatures at night; Eden Valley Syrah is a cooler climate expression of shiraz, distinct from its Barossa Valley brethren. The diverse terroir and higher altitude vineyards result in wines boasting both depth and elegance.
H. Tell us about the ageing potential for this syrah.
DCH. This wine is delicious and irresistible to drink now but will also age gracefully for another 10+ years. The fine tannins and brooding, dense nature of Eden Valley fruit unfurls further with several years in the cellar.
Best enjoyed: An elegant syrah like Evangeline pairs perfectly with a lean eye fillet steak or grilled lamb chops. Alternatively, a juicy wagyu burger or aged gouda will highlight its rich fruit profile and savoury complexity. Serve in a large glass at room temperature (16–18°C).
RRP $45 | Drink to 2035+ | chaffeybros.com | Shop this wine
2023 Helen & Joey Estate Re'em Syrah
This syrah is a bold and complex expression, crafted through whole-bunch fermentation and extended maceration on skins. Aged in a single new French oak puncheon, the result is a wine with depth and power, showcasing dark brooding notes of fresh and dried fruits, white pepper and earthy tones.Winemaker Adam McCallum says: The syrah grape is adaptable to many different climates, resulting in a wide array of wine styles that always make it interesting. The thing I love about this wine is that it captures the essence of the Yarra Valley, which is cool-climate elegance and refinement.
H. How does your region influence the wine?
AM. In general, the best wines from the Yarra Valley region are very elegant, intensely flavoured wines that are never monolithic. The soils, altitude and climate all play a part in this, with the lower overall average temperature contributing significantly to the more elegant/subtle wine style.
H. Tell us about the ageing potential for this syrah.
AM. This wine is very compact and subtle with a well-integrated acid/tannin profile which should enable at least five years' cellaring.
Best enjoyed: Our syrah is best enjoyed with friends at the dinner table. It could be decanted for 30 minutes prior to pouring in your finest glassware, and pairs beautifully with lamb cutlets or butterflied leg of lamb and farm-fresh vegetables.
RRP $80 | Drink to 2030 | helenandjoeyestate.com.au | Shop this wine
2023 Medhurst Yarra Valley Syrah
Brilliant bright crimson red and electric purple hues. An intensely aromatic and highly perfumed wine with blue fruits and exotic spice dominating the aromas. The palate has great energy, blueberry and raspberry fruit, savoury spice and cracked pepper. The mouthfeel is lithe with silky, fine tannins and clean, fresh acidity.Winemaker Rohan Smith says: I love the blue-fruited purity and freshness as well as the perfumed, floral aromatics of this wine. It is classic syrah – mid-weight, intense, silky.
H. How does your region influence the wine?
RS. Shiraz is such a versatile grape and the cooler climate of the Yarra Valley lends itself to making a delicious, spicy little number like this wine! We get full flavour ripeness at lower alcohol in these conditions with fine, long tannin.
H. Tell us about the ageing potential for this syrah.
RS. This wine is built for medium-term ageing, with its fresh fruit, acidity and tannin structure. Enjoy now or age for eight to 10 years.
Best enjoyed: I believe that it is easy to drink red wine too warm, so choose a perfect shiraz/syrah glass (of which there are many) and serve the wine at about 15–16°C. At this temperature, the freshness and aromatic profile of the wine can be enjoyed to the max! Try with dry aged grass-fed T– bone cooked over coals, with herb mustard, sauce bordelaise and pine mushroom.
RRP $30 | Drink to 2034 | medhurstwines.com.au | Shop this wine
2024 Mewstone Wines hughes & hughes syrah
Traditionally, Australian syrah has been made in a richer, more powerful style, but in Tasmania, we can craft wines that are more vibrant and refined. The standout characteristic of syrah from our region is its incredible aromatics – floral, spicy and fresh.Winemaker Jonathan Hughes says: The syrah grape is versatile, disease resistant and it has become quintessentially Australian. We love the softer representation of the variety in this wine. There is harmony of fruit, spice and a savoury edge.
H. How does your region influence the wine?
JH. Tasmania, being one of the coolest climates in Australia, produces syrah that is consistently aromatic, bright and fine boned. The cool temperatures allow for slow ripening, which enhances the wine’s natural vibrancy and fragrance. Our syrah is more reminiscent of Northern Rhône styles, offering high acidity and fine tannins that make it exceptionally food friendly.
H. Tell us about the ageing potential for this syrah.
JH. Like most red wines from Tasmania, this syrah has a good ageing potential due to its higher acidity and firm, chalky tannins. While it drinks beautifully in its youth, it will develop further complexity over time. We expect this wine to age well for around five to eight years.
Best enjoyed: This wine pairs wonderfully with rich, flavourful dishes. Its natural acidity and freshness make it an excellent match for fattier meats, game, and charcuterie. While syrah is typically associated with hearty winter meals, the brightness of this Tasmanian style also makes it a great option for warmer months, offering an elegant alternative to heavier reds.
RRP $43 | Drink to 2033 | mewstonewines.com.au | Shop this wine
Top image credit: Babche.
