Syrah
Syrah / Shiraz
1. The Grape
Syrah (called Shiraz in some countries) is a red grape originally from the Rhône Valley in southern France.
It grows best in warm, sunny climates with cool nights, which help the grapes keep their peppery aroma and freshness.
The small, thick-skinned berries make deeply coloured wines with medium to high tannins and lots of flavour.
2. Where It’s Grown
Syrah is now planted all over the world.
It shows different styles depending on where it grows:
| Region | Climate | Typical Style |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Rhône (France) | Cool to warm, steep slopes | Elegant, peppery wines with violet and olive notes |
| Southern Rhône (France) | Warm Mediterranean | Ripe, spicy reds often blended with Grenache and Mourvèdre |
| Australia (Shiraz) | Mostly warm and sunny | Full-bodied, rich wines with dark fruit and chocolate flavours |
| South Africa | Warm but coastal | Savoury, spicy reds with freshness |
| United States (Washington & California) | Warm days, cool nights | Ripe fruit with pepper and olive notes |
| Chile & Argentina | Dry and sunny | Juicy, bold wines, sometimes blended with Malbec or Cabernet |
| New Zealand | Cool and coastal | Medium-bodied, peppery, elegant wines |
3. Taste and Style
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Colour | Deep purple to almost black |
| Flavours | Blackberries, plums, violets, black pepper, and spice |
| Body | Medium to full-bodied |
| Tannins | Firm but smooth |
| Ageing | Develops coffee, leather, and smoky notes with age |
Syrah vs Shiraz:
- Syrah is often used for cooler-climate wines that taste peppery and elegant.
- Shiraz usually means richer, riper, and fuller-bodied wines from warmer places like Australia.
4. Winemaking
- In cooler regions, winemakers sometimes ferment whole grape bunches to add perfume and spice.
- In warmer regions, they destem the grapes for softer, fruitier wines.
- Syrah can be aged in different types of oak barrels:
- French oak adds subtle spice and structure.
- American oak adds sweeter flavours like vanilla and chocolate.
- Because Syrah can develop “reductive” smells if it doesn’t get enough air, winemakers carefully give the wine small amounts of oxygen while it ages.
5. Blends and Food Pairing
- In southern France and Australia, Syrah is often blended with Grenache and Mourvèdre (called a GSM blend) for softer, richer wines.
- In Côte-Rôtie (France), small amounts of Viognier are added for floral aroma.
- Great with grilled meats, lamb, stews, and spicy dishes.
6. Summary
Syrah is one of the world’s most popular red grapes, producing wines that range from peppery and elegant to rich and powerful.
Its style changes dramatically with climate — cooler regions make lively, spicy reds, while warmer areas create plush, chocolatey Shiraz.
Wherever it’s grown, Syrah delivers wines full of colour, character, and versatility.
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