Syrah

Famous since ancient times.

Given our enthusiasm for Syrah, here is some useful information:

Syrah, along with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Noir, forms part of the quartet of noble red grape varieties. It has become famous in the Rhône region thanks to the Hermitage and Côte Rôtie wines. Syrah has been grown there since ancient times. In the appellations of the northern Rhône (Côte-Rôtie, Saint-Joseph, Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage and Cornas), it remains the only authorised red grape variety to this day.

According to legend, Syrah was brought back in 1224 from a crusade, via the Iranian city of Shiraz. This would explain the name Shiraz (rather than Syrah) in Australia, California, Chile and South Africa. In 1998, however, DNA analysis proved that this grape variety does not owe its name to ancient Persian viticulture, but is the result of a cross between the French varieties Dureza (a rare variety originally from the Ardèche) and Mondeuse Blanche (originally from Savoie).

The dark berries of the medium-sized bunches are rich in tannins and, thanks to their extremely high pigment content, produce wines with intense colours. Syrah thrives in arid, dry soils and, like no other red grape variety, reflects the different terroirs in its aromas and character. Thus, in the cooler European wine-growing regions, notes of pepper, spices (cloves) and herbs dominate, whilst in the warmer ‘New World’ wine-growing regions, more opulent and powerful aromas of ripe red berries, chocolate or violets predominate. Syrah wines also appeal for their balanced tannins – both powerful and velvety – and their ageing potential.

Today, Syrah is grown on around 180,000 hectares worldwide. Around a third (roughly 60,000 hectares) are in France. Australia, where Shiraz is the most widely grown red grape variety, accounts for around 40,000 hectares. Full-bodied and fruity Syrah or Shiraz wines are also much appreciated in the United States (California), Chile, Argentina, South Africa, Spain (Priorat), Italy and Switzerland (Valais).