A staple in the wine community, red Syrah also known as Shiraz, is a fantastic pairing for grilled, baked, or barbecued meats and vegetables. But, instead of covering this classic wine that enthusiasts are familiar with, I want to explore a lesser-known offshoot called white Syrah/Shiraz.
White Syrah/Shiraz is not a grape variety, but a result of a winemaking technique used to make white wine from red grapes.
Instead of the common fermentation and maceration that takes place to make red wine, these Syrah/Shiraz grapes have their skins removed while being pressed and drained.
Separating the skin from the grape allows the juice to remain pale, hence the white wine. The result can vary from pale purple to deep golden yellow and ranges in flavor from light and fruity to rich and spicy.
Are Shiraz and Syrah the Same Wine?
They may be marketed under different names, but Shiraz and Syrah are the same wine. It is best to think of them as the same grape at different points in its life. Shiraz is the name given to Syrah grapes when grown in Australia, while they’re called Syrah grapes when cultivated in France.
Shiraz/Syrah should be stored at room temperature and served slightly chilled.
It is easy to understand how confusion arises when deciding whether a wine is made from Shiraz or Syrah grapes.
Wherever you are on the globe, likely, both types of grapes grow nearby. Not only are they grown in many countries, but at times they are used in making the same wines.
What Does White Syrah/Shiraz Taste Like?
As you might expect white Syrah/Shiraz has a much different taste than the red Syrah/Shiraz. White wine will always be crisper, and milder while reds tend to have a big, bold, or spicy flavor.
Syrah/Shiraz white wines can be acidic in nature and tart with flavors of citrus, rhubarb, oak, and tropical fruits like nectarine, pineapple, and guava. It has floral notes that may remind you of passion fruit as well as hints of bell pepper and grassy undertones.
White Syrah/Shiraz will have a much lighter flavor with hints of citrus whereas red Syrah wine has a signature spice that people have come to love!
These are two different sides of the same grape, but there is no arguing about what each Syrah tastes like when comparing red versus white.
People who can’t handle bold flavors typically prefer white over red because it’s milder and more palatable – this is also why food and Syrah go together so well.
Best White Syrah/Shiraz Examples
Evharis Syrah White – Add this to your wine hit list if you’re interested in white Syrah. This Greek success has shy aromas of green tea, candied lemon peels, and green apple. It’s brightly acidic with refreshing flavors of lemon, apple, and apricot.
Banrock Station White Shiraz – A fantastic wine to serve with a cheese platter. Consider trying it over ice on a hot summer day. It speaks of berry tones and flavors thought the bottle. A sweeter wine than most.
Murielle Winery Dragon Fruit Blush White Shiraz – If you’re only going to pick one wine from this list, it should be this one! This sweet but not overbearing wine from Florida is a must-try for every wine enthusiast. This sandy-colored gem offers rich dragonfruit flavors.
Monsoon Valley Hua Hin Hills Vineyard White Shiraz Rosé – A vibrant rosé from Thailand with flavors often described as strawberry and watermelon. Its intense aromas of red fruit, citrus fruit, and spices make it another perfect companion to be hare among friends.
What Food Pairs with White Syrah/Shiraz?
Since white Syrah has high acidity levels, it goes best with bland food such as cream sauces over fish or chicken dishes topped with mushrooms.
Pork – Pork often pairs better with red wines, but they are an ideal companion for a white Syrah as well. Pork chops, pork tenderloin, ham, and bacon will go with medium-acidic but light-bodied white Syrah to balance the smoke, salt, and sweetness.
Pasta – Syrah and pasta go hand to hand and the combination is something that you can’t afford to miss. The wine tastes great with mushroom risotto or creamy pasta dishes.
Pesto pasta, normal pasta with greens, fresh tomatoes, lemon, and olive oil, or ravioli with tomato sauce can taste fantastic with a glass of white wine.
Syrah white goes well with full-flavored pasta like Bolognese sauce which includes bacon, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
White Meats – Syrah white will go great with foods that have a creamy texture since it has high acidity levels and compliments food with flavors such as mushrooms, cream sauces topped on chicken dishes, Parmesan cheese over full-flavored pasta like Bolognese sauce.
Cheese – Syrah will also go great with semi-soft ripened goats’ milk cheeses such as Montrachet, Banon, Fourme d’Ambert, Camembert, which have an intense aroma but slightly salty flavor.
Fish – White Syrah goes well with fish and white meat because it can also go well with fruit flavors found in many dishes.
Thai food – If you like to add more heat to your kitchen, Thai food is great for pairing with white Syrah. The spicy south-east Asian recipes with chili and lime in them pair great with the white wine.
Summary
That is everything a wine enthusiast needs to know about white Syrah/Shiraz. I hope this article helped to answer some basic questions about this unique wine and hopefully convinced you to try it if you haven’t already done so.
Although red Syrah/Shiraz is as familiar to wine lovers and Cabernet or Pinot Noir this white variety has flown under the radar for some time. Not anymore. This trendy drink is going to peak its head out over spring and summer so we might as well get to know it a little better.
Please let me know if you believe there is anything I missed by contacting me via the comments or by directly sending me a message through here or our Facebook group page.