Tis the season for Syrah

01/25/24
If winter was a grape, it’d be Syrah. Syrah is deep, dark, meaty, savory, and spicy. Depending on how it’s made, it can be dense and powerful, or upbeat and light on its feet. We love Syrah (which is why we have a lot of it) from different regions, made in different styles. 
 
Whether it’s from a legendary, historic producer making a traditional expression or a more modern winemaker taking an experimental approach, it’s always distinct. Syrah in France tends to lean more earthy, smokey, and restrained, and Shiraz in Australia is often lush, rich, and very fruit-forward. 
 
We’re drinking Syrah with braised meats and earthy root vegetables, around a campfire, or on the couch during awards season. Here are some classic and unexpected Syrahs we’re really digging right now. 

Italy

The first association with Italy is rarely Syrah, unless you’re in the Tuscan appellation of Cortona. Syrah has a history in Cortona dating back to the 1700s, a DOC with a very similar terroir to the Rhone. 
 
Stefano Amerighi is one of Cortona’s brightest producers. He farms biodynamically, and this Syrah is aged two years in bottle, only made in the best vintages.
 

California

There are a swath of modern California producers making exciting and sustainable expressions of Syrah. The Syrah from these three producers comes from high-elevation vineyards that provide incredible freshness.

👉 2022 Outward Syrah, Santa Ynez Valley, USA
100% whole cluster, aged 10 months in neutral French barrel. 

👉 2021 Sandlands Vineyards Syrah, Santa Lucia Highlands, USA
Mineral, medium-bodied, and very small production.

👉 2022 Stolpman Crunchy Roastie Syrah, Ballard Canyon, USA
A lighter, brighter, juicy version made by carbonic maceration.

France

The bulk of our Syrah right now comes from France, with the Rhone Valley being the original (and arguably, the best) home of the grape.
 
Chave is a Northern Rhone icon. The famous wine family has grown grapes since the 1400s, and the current estate in Hermitage emerged in the late 19th century. The current generations at the helm are Jean-Louis and his father, Gerard. We have a range of Chave, from the complex and floral Saint-Joseph to the classic Heritage Rouge from their best vineyard sites.
 
 
Hervé Souhaut is the winemaker who created Domaine Romaneaux-Destezet in 1993. His Syrahs are less extracted and ready-to-drink, from the lighter Ardeche to the finessed, single parcel 'Les Cessieux.'
 

Husband and wife duo Martine and Christian Rouchier are the winemakers behind what has become a cult winery. They make a range of fully organic, raw, whole cluster, soulful Syrahs, from the elegant Puat to the old-vine La Chave and Luc.
 

Julien Cecillon and his wife Nancy Kerschen farm vineyards in Saint-Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage, and Ardeche. Their “Les Graviers” is an approachable entryway to the Northern Rhone at only $23.
 

Explore the whole world of Syrah at Leon and Son. Browse our entire Syrah selection, including single varietals and blends.