What Does Syrah Taste Like? Does it Taste Good?

Perhaps you’re well-versed in the world filled with Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Merlot, but have you heard of Syrah wine?

It is part of the long list of popular red wines and the ideal pick for your dinner date menu.

Unlike its close cousins, who are favorites among wine enthusiasts, it receives less recognition and is often overlooked.

In this article, we aim to change this by telling you all about lovely tones and complex flavor that allows it to stand as a tremendous culinary beverage.

We will see how exactly this wine differs from the best wines and why it needs a special seat on your dinner table.

So, what does syrah taste like?

What Is Syrah?

Syrah or Shiraz is a well-known type of red wine.

In spirit, France is its homeland, but it has successfully passed through the spaces of great kitchens all over the world.

Because Syrah expresses itself in different ways while remaining consistent, it is dependent on the climate, region, and soil of the land.

Although Syrah is typically used to make red wine from grapes, it is also used to make rosés.

The grapes used to make Syrah wine have exceptionally thick skin.

As a result, winemakers frequently soak the grapes, which reduces the super tannic flavors.

Syrah is distinguished and well-known for its “fuller-than-full” character, characterized by high tannins and alcohol content.

It has an ABV of up to 15% and can quickly get you tipsy.

So, if you want to enjoy a glass of Syrah while remaining sober, go for something other than the grape variety.

What Does Syrah Taste Like?

The flavors of Syrah are often robust and adventurous when you take a sip.

It tastes fantastic, with a full-bodied flavor and aromatic notes of pepper spice, black fruit, and smoke.

To put it briefly, the flavors can be described as round and fruity or tannic and hefty.

Shiraz, which is sometimes called Syrah, offers a unique blend that is favored by everyone.

It is swiftly acidic, thickly opaque, and has medium to high quantities of alcohol (13-14.5 percent).

It is supposed to taste like bacon, herbs, fragrant violets, and many other different flavor profiles since it has strong tannins.

Depending on the wooden barrel the wine is aged in, it can taste sharply different.

For example, if aged in oak, the wine receives a distinct vanilla flavor with notes of baking spices.

Although known as ‘Shiraz,’ there is much difference to note between the two.

Unlike Shiraz’s persuasive, fruit-impelled version, the Syrah has a more eloquent, quaint, and savory flavor profile.

Depending on where the grapes are grown, the alcohol level differs significantly.

The weather in certain regions makes good sense of harvest, so throughout the year, the difference among Syrah wines can be noted.

Regions with a cooler temperature harvest Syrah wines that have lower alcohol levels.

The same applies to wet & cold areas.

When Syrah hails from France, which is a cooler vintage among others, the alcohol volume can be 13-14 percent.

But when grown in areas with warmer temperatures or in hot vintages, typically Southern Australian states, the alcohol level reaches 14.5-15.5 percent.

The ripeness also affects the wine as riper grapes make for bolder Syrah wines, therefore resulting in heightened alcohol content owing to extended exposure on vines.

How to Serve Syrah?

As Syrah wine contains a wholesome and boldly balanced taste, you must serve it with an equally dense and bold dish.

Like the majority of red wines, meat and Syrah are an authentic pair that will continue to overcome obstacles together.

BBQ meat, regardless of what type it is, can complement a glass of intense Syrah very well.

Some examples of red meats to pair the wine with can be German red sausages, medium rare steak, as well as beef wellington.

If you want something less savory and a little light, cheese is always a great go-to.

Blue cheese and Camembert are one of the cheeses to add to your charcuterie board to keep up with the rich flavors of Syrah.

The flavorful red wine can also be paired easily with vegan food.

If you’re a vegan, you’re lucky because this wine can work perfectly alongside a plate of mushrooms, eggplants, beans, legumes, and other vegetables sautéed with olive oil and marked with the essence of herbs.

A deep plate of vivid mushroom stroganoff will help you make a delicious feast.

Remember to keep the wine chilled slightly, or else the flavors will become full and taste less like it’s supposed to.

If you serve the wine at a freezing cold temperature, the aromatic compounds and flavors will become silenced.

It would help if you achieved the correct temperature by keeping it in the refrigerator for 15 mins before serving and finishing the bottle between 2-4 days.

The wine content becomes oxidized after this period.

Conclusion

Syrah’s aspects are difficult to characterize due to its complex nature and robust flavor palate.

This exceptional wine cannot be described in a single flavor, so you must try it for yourself to form an opinion.

Remember to pair this wine with a delicious, savory dish to balance out the richness of the food.