Red
Syrah
Origin: Rhône Valley, France
The Rhône's dark, peppery red — at home in Washington's Walla Walla and Oregon's Rogue Valley, with cool-climate tension on the coast.
The Grape
Syrah (Shiraz in Australia) is a dark, structured grape originating in the Rhône Valley. On the West Coast it spans styles: cool-climate Syrah from Sonoma Coast and parts of Oregon shows peppery, meaty tension, while warmer Walla Walla and Rogue Valley sites produce richer, black-fruit power. It is a cornerstone of Washington's red-wine identity.
Flavor & Aroma
Blackberry, black pepper, smoked meat, violet, and olive; cool-climate examples add bacon fat and blueberry.
West Coast Regions
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Culinary Notes
Pair with smoked and peppered meats, game, and grilled lamb — Syrah's pepper and smoke echo these flavors.