Celebrate International Syrah Day with These Iconic Regions 🍷(and Wines)

From France to California and Australia, a world of incredible Syrah awaits. Plus, a pork tenderloin marinade to cook up the perfect pairing.

In honor of International Syrah Day yesterday, join me in celebrating one of the world’s most expressive varieties, and one of my personal favorites. Syrah can be bold and structured, or lush and fruit forward depending on where it’s grown. The variety is known for aromas and flavors of blueberry, black plum, tobacco, dark chocolate, and green or black pepper. Structure wise, Syrah is typically full bodied with medium to high tannin, medium acidity, and medium to high alcohol.

From its Old World origins in France to the New World powerhouses of Australia and California, Syrah takes on a unique and captivating identity in each region. Here’s a closer look at three of the world’s top regions for Syrah, plus a few others to keep on your radar.

A bunch of Syrah grapes in Paso Robles, CA.

🇫🇷 Northern Rhône, France: The Birthplace of Syrah

If you love elegant, peppery, and complex Syrah, the Northern Rhône Valley is where it all began. The steep, rocky vineyards along the Rhône River produce some of the most structured and age-worthy Syrah in the world. Plus, DNA testing has confirmed that the Rhône Valley is the birthplace of this prestigious variety. So, if you’re looking for the truest expression of Syrah, look no further than these appellations.

Côte Rôtie ("Roasted Slope")

Situated in the most northern part of the Rhône Valley, Côte Rôtie is home to Syrah’s most perfumed and refined expressions. Vineyards in this appellation have exceptional sun exposure, hence the name. Wines from this region are often co-fermented with a small amount of Viognier, adding floral aromatics and silkier texture. Technically, up to 20% Viognier can be added, although in practice it’s typically significantly less. Syrah from Côte Rôtie is deeply colored, full bodied, and extremely elegant with an aromatic lift and floral freshness. Expect blackberry, raspberry, bacon fat, violets, and a signature black pepper kick.

Côte-Rôtie Wines to Try:

• Chateau de Saint Cosme Côte-Rôtie

• Delas Côte Rôtie La Landonne

Saint-Joseph

Often considered a more accessible Northern Rhône Syrah, Saint-Joseph wines are savory, peppery, and structured, yet more fruit-forward than Cornas or Hermitage. Saint-Joseph runs along the western bank of the Rhône River from Condrieu in the north to Tournon in the south. The best wines tend to come from the terraced vineyards near Tournon where they can have an intensity similar to Hermitage. There are also a lot of lighter bodied Syrahs made with carbonic maceration from vineyards closer to the valley floor. Expect flavors of blackberry, black cherry, smoked herbs, black olive, and a peppered perfume with a medium-bodied style that can be enjoyed younger.

Saint-Joseph Wines to Try:

• Domaine des Amphores Les Iris Syrah from IGP Collines Rhodaniennes (made in amphora as the name suggests)

• Domaine Verzier Empreinte Saint-Joseph (a fantastic biodynamic producer with lively wines)

Hermitage & Crozes-Hermitage

Hermitage Syrahs are some of the most age-worthy and structured, showing deep layers of black fruit, tobacco, leather, and savory spice. Located on a steep south-facing slope behind the town of Tain-l’Hermitage, the appellation is divided into a number of named vineyard sites, also known as lieux-dits. The best Hermitage Syrahs are typically a blend of various sites, but some producers are releasing wines from specific lieux-dits.

On the other hand, Crozes-Hermitage offers a more approachable and fruit-driven version of Syrah. The appellation’s vineyards encompass mixed terrain around the hill of Hermitage, and Crozes-Hermitage yields the highest volume of Syrah. For more concentrated, complex expressions, look to vineyards growing on the steeper slopes to the north. Lighter wines come from the flatter vineyards in the south where yields are higher.

Hermitage & Crozes-Hermitage Wines to Try:

• Delas Les Launes Crozes-Hermitage

• M. Chapoutier Crozes-Hermitage Les Meysonniers

Cornas

If Côte Rôtie is the elegant side of Syrah, Cornas is its bolder, wilder sibling. Cornas is the most southerly of the Northern Rhône red wine crus and it’s also the warmest. The wines here are deep, dark, and intense, with bold tannins and flavors of blackberry, smoked meat, graphite, and earthy spice. Unlike Côte Rôtie, Cornas wines must be 100% Syrah and often need aging to soften their powerful structure.

Cornas Wines to Try:

• Domaine Alain Voge Cornas Les Vieilles Vignes

• Domaine Auguste Clape Cornas

• Les Alexandrins Maison Cornas

Discover the best regions for the 18 noble grape varieties of the wine world and learn how to taste wine with my Complete Guide to Old World vs. New World Wines.

Available to paid subscribers here:

Paid subscribers also have access to:

• Where To Go Wine Tasting in Sardinia

• The Ultimate Guide to Wine & Cheese Pairing

• BBQ Wine Pairing Guide

• Herb & Wine Pairing Guide

• If You Drink This, Then Try That: Your Guide to Rare Varieties

• Fall Food & Wine Pairing Guide with Recipes

• Holiday Recipes & Wine Pairings

🇦🇺 Barossa Valley, Australia: Power & Opulence

Australia’s Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale produce some of the world’s richest and most powerful Syrah, known locally as Shiraz. Here, the warm climate and century-old vines create wines that are bold, full-bodied, and bursting with ripe fruit flavors.

Barossa Valley

Home to some of the oldest Shiraz vines in the world (planted in the 1800s!), Barossa Shiraz is big, bold, and luxurious. Expect flavors of ripe plum, blackberry sauce, dark chocolate, fruitcake, licorice, and eucalyptus. High alcohol and soft tannins give these wines their signature plushness.

Dive deeper into Barossa Valley (my favorite Australian wine region) and learn more about three must-visit/must-try producers there (Henschke, Seppeltsfield, and Two Hands) in this Sip with Nik Substack.

Barossa Valley Shiraz to Try:

• Two Hands Gnarly Dudes Shiraz

• Any Henschke Shiraz (Hill of Grace is their flagship/most famous and costs a pretty penny)

McLaren Vale

This region produces slightly more coastal-influenced Shiraz, with fresher acidity and flavors of black currant, blueberry, mocha, and spice. McLaren Vale Shiraz often balances fruit intensity with earthy complexity, making it one of Australia’s most exciting Syrah regions.

Learn more about McLaren Vale and discover which wineries are worthwhile here.

McLaren Vale Shiraz to Try:

• Paxton Vineyards NOW Shiraz

• d’Arenberg The Dead Arm Shiraz