A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Syrah
Pronounced SIH-ruh, this popular red wine grape originated in the Middle East and is now widely grown in Australia and France.
syrah
SIH-ruh
/ˈsɪrə/ · si · rah
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's often mentioned alongside its Australian name, Shiraz.
Where the word comes from
The origin of the name 'Syrah' is debated, but it is often linked to the ancient city of Syracuse in Sicily or a village in Persia. It was brought to France in the 19th century.
Common ways people get it wrong
- suh-RAH Some might stress the second syllable, but the standard pronunciation in English puts the stress on the first syllable, 'SIH'.
- SIRE-uh The 'y' in 'Syrah' is pronounced like the 'i' in 'sit', not like the 'i' in 'fire'.
Frequently asked
Is Syrah the same as Shiraz?
Yes, Syrah and Shiraz refer to the same grape variety. 'Syrah' is typically used for wines from cooler climates like France, while 'Shiraz' is more common for wines from warmer regions like Australia.
What does Syrah wine taste like?
Syrah wines are known for their full body and flavors of dark fruit like blackberry and plum, often with notes of black pepper, smoke, and sometimes floral hints.
How do you pronounce the 'y' in Syrah?
The 'y' in Syrah is pronounced like the short 'i' sound, as in 'sit' or 'pin'. So, it's 'SIH-ruh', not 'SIGH-ruh'.
