France (Rhône Valley: Hermitage, Cornas, Cote-Rotie and St.Joseph), New Zealand and America.
Antourenein Noir; Balsamina; Candive; Entournerein; Hermitage (previously used as a synonym in Australia); Hignin Noir; Marsanne Noir; Petite Syrah (northern Rhône); Schiras; Sirac; Syra; Syrac; Serine; Sereine; Shiraz.
Syrah wines are often purplish-black in colour, with aromas of violets, game meat, white pepper, spices, herbs, and cinnamon. The palate generally has the same pepper and spice character as the aroma, with a salami and dried meat finish. The wines can age exceptionally well and become more rounded and earthy with time. The use of oak plays an important part in affecting the wine; it is common in Syrah that oak is used lightly to allow the fruit and spice flavours to dominate. Pencil shavings, cedar and burnt toast characters can be noticeable in wines of a more potent oak character.