Styles of Syrah are as diverse as the many growing regions from where they come. That means there are numerous dishes that can highlight the character of this mesmerizing variety. To that end, here are some tried and true tips to pair Syrah with food.

Sure, it can be hard to know what we’re going to get whenever we select a bottle we haven’t tried before. Nevertheless, in this case anticipate plenty of personality. Typically a concentrated ruby red with a purple hue, Syrah is a dark and brooding variety that relates well to gloomy days and robust fare. Although Syrah is at its heart a meat lovers’ wine, it can adapt to flavorful vegetarian dishes.

Pair Washington Syrah with Food

Black olive tapenade, or its components, help a dish reveal those same characteristics in a Syrah from Boushey Vineyard.

A recipe that incorporates a hint of smoky bacon is likely to enhance the smokiness often present in a Red Mountain Syrah.

Savory fruit sauces will enhance the charm of a lush fruit forward Syrah from Horse Heaven Hills.

Techniques to Match Syrah

Protein

If you’re a meat eater, start with one of these base ingredients:

Beef
Lamb
Pork
Venison
Buffalo
Chicken
Duck
Sausage
Squab

Flavors

Consider the flavors of the wine, and create a match by incorporating similar or contrasting flavors in the food:

Blackberry
Currant
Plum
Clove
Black Pepper

Bridge Ingredients

A tantalizing syrah pairing can also be created with ingredients that connect the wine with the food (aka “bridge ingredients”):

Blackberries
Plums
Currants
Prunes
Olives
Eggplant
Mustard
Walnuts
Garlic
Tarragon
Cumin
Smoked Paprika
Black or White Pepper

Cooking Techniques

Use these preparations to amp up the food’s flavor and stand up to the hedonistic personality of Syrah:

Barbecuing
Braising
Grilling
Roasting
Smoking

Recommended Dishes and Recipes

Try dishes such as barbecued fare, grilled eggplant sandwich, chili, steak, pizza, or hamburgers. If lamb is going to be on your table, Syrah will make a great companion.

Takeout barbecue is one of our favorite dinners with Syrah. Ribs for the hubby, chicken for me. Be sure to seek out smoky barbecue, not barbecue with a sticky, sweet sauce. Note that sweet barbecue sauce can spank the fruit out of a wine.

Crushed Puy Lentils with Tahini and Cumin, a recipe from acclaimed chef and prolific cookbook author Ottolenghi, is a terrific vegan option.
Tip: top with plenty of smoked paprika to play off a smoky Syrah.

Pasta Puttanesca is a nice choice for pescetarians.

If you signed up for the Washington Syrah Challenge, pairing Syrah with food can be one of the best ways to enjoy this mesmerizing variety. Now get cooking!