Syrah is a red grape from France's northern Rhône that has found several successful homes in Italy, above all in Tuscany, where the town of Cortona has made it its signature variety, and in Sicily. It gives deeply coloured, spicy reds with dark fruit and a peppery edge, and is used both on its own and to add depth to blends.
Syrah was grown experimentally in Italy in the nineteenth century, but its real spread began in the 1990s, when Tuscan and Sicilian producers looked for international varieties suited to warm, sunny sites. Unlike Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah ripens comfortably in the Mediterranean heat while keeping some freshness, and in the right places it shows a distinctly Italian, savoury character.
Tuscany has the most important plantings. Around Cortona, in the hills of eastern Tuscany near the border with Umbria, Syrah has become the local speciality, with its own denomination. On the coast, in Bolgheri and the Maremma, it is used for single-variety wines and in blends. In the Chianti hills, a few estates make small quantities of fine, cool-climate Syrah.
Sicily grows Syrah widely, both for fruity everyday reds and for more structured wines from inland hills. Lazio, Sardinia, Puglia and the Marche also produce Syrah, and even the Alpine Valle d'Aosta makes a small amount of elegant, peppery Syrah on its steep slopes.
Syrah likes warm, sunny sites and well-drained soils. Excess heat makes it jammy; cooler nights and altitude preserve its spice and floral aromas.
Cortona Syrah tends to be juicy and spicy, with floral aromas and supple tannins. Coastal Tuscan versions are richer and more polished, often aged in French oak. Sicilian Syrah is ripe and generous, with sweet spice and soft texture, while the rare Valle d'Aosta Syrah is lighter and peppery.
Most Italian Syrah is enjoyable within three to eight years; the top Tuscan bottlings age for longer.
For a first taste of Italian Syrah, a Cortona DOC is the most characteristic choice: it shows how the grape expresses itself in Tuscany. For a fuller, sunnier style, try a Sicilia DOC Syrah, usually very good value. Collectors look for single-variety Syrahs from Bolgheri, such as Le Macchiole's, and Toscana IGT blends. Our best Tuscany wines and best Sicily wines guides list producers worth knowing.
Syrah also appears without being named on the label, in blends with Sangiovese, Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, and in Sicily sometimes with Nero d'Avola. Explore other varieties in the grape varieties index.