| |  Syrah (or Shiraz)An Australian icon, this grape first found fame in France and is extensively planted all over the wine growing world.
In this short article we will explore the origins of the grape and give you the background to the great wines made from Syrah and why they offer such an interesting and exciting option. | OriginsFor some time it was thought that Syrah's origins were probably given away by its Australian name Shiraz. The city of Shiraz, in modern day Iran, was considered to be the homeland of this grape. It was thought that it most likely found its way from Persia to Marseilles and hence onto its French homeland in the Rhône valley. It is here that the Syrah grape produces some of its most exquisite examples in Hermitage and Côte Rôtie (where it is often blended with a little (white) Viognier). Both these wines have a capacity to age gracefully for decades.
However, in 1998, scientists from the University of California at Davis and Montpellier University found that Syrah was in fact a cross between two southern French grapes Dureza and Mondeuse Blanche, scuppering any thoughts of middle eastern links.
From its "humble" beginnings in France, it is now estimated that Syrah is the World's fifth most planted grape variety.
It is found in many other countries, especially in Australia and California, but South Africa (where it is also known as Shiraz), New Zealand, Chile and Argentina are also producing some very interesting examples.
| ViticultureSyrah is a relatively easy grape to grow and adapts to a reasonably broad range of warm to hot climates. It does ripen quite late and is rarely found in marginal and cool climates, but it is late budding and therefore manages to avoid significant damage from spring frosts.
Like Chardonnay, it is a relatively hardy vine, with generally good disease resistance but it can be prone to some types of rot and coulure. It can also be susceptible to chlorosis and therefore some care has to be given to choice of appropriate rootstock to match the soil type.
It has a high level of colouring and flavour compounds in the grape, usually leading to very dark, highly flavoured wines.
Syrah crops reasonably well, higher than Cabernet Sauvignon for example. It is important however to ensure that yields are carefully managed; an overcropped Syrah will be dilute, can oxidise easily and often tastes sweet.
| VinificationSyrah can be made a wide variety of styles and due to its high levels of colouring and flavouring it can sometimes be difficult to approach in its youth. It does respond well to oak maturation, including new oak if the grapes are appropriately ripe.
Syrah is also often blended with other grapes, especially in Southern France, where it is a component of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and (sometimes) Côtes du Rhône along with a huge swathe of the southern French appellations, where it is paired with Grenache, Mourvèdre, Carignan and sometimes Cinsaut. In Provence, it is commonly blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, as it is in Australia.
Finally, Syrah is the major grape in Côte Rôtie. The interesting twist on this "blend" is that the red (Syrah) and white (Viognier) grapes are usually fermented together, rather than being fermented and matured separately and then combined in a blending process.
| Wine StylesA typical example of quality French Syrah, found in Hermitage and Côte Rôtie, will be a dark and robust wine, requiring at least 5 years and often more in the bottle before becoming drinkable. Lighter versions of Syrah found in Crozes Hermitage and St. Joseph will usually be drinkable earlier, but often lack the majesty of their more illustrious neighbours. What distinguishes French Syrah is a robust tannic structure, deep blackberry fruit, often a slight smokiness and usually a distinct black pepper "bite". This style can be found in California too, along with most other counties.
In Australia the style is generally much fruitier, offering deep, sweet black fruits, with a distinct chocolate character, sometimes with mint and leather thrown in. And don't forget sparkling Shiraz, an experience that must be tried (even if it's only once!).
For a description of wine styles and examples of each style in the West Mount Wine catalogue, please look at our section on Syrah Wine Styles
| ConclusionsSyrah is only just finding its feet on the international wine stage, but is now producing world class wines on at least three continents. From attractive, early drinking, fruity styles found in Australia to the structured, complex wines of the northern Rhône, Syrah has something for everyone.
Although there's a real risk that drinkers could become bored with the style of inexpensive Australian Shiraz, move a little further up the price range or start looking at France and you will find a unique, distinctive wine that has the potential to age into something quite special.
If you would like to learn more about Syrah through one of our tasting workshops, please do contact us and we'd be pleased to help.
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