20 Mouthwatering Syrah Wine Pairing Ideas

The Syrah grape variety is native to the Rhone valley in France, and it creates irresistible full-bodied wines with bright acidity, fruity notes, and spicy black pepper hints.

This versatile flavor profile makes it easy to pair the wine with a wide range of cuisines. In this article, discover some of the best Syrah wine pairing ideas based on the various wine styles - light-bodied, medium-bodied, full-bodied, and aged. We also have some delicious wine recommendations for your next party!

Lighter-Bodied Syrah Wine Pairing Ideas

Typically, lighter Syrah comes from cooler regions like Sonoma, Santa Ynez, Chile, Washington State, and the Northern Rhone valley. 

This red wine goes through a shorter oak aging period and offers a slightly sharp, acidic palate with a mouth-watering fruity flavor.

You can enjoy lighter Syrah with: 

• Various charcuterie boards
• Artisan cured meat and cheese platters (especially with olives) 
• Brined and grilled eggplant
• Grilled peppers, onions, and mushrooms
• Grilled lamb
• Gyros
• Lamb Shawarma
• Blue cheese (Roquefort and Gorgonzola)
• Goat cheese
• Cheddar

Remember to avoid pairing this red wine with delicate cheeses, seafood, or any light vegetable-based dish. 

Wine Suggestions:

• 2017 Cayuse Vineyards Bionic Frog Syrah, Walla Walla Valley, USA ($429)
• 2016 Michael Georget 'Le Temps Retrouve' Version Light Syrah, Languedoc-Roussillon, Vin de France ($25)
• 2017 Vinedos de Alcohuaz 'Tococo de Alcohuaz' Syrah, Elqui Valley, Chile ($26)

Medium-Bodied Syrah Wine Pairing Ideas

Medium-bodied Syrah wines (like the Northern Rhone Syrah Crozes-Hermitage and Saint-Joseph) are mainly produced in France, the USA, and Argentina.

While Northern Rhone Syrah is a 100% Syrah varietal wine with bright acidity and strong tannin mouthfeel, California Syrah is a balanced blend with Zinfandel, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Argentinian Syrah wines are a blend with Malbec and have a great fruity flavor.

This style of Syrah pairs perfectly with: 

• Braised or grilled meat 
• Roasted beef steak
• Beef short ribs 
• Fatty lamb belly kebab 
• Coffee and maple syrup-brined pork
• Venison and prune daube with pine nut and olive oil salad 

Black pudding, haggis, and Chili Colorado (a mildly spiced Mexican dish) also go well with a medium-bodied Syrah. 

And for a hearty cheese pairing with Syrah, you can try gouda, blue cheese, asiago, and aged cheddar.

Wine Suggestions for Medium-Bodied Syrah:

• 2017 Hors Categorie, Walla Walla Valley, USA ($350)
• 2018 Lismore Estate Reserve Syrah, Greyton, South Africa ($58)
• 2011 Domaine Rene Rostaing Cote Rotie La Landonne, Rhone, France ($143)

Full-Bodied Syrah Wine Pairing Ideas

A full-bodied Syrah grape wine goes through a little more oak aging which gives it a rich texture and plush tannin finish.

It comes from hotter climate regions like Napa, McLaren Vale (Australia), Argentina, Spain, and South Africa. 

A bolder wine like this makes a great partner to: 

• Barbecued chicken
• Spare ribs with plum sauce
• Smoked eggplant
• Grilled lamb with herbs
• Smoked seitan steak
• Slow-roasted barbecue pork with black pepper and cumin

And while Syrah is not a dessert wine, a glass of this delicious red wine can be surprisingly pleasant with dark semi-sweet chocolate and dark chocolate with coffee.

Full-Bodied Syrah Wine Suggestions:

• 1971 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage, Rhone, France ($1687)
• 2017 Sine Qua Non The Hated Hunter Syrah, California, USA ($360)
• 2013 Domaine Auguste Clape Cornas, Rhone, France ($149)

Aged Syrah Wine Food Pairing Ideas

With age, the fruity flavor in Syrah becomes less dominant and it develops gamey, tobacco, and smoky wine tasting notes. 

As a result, aged Syrah pairs well with:

• Game meat, especially pheasant, pigeon, and woodcock
• Dishes that have gentle spices like anise and cloves
• Recipes with coffee, hazelnuts, toasted coconut, and five-spice

Beef roast marinated in cloves and vinegar, and Moroccan foods like tagines will also go well with this red wine. You can even try middle-eastern and Persian dishes.

Wine suggestions:

• 1995 Chateau de Fonsalette Cote du Rhone Cuvee Syrah Reserve, Rhone, France ($1,745)
• 1937 Paul Jaboulet Aine Hermitage La Chapelle, Rhone, France ($3,824)
• 1990 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Ermitage 'Cuvee Cathelin', Rhone, France ($8,485) 

Pair Your Syrah Wine With Mouth-watering Dishes!

Whether you like a lighter or full-bodied Syrah, this food-friendly wine can accompany plenty of dishes.

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