Grape varieties: Syrah
If you are a fan of Rhone wines it is likely that Syrah will be a grape with which you are familiar. However, it may have been a single varietal or formed part of the Rhone blend along with Grenache and Mourvèdre. The grape is thought to be a grand-child of Pinot Noir. Scientists believe it to have high levels of antioxidants, so may help keep you healthy!
About the grape
The black Syrah grapes tends to be thick skinned with a deep purple colour. Typical the berries (grapes) are small and egg shaped, ripen quickly and are sensitive to frost. The grape can grow in both cool and warm (even hot) climates. The bunches tend to be on the smaller side, and the vine branches tend to be longer. This is a grape which is naturally high in sugar, but also has good levels of acidity which balance it out.
A grape by any other name
For any Australians reading this post, and wondering why the Shiraz grape is not being featured as one of the noble grapes, that’s because the Syrah and Shiraz are the same grape! To be fair the names are largely reflective of different winemaking styles. Shiraz wines tend to be rich, bold, fruity styles of wine. Syrah tends to be a little more floral and herbaceous in style. There are French Shiraz wines, and there are Australian Syrah wines, so its not as simple as the name depending on the geographical location.
Profile
As we have said above this wine tends to be made into two very distinctive styles. One a little richer and jammier than the other. However, generally these wines are:
- Medium to high in acid
- Very dry in style
- Medium in alcohol
- Full bodied
- With Medium to High tannins
Typical flavours / aromas tend to be of blueberries, blackcurrant, blackberries, black cherry, plum, violets, bacon, chocolate, pepper, liquorice, and tobacco. Shiraz styles are fuller bodied and more fruity in style. Depending on style, white meats, game and red meats may make good pairings as well as mushrooms and cheeses. Fuller bodied wines make great BBQ wines. Syrah and Shiraz wines often have good potential to age for 15+ years and decanting may be beneficial for older wines.
Red sparkling wines
It is not unusual in Australia to find sparkling Shiraz wines. These wines are sometimes made using the traditional method of making sparkling wines, and contain some residual sugar to balance the tannins and oak flavours. These wines pair well with cooked breakfast such as a full English, any kind of white meat or blue cheeses such as stilton.
Production
Besides significant quantities in France and Australia, it is grown throughout Europe (Spain / Italy) and the New World (Argentina, South Africa and the United States). The warmer the climate, usually the fuller the body of wine you will get. And if it says Shiraz that will usually indicate a fuller bodied style.
So, are you a Syrah or Shiraz fan? Have you tried a sparkling Shiraz yet? Or are you a Rhone wine fan? Syrah is a hugely versatile grape, so if you haven’t found one you like yet, it may be worth continuing the search. When you do, let me know what it is! In the meantime, keep exploring this beautiful planet we live on, one glass at a time!