Syrah or Shiraz: A Great Variety That Has Two Names
Syrah originated in the northern Rhône region of eastern France. This grape delivers dynamic and peppery wines, packed with pronounced black fruit and spices. Yet, even though Syrah’s birthplace was France, it has found a new paradise in Australia, where it has become the country’s signature variety. In Australia Syrah or Shiraz, as it’s commonly known, is regarded as a completely different wine.
Syrah is floral when young, but as it ages, it becomes very complex, showing pepper aromas and flavors of asparagus, mint, and tomato leaf. Aged Syrahs, show leather, smoky, and charred wood scents, as well as flavors of cinnamon, licorice, and blackcurrants. Syrah is often used as a blending partner adding tannins, color, and flavor to lighter, weaker blends. It’s usually blended with Cinsaut, Mourvèdre (Monastrell), and Grenache, and makes the famed Rhône blend.
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(4.2 / 5) A Beloved Variety in New World
As mentioned above, Syrah has found a home in Australia, but not only there. Syrah is widely cultivated in California, Oregon, Washington, Chile, and Argentina, too. And depending on the side of the Andean peaks, Syrah vines can produce wine of a distinct, unique style, different from France and Australia. Syrah has also achieved success in South Africa and New Zealand.
Syrah or Shiraz gives fruity and straightforward wines to highly concentrated ones with ample oakiness. As such, the quality of Syrah (and price) differs. With a bit of search and goodwill, though, you can find some unbelievably good Syrah under $20. Just like we did. So, after tasting lots of Syrah, we are ready to answer the question of what is the best Syrah under $20. Here it comes:
Best Syrah Wines Under $20
Best Overall
- Name — Casas del Bosque Syrah Gran Reserva
- Winery — Casa del Bosque
- Country/Region — Chile, Aconcagua, Casablanca Valley
- Type — Chilean Syrah
- Aroma — Honeysuckle, Blackberry, Cherry, Bacon, Cinnamon Spice, Smoke
- Grapes — Syrah
- Taste — Plum, Raspberry, Coffee, Chocolate, Graphite, Mint, Eucalyptus
- Alcohol Content — 14.5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Cassoulet, Lamb Rack, Pork Chops, Punjabi Goat Curry, Pepperoni Pizza, Aged Cheddar
Tasting Notes
Purple highlights and a deep ruby-red color define this Syrah, which opens with fragrances of blackberries, baking spices, and game meat. The mouth is dynamic and lively, with supple tannins, and concludes in a mint-influenced finish.
Intense scents of cherries, blackberries, and honeysuckle emerge as you uncork the bottle, complemented by bold aromas of bacon, game meat, wood, and cinnamon spice. In addition, the body is medium with brisk acidity, showing flavors of coffee, chocolate, and plums. Some touches of graphite exist, too, and blend nicely with the smooth tannins. The finish is long, filled with hints of mint.
Winemaking From Chile’s Best Winemaker
Based in Casablanca Valley, Casas del Bosque is a fine winery, taking advantage of the country’s climate to produce great wines. Meinard Jan Bloem, a Dutch winemaker, moved to Chile, where he has evolved into one of the most prominent winemakers. He has studied in France and Germany, where he crafted some of the world’s best wines.
Best Value
- Name — Klinker Brick Farráh Syrah
- Winery — Klinker Brick
- Country/Region — United States, California, Central Valley, Lodi
- Type — Californian Syrah
- Aroma — Cherry, Raspberry, Plum, Cinnamon, Vanilla Bean
- Grapes — Syrah
- Taste — Blackberry, Prune, Mint, Fig, Violet, Almond, Sweet Tobacco, Maple Syrup, Smoke
- Alcohol Content — 14.8%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Roast New Zealand Lamb, Meatloaf, Baked Ham, Pork Tenderloin, Gorgonzola, Asiago
Tasting Notes
This Syrah has a bounty of fruit flavors that fill the nose and palate with the opulent flavors of plums, exotic spices, and dried flowers. The tannins are supple are pleasant, while the acidity is brisk and refreshing. The woody finish offers great depth that wine enthusiasts find impressive.
Vanilla bean, cinnamon spice, and pepper join fruit-forward aromas of raspberries, plums, and cherries. The palate is balanced with fine-grained tannins and flavors of blackberries, prunes, and figs. At the same time, flavorsome layers of nuts, violets, and peaches combine for a mouthwatering result. The back-palate shows a touch of tobacco, smoke, and maple syrup in its lingering finish.
A Fine Lodi Winery
Klinker Brick’s vineyards are located in Lodi, in the Mokelumne and Clement Hills region. Here, some of the top-quality fruit in California is used to produce wines of phenomenal complexity. Based just at the edge of the Sacramento Delta, the vineyards take advantage of the Pacific Ocean breezes to cool the Klinker Brick grapes. On top of this, the warm Mediterranean climate is perfect for cultivating a wide variety of grapes.
Best Under $15
- Name — Columbia Crest Grand Estates Syrah
- Winery — Columbia Crest
- Country/Region — United States, Washington, Columbia Valley
- Type — Washington State Syrah
- Aroma — Blackcurrant, Pepper, Cherry, Thyme, Pepper, Bramble, Violet
- Grapes — Syrah
- Taste — Plum, Boysenberry, Raspberry, Barnyard, Toasted Oak, Smoke, Fig
- Alcohol Content — 13.5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Veal Chops, Steak Fajitas, Beijing Duck, Bison Burgers, Gorgonzola
Tasting Notes
Elegant overtones of smoke blend with fragrances of blackcurrants, pepper, dried herbs, and cherries, shaping this wine’s nose. Medium-to-full-bodied, the texture is supple, complemented by flavors of cedar, plums, and barnyard. As you bring the glass closer to your nose, aromas of smoke appear and mingle with nuances of blackcurrants and cherries. Close by, additional scents of pepper, thyme, and mint join suggestions of brambles and violets.
The palate is well-structured with great depth, with flavors of plums, boysenberries, raspberries, and cedar creating a dynamic combination. On top of this, wine fans might also experience notes of barnyards as they take a sip. The acidity is fresh, offsetting the excess juiciness. Columbia Crest Grand Estates Syrah finishes in a long and gratifying aftertaste of toasted oak, smoke, and figs.
One of the Top Wine Producers of Washington
Founded in 1983, Columbia Crest evolved from a small, everyday winery to one of the most important in the United States. In fact, it is one of the major forces behind Washington State’s development as a world-class wine region. In producing hand-crafted wines of superior quality, Columbia Crest has been awarded several accolades over the years. This development is indicative of the winery’s dedication and commitment to excellence. Possibly the best Syrah under $15!
Best Cheap Under $10
- Name — Cartesian Syrah
- Winery — Cartesian
- Country/Region — United States, California
- Type — Californian Syrah
- Aroma — Cherry, Blackberry, Plum, Pepper, Thyme, Cinnamon Spice
- Grapes — Syrah
- Taste — Prune, Fig, Raspberry, Strawberry, Grapefruit, Mushroom, Cinnamon Spice
- Alcohol Content — 13.5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Duck Breast, Braised Beef Short Ribs, Pastrami Sandwich, Puttanesca, Gruyère
Tasting Notes
Full-bodied and dynamic, Cartesian Syrah begins with aromas of cherries, plums, and dried herbs. The rich mouth is dominated by flavors of dark fruits, tomato leaf, and smoke. If you choose this Syrah, expect to detect whiffs of cherries, blackberries, and plums mingled with nuances of pepper, thyme, and cinnamon spice. As you take a sip, waves of bramble, prune, and fig flavors explode on the tongue.
At the same time, subtler tastes of raspberries, strawberries, and grapefruits join touches of mushrooms, underbrush, and leather, forming the rich texture. A racy acidity tries to balance out the flavor intensity, succeeding to an extent. Regrettably, the tannins are weak and muted. Nevertheless, the aftertaste is pleasant with notes of baking spices.
Inspired by a French Philosopher
Based in California, Cartesian takes advantage of the Paso Robles microclimates to cultivate exceptional quality fruit. They approach winemaking by embracing the duality of the knowledge and passion of crafting wines expressive of the Napa Valley terroir. To Cartesian, winemaking is a journey. Through each of their wines, they show respect to the French philosopher René Descartes, the first thinker to emphasize the use of reason.
Best From California
- Name — Francis Ford Coppola Winery Diamond Collection Syrah
- Winery — Francis Ford Coppola Winery
- Country/Region — United States, California
- Type — Californian Syrah
- Aroma — Raspberry, Redcurrant, Fig, Plum, Clove, Violet
- Grapes — Syrah
- Taste — Blackberry, Bramble, Prune, Leather, Bacon, Chocolate, Grapefruit, Smoke, Nut
- Alcohol Content — 13.7%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Rib Eye Steak, Filet Mignon, Lamb Kebabs, Falafel, Brie, Halloumi
Tasting Notes
This Syrah shows intense aromas of violets, figs, and raspberries on the bouquet. Concentrated and complex in the mouth, the wine has velvety tannins. Fine layers of dark fruits and chocolate overflow the mouth, leading into the oak-influenced aftertaste. Inviting fragrances of violet and acacia open this wine’s nose, alongside scents of raspberries, redcurrants, and figs. Some traces of plums and cloves are discernible, too, but they are muted.
Even so, they manage to provide depth and aromatic delight. The mouth is concentrated, exhibiting flavors of blackberries, brambles, and prunes. Subsequent tastes of leather, smoky bacon, and chocolate complete the mid-palate. The tannins are soft, and the acidity is moderate. Lingering notes of grapefruits, smoke, and nutmeg influence the aftertaste.
Wine, Food, and Adventure
Re-opened in July 2010, Francis Ford Coppola Winery is the latest venture from Francis Ford Coppola, a winemaker passionate for wine, food, and adventure. With swimming pools, two restaurants, and a wine tasting bar, wine enthusiasts can enjoy a great experience at the Francis Ford Coppola Winery.
Best From Chile
- Name — Montes Alpha Syrah
- Winery — Montes Alpha
- Country/Region — Chile, Central Valley, Rapel Valley, Colchagua Valley
- Type — Chilean Syrah
- Aroma — Lavender, Acacia, Blackberry, Prune, Cassis, Barnyard, Cocoa, Cherry
- Grapes — Syrah
- Taste — Plum, Raspberry, Fig, Mint, Grapefruit, Tomato Leaf, Charred Wood, Smoke, Mushroom
- Alcohol Content — 14.8%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Tomahawk Steak, Pork Chops, Beef Burgers, Cured Meats, Olives, Grana Padano
Tasting Notes
Outstanding aromas of black blackberries and crème de cassis combine with gentle touches of cocoa, barnyard, and cherries. Greatly structured in the mouth, the wine has rich acidity, soft tannins, and a creamy aftertaste. One of the top Syrah wines under $20, for sure.
Floral aromas introduce Montes Alpha Syrah, accompanied by scents of blackberries, prunes, and cassis, as well as notes of barnyard, cocoa, and juicy cherries. The texture is rounded with attractive flavors of plums, raspberries, figs, and mint. Vibrant acidity and smooth tannins join the creamy, oaky finish.
Influencing the Chilean Wine Scene
The first Montes Alpha wine was released in 1988. Immediately it became one of the first high-end wineries in Chile. Twenty years later, it still remains one of the most influential wineries in the country, creating passionate wines. To sum up, the people behind Montes Alpha are pioneers, always breaking new grounds in winemaking. The best Syrah wine under $20 for many.
Best From Australia
- Name — Tussock Jumper Shiraz
- Winery — Tussock Jumper
- Country/Region — Australia, South Australia, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide Hills
- Type — Australian Shiraz
- Aroma — Violet, Cherry, Strawberry, Plum, Coffee, Pepper, Paprika, Barnyard, Wet Leaves
- Grapes — Syrah
- Taste — Blackberry, Prune, Fig, Bramble, Smoke, Clove, Violet, Thyme, Cinnamon Spice
- Alcohol Content — 14%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Meatloaf, Moroccan Tagine, Oven-baked Chicken, Bacon, Brie
Tasting Notes
Tussock Jumper Shiraz opens upfront with confected fruitiness, mainly aromas of red berries, dark fruits, and pepper spice. The mouth is juicy, just like the nose, with tart acidity and firm savory tannins. This wine has great aging potential. In the beginning, expect to find fragrances of violets, cherries, strawberries, plums, coffee, and pepper on this wine’s bouquet.
However, after a few swirls, you will discover, gentle touches of paprika, barnyard, and wet leaves. In the mouth, flavors of prunes, figs, and blackberries show tension as a tart acidity follows. The tannins are firm and savory, providing good structure and depth. The aftertaste is slightly oak-influenced, with weak but pleasant notes of smoke and cloves.
A Premium Wine Brand
Tussock Jumper is considered a premium wine firm created by passionate wine specialists from 11 different countries. Tussock Jumper aims to unite the world’s best wines under a single mark: The Tussock Jumper. The reasoning is that in this way, wine enthusiasts can make a jump to jump from wine to wine, around the world. That said, possibly the best thing about this wine brand is that their wines are bottled in the same place where the grapes are cultivated. Perfection!
Best From Argentina
- Name — Chakana Nuna Estate Syrah
- Winery — Chakana
- Country/Region — Argentina, Mendoza
- Type — Argentinian Syrah
- Aroma — Plum, Blackberry, Blackcurrant, Cherry, Cocoa, Game Meat, Fig
- Grapes — Syrah
- Taste — Strawberry, Raspberry, Prune, Bramble, Chocolate, Vanilla
- Alcohol Content — 14.5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Cassoulet, Steak With Peppercorns, Roast Lamb, Stewed Veal, Beijing Duck, Braised Rabbit, Camembert, Fromager D’Affinois
Tasting Notes
Dark plum, blackberry, and cherry aromas join hints of coffee and licorice, as a bright acidity hits just as the wine enters the mouth. There, flavors of berries, prunes, and brambles combine for a highly palatable result. The finish is lengthy and borderline sour.
Whiffs of plums, blackberries, blackcurrants, and cherries dominate the nose of this wine and are framed by a core of game meat, cocoa, and fig aromas. Medium-to-full-bodied, Chakana Nuna Estate Syrah is bold and dynamic on the palate. Juicy tastes of strawberries, raspberries, stewed prunes, and brambles are in perfect sync with undertones of chocolate and vanilla. Smooth tannins, drive into long but slightly sour finish.
Wines Highly Expressive of the Argentine Locale
Chakana is family-owned and produces highly expressive wines in Altamira, Valle de Uco y Luján de Cuyo, some of the most prestigious regions in Mendoza, Argentina. The winery supports organic and biodynamic viticulture and aims to reflect the character of Argentina’s soils and the Argentinian temperament through its wines. Widely recognized, Chakana has been praised by both journalists and wine experts worldwide.
Best From France
- Name — Domaine la Croix Belle Syrah
- Winery — Domaine la Croix Belle
- Country/Region — France, Vin de Pays, Pays d’Oc, Côtes de Thongue
- Type — French Syrah
- Aroma — Plum, Blackberry, Cocoa, Coffee, Pepper, Anise, Bay Leaf
- Grapes — Syrah
- Taste — Cherry, Blackcurrant, Baking Spice, Charred Wood, Mint, Smoke
- Alcohol Content — 13.5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Grilled Bison, Leg Of Lamb, Pork Stew, Honey-glazed Chicken, Lobster Paella
Tasting Notes
Dense, with concentrated tannins, high acidity, and dark fruits, Domaine la Croix Belle Syrah is a fine example of a Vin de Pays crafted with passion and dedication. Drinking window: 2021 – 2027. Deep red-purple in color, it exhibits scents of plums, blackberries, cocoa, and coffee on the nose. Polished aromas of pepper, anise and bay leaf emerge after a while, providing wine enthusiasts with good depth and an enjoyable aromatic experience.
Balanced and delicious, flavors of spices, cherries, charred wood, blackcurrants, and mint commence a dance in the mouth, carrying along with the smooth tannins and the medium acidity. Domaine la Croix Belle Syrah concludes with a gratifying aftertaste, fruity and woody. Undoubtedly, one of the top-rated Syrah under $20. Sipping is pure bliss!
Reinventing the Wheel
Learning from two centuries of winemaking knowledge, Domaine la Croix Belle came into existence in 1977. Since its founding, the winery has implemented modern vinification methods to continue improving the quality of the classic French wines. Founders Jacques and Françoise Boyer were not content with the condition of the family wine state and the general wine scene in Languedoc in southern France, so they started replanting the family vineyard and improved their winegrowing techniques.
On top of this, they also transformed the cellars to develop effective vinification methods to express the terroir. Eventually, they managed to craft exceptional quality wine and become one of the best wine producers of Languedoc.
Best From Italy
- Name — Principi di Butera Syrah
- Winery — Principi di Butera
- Country/Region — Italy, Terre Siciliane
- Type — Italian Syrah
- Aroma — Plum, Fig, Violet, Lavender, Smoke, Cinnamon Spice, Pepper
- Grapes — Syrah
- Taste — Blackberry, Strawberry, Raspberry, Vanilla Spice, Tomato Leaf, Allspice, Charred Wood, Forest Floor
- Alcohol Content — 14%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Lamb Chops With Fennel, Asian Ribs With Hoisin Glaze, Indian-style Short Ribs, Sirloin Burgers, Stilton, Brie
Tasting Notes
Thick and ripe, this Syrah wine offers black-skinned fruit, baking spices, and smoke overtones on the bouquet. A core of ripe black fruits is accentuated by raspberries, vanilla spice, and mint. The tannins are rounded while the aftertaste is moderate, with allspice overtones.
Gentle aromas of plums, figs, and cherries join nuances of violets, lavenders, and cinnamon spice. At the same time, smoke sensations provide extra depth to this aromatic Syrah. In the mouth, juicy blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries combine with tastes of vanilla spice, mint, and tomato leaf for an immersive drinking experience. Regarding the tannins, they are quite soft. The finish is pleasant, packed with overtones of allspice, charred wood, and forest floor.
Crafting Dynamic Sicilian Wines
Principi di Butera is located in the center of Sicily, in the province of Caltanissetta. Sicily is considered a great winemaking region due to high-quality red wines—Principi di Butera Syrah included. The estate is 320 hectares and extends into ancient lands of the Feudo Dellella, including over 170 vineyards. Thanks to the dry and warm climate, which helps the grapes attain perfect ripening, and the sea breeze, Principi di Butera produces wines of irresistible quality.
Since 1997, Principi di Butera has belonged to the prestigious Zonin family, renowned for producing one of the world’s best Proseccos in Veneto, northeastern Italy. The family invested in Principi di Butera to produce world-class wines, fully expressive of the Sicilian soul, passion, and temperament.
Conclusion
Whether you’re into Syrah in particular or just a humble red wine fan, with this wine list, you should be able to choose the best Syrahs under $20 easily. As an elaborate red grape variety, the best Syrah expressions are found within the higher-end category. Yet, by picking any of our selected Syrahs, you’ll find complexity and deliciousness at a very approachable price. So, don’t think twice, uncork your favorite Syrah or Shiraz, now!
