Wine quiz

Syrah Quiz

By SipCircle Wine Editorial

Two rounds, instant scoring, no sign-up. See how well you know Syrah, then keep a tasting journal to remember what you learn.

Test your knowledge

What this quiz covers

12 questions across two rounds — 6 beginner and 6 advanced. Here's what you'll be asked:

  • Syrah and Shiraz are:
  • What color of wine is typically produced from Syrah?
  • Which country is home to the classic Hermitage appellation?
  • The Barossa Valley, famous for Shiraz, is located in which country?
  • Which flavor is commonly associated with Syrah?
  • Syrah pairs especially well with which type of dish?
  • How does classic Northern Rhône Syrah generally differ in style from Barossa Valley Shiraz?
  • In the Northern Rhône, Syrah is sometimes co-fermented with a small proportion of which white grape, notably in Côte-Rôtie?
  • The Barossa Valley is renowned for possessing some of the world's:
  • Which of these appellations is located within the Northern Rhône alongside Hermitage?
  • The peppery character often found in cooler-climate Syrah is largely attributed to which aroma compound?
  • How does oak treatment often differ between traditional Northern Rhône and typical Barossa styles?
Study notes — answers & key facts (open to reveal)
  • Syrah and Shiraz are: The same grape known by different names. Syrah and Shiraz are the same grape variety, with the name Shiraz commonly used in Australia and the name Syrah favored in France and much of the rest of the world.
  • What color of wine is typically produced from Syrah? Red. Syrah is a dark-skinned grape that mainly produces deeply colored red wines, though it can also be used for rosé.
  • Which country is home to the classic Hermitage appellation? France. Hermitage is a prestigious appellation located in the Northern Rhône region of France.
  • The Barossa Valley, famous for Shiraz, is located in which country? Australia. The Barossa Valley in South Australia is one of Australia's most celebrated regions for full-bodied Shiraz.
  • Which flavor is commonly associated with Syrah? Dark berries and pepper. Syrah typically shows dark fruit flavors such as blackberry and plum along with a characteristic peppery, spicy note.
  • Syrah pairs especially well with which type of dish? Grilled or roasted red meats. The bold structure and savory notes of Syrah make it a natural match for grilled and roasted red meats and game.
  • How does classic Northern Rhône Syrah generally differ in style from Barossa Valley Shiraz? Northern Rhône is often more restrained and savory, while Barossa tends to be riper and fuller-bodied. The cooler Northern Rhône climate tends to yield more savory, peppery and structured Syrah, whereas the warmer Barossa produces riper, richer and more voluptuous Shiraz.
  • In the Northern Rhône, Syrah is sometimes co-fermented with a small proportion of which white grape, notably in Côte-Rôtie? Viognier. In Côte-Rôtie, growers may co-ferment Syrah with a small amount of Viognier, which can enhance aromatics and help stabilize color.
  • The Barossa Valley is renowned for possessing some of the world's: Oldest surviving Shiraz vines. Because it escaped phylloxera, the Barossa Valley retains some of the oldest continuously producing Shiraz vines in the world, some well over a century old.
  • Which of these appellations is located within the Northern Rhône alongside Hermitage? Côte-Rôtie. Côte-Rôtie is a Northern Rhône appellation known for Syrah, while Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas belong to the Southern Rhône where Grenache-based blends dominate.
  • The peppery character often found in cooler-climate Syrah is largely attributed to which aroma compound? Rotundone. Rotundone is the compound responsible for the distinctive black-pepper aroma frequently noted in Syrah from cooler regions.
  • How does oak treatment often differ between traditional Northern Rhône and typical Barossa styles? Barossa frequently favors generous new American oak, while Northern Rhône often leans toward French oak with more restraint. Barossa Shiraz has often embraced ripe fruit framed by generous, sometimes American, oak, whereas Northern Rhône Syrah traditionally leans on French oak in a more measured, savory-focused way.

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