Syrah: Argentina's two faces of spice
One grape, two stories — jammy and sun-soaked down in the lowlands, taut and peppery up in the cold, stony heights of San Juan and the Uco Valley.
Most grapes in Argentina have one story. Syrah has two — and which one ends up in your glass depends entirely on how high up the mountain it grew. Down in the hot lowlands it makes big, jammy, sun-soaked reds in the mould of Australian Shiraz. Climb into the cold, stony heights and the very same grape turns taut, peppery and savory, closer to France's northern Rhône. Argentina is one of the few places on earth making both, and it is quietly becoming one of the most rewarding hunting grounds for Syrah lovers anywhere.
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01Argentine Syrah
One grape, two names, an ancient past Syrah and Shiraz are the same grape the name simply signals a style, with Shiraz …
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It depends which face you meet.
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Syrah is one of the great food reds, and Argentina makes the case loudly.
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Here is the fork in the road, and it is all about elevation.
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Is Syrah the same as Shiraz in Argentina?
Yes — they are the same grape. The name usually signals style: "Shiraz" tends to mean the riper, bolder, fruit-driven version, while "Syrah" implies a more savory, peppery style. Argentina makes both, depending mostly on vineyard altitude.
Where is the best Syrah in Argentina grown?
The most acclaimed examples come from high-altitude sites, especially the cold, stony Pedernal Valley in San Juan and the upper Uco Valley in Mendoza. Warmer, lower vineyards in San Juan and eastern Mendoza make a richer, jammier "Shiraz" style.
What does Argentine Syrah taste like?
Expect deep color and black fruit with signature black pepper and spice. Warm-climate versions are ripe, jammy and full-bodied; high-altitude versions are fresher and more structured, with savory, mineral, bacon-fat notes reminiscent of France's northern Rhône.
Is Argentine Syrah like Australian Shiraz or French Syrah?
It can be like either. The warm lowland style resembles bold, fruit-forward Australian Shiraz, while the cooler high-altitude style is closer to the peppery, savory Syrah of the northern Rhône in France.
What food pairs with Argentine Syrah?
The bold style loves barbecue — choripán, sausages and ribs off the asado. The structured high-altitude style suits grilled red meat, lamb, game and pepper-crusted steak. Serve it slightly cool to highlight its fruit and spice.