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Step 1
Use the term "Syrah" and "Shiraz" in the United States. While this variety of grape is normally called Syrah, some winemakers make wine from this grape in the Australian style and call it Shiraz. Current American wine laws allow either term to be placed on the bottle.
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Step 2
Study the origin of the Syrah grape. It is believed to have been brought from the Iranian city of Shiraz to the Rhône Valley in France during the Crusades. The Syrah grape is known to be a cross between the Dureza and Mondeuse Blanche varieties.
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Step 3
Examine the effect of climate on the flavor of the Syrah. It can grow in many conditions with cooler climates producing a more spicy aroma and warmer climates yielding a fruitier flavor.
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Step 4
Pair a Syrah wine with heavy food. The predominant flavors of blackberry, cinnamon, herbs and pepper make it an excellent choice for barbecued chicken, lamb and steak. The spicier Syrah wines also go well with spicy foods.
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Step 5
Distinguish between Syrah and Petit Sirah (also known as Durif) grapes. These varieties are only distantly related because the Petit Sirah is a descendant of the Syrah, which has been cross bred with Peloursin grapes.
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Step 6
Recognize well-known Syrah wines. The most common pure Syrah wines from France include Cornas, Cote-Rotie and Hermitage. Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes du Rhône and Gigondas are well-known wines that use Syrah as a blending grape.
