Shiraz Wine Pairing

Shiraz and Syrah are both originally from the same clone, but various regions have chosen one name or the other. Shiraz and Syrah both create rich, robust wines with a smooth texture and signature aromas of spice, pepper, clove and licorice leading, followed by dark fruit such as blackcurrant, blackberry, plum and black cherry, as well as truffle, earth, violets, vanilla, smoke, sandalwood, cedar, cigar box, earth and leather. The greatest of these wines can age for 25 years or more.

Shiraz was originally believed to be from Persia, now Iran, from the city of Shiraz, but has since been proven to be indigenous to France, where more than half the world's Syrah vines are planted. The legendary wines of the Rhone Valley's Côte Rotie and Hermitage are made from 100% Syrah. Syrah is also part of the blend in other Rhône wines, including Châteauneuf-du-Pape that often includes Grenache, Mouvèdre and up to nine other grapes.

Shiraz is also the flagship red wine of Australia, where it's called Shiraz (easier to pronounce than Syrah), and is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon. Australia's Barossa Valley is particularly famous for its complex, multi-layered Shiraz. Shiraz is also becoming South Africa's leading red. California grows Shiraz successfully in Paso Robles where it's usually called Syrah. Shiraz and Syrah pair well with these foods:

Shiraz Wine with appetizers:

     • beef jerky

Shiraz Wine with beef:

     • beef daube
     • steak, grilled
     • tourtiere
     • pepper steak: seared
     • meats: barbecued
     • beef: roast rare
     • beef: roast
     • beef ribs: barbecued
     • beef stew
     • beef wellington
     • hamburgers, meatloaf
     • pot roast
     • steak, prime rib
     • brisket
     • beef
     • steak: peppercorn
     • steak
     • shepherd's pie
     • bison steak
     • tongue
     • casseroles & stews

Shiraz Wine with cheese:

     • Coeur et Creme
     • cheese: herb or black pepper crusted
     • parmesan
     • gouda
     • cheddar
     • Perail de Brebis
     • cheese sandwich: grilled
     • jack: garlic & onion
     • cheddar: tomato basil
     • cheddar: smoked
     • cheddar: sharp: 1 year - 4 years
     • cheddar: sharp: 5 years - 12 years
     • sweet constantine
     • gorgonzola

Shiraz Wine with chicken/poultry:

     • chicken marsala
     • goose
     • turkey with traditional trimmings
     • chicken: marinated on the grill
     • chili
     • goose: roast
     • duck
     • chicken
     • turkey, chicken sausage, spicy

Shiraz Wine with desserts:

     • chocolate: dark
     • chocolate: bittersweet
     • chocolate: mint flavored
     • chocolate: dark/almond
     • blueberries: chocolate covered
     • chocolate Mexican Mole

Shiraz Wine with ethnic dishes:

     • lamb vindaloo
     • fajitas
     • pork mole pablano
     • chicken: stewed: Ethiopian
     • Mexican dishes
     • gumbo
     • steak fajitas
     • Szechuan cooking
     • cassoulet: French
     • tandoori flavored dishes
     • chutneys: fruit

Shiraz Wine with game:

     • kangaroo
     • rich meat & game casseroles
     • venison
     • ostrich
     • venison stew
     • squab

Shiraz Wine with goat:

     • goat

Shiraz Wine with lamb:

     • lamb: Irish stew
     • lamb chops,steaks
     • lamb kabobs, grilled
     • lamb shank
     • lamb
     • lamb: rack
     • lamb: leg
     • lamb shanks: braised

Shiraz Wine with pizza:

     • pizza: New York
     • pizza: Australia
     • pizza: Ambrosia
     • pizza: Montrealer
     • pizza: seafood
     • pizza: cheese and onions
     • pizza: grilled tofu & bell peppers

Shiraz Wine with pork:

     • pork chops: smoked
     • sausage: mild
     • pork with soy, sesame oil & ginger
     • pork
     • black pudding
     • bacon
     • pork spareribs: barbecued

Shiraz Wine with sauces, spices, herbs:

     • caraway
     • basil
     • cilantro
     • sauce: port: madeira
     • sauce: mustard
     • rosemary
     • tarragon
     • juniper
     • chili
     • cinnamon
     • coriander
     • cumin
     • garlic
     • oregano
     • parsley
     • black pepper
     • sage
     • thyme
     • Mexican Mole

Shiraz Wine with seafood & shellfish:

     • tuna: grilled
     • salmon
     • tuna

Shiraz Wine with soups & stews:

     • stew: beef
     • soup: chicken
     • stew: lamb

Shiraz Wine with turkey holiday dinner:

     • Tofurkey
     • stuffing: sage and thyme: spicy
     • onions: creamed
     • turkey sausage: spicy

Shiraz Wine with veal:

     • veal

Shiraz Wine with vegetables & salads:

     • vegetables: grilled
     • ratatouille
     • garlic casserole
     • peppers: chili
     • mushrooms: shiitaki
     • mushrooms: chanterelle