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

Shiraz Wine with cheese:

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

Shiraz Wine with chicken/poultry:

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

Shiraz Wine with desserts:

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

Shiraz Wine with ethnic dishes:

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

Shiraz Wine with game:

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

Shiraz Wine with goat:

     • goat

Shiraz Wine with lamb:

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

Shiraz Wine with pizza:

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

Shiraz Wine with pork:

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

Shiraz Wine with sauces, spices, herbs:

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

Shiraz Wine with seafood & shellfish:

     • salmon
     • tuna
     • tuna: grilled

Shiraz Wine with soups & stews:

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

Shiraz Wine with turkey holiday dinner:

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

Shiraz Wine with veal:

     • veal

Shiraz Wine with vegetables & salads:

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