Syrah, a discreet, resilient and versatile grape variety
Syrah is one of those grape varieties whose presence in the Bordeaux vineyards remains discreet, atypical and original. Although Syrah has been selected by a number of estates, often on an experimental basis for special events or confidential cuvées in the Vin de France appellation, it is still not officially authorised in the Bordeaux Appellations d'Origines Contrôlées (Controlled Designation of Origin). Nevertheless, the grape variety is proving very popular, and has made a name for itself well beyond its original borders in the Rhône Valley...
Originally
You may know it by other names, given the variety's versatility: Marsanne noir, Blauer Syrah, Serine noir, Sereine, Serine, Sirah, Schiras, Syrac, Blauer Syrah, Hermitage and, of course, the most famous, Syrah and Shiraz. For a long time, the origins of this grape variety remained a mystery, giving rise to various hypotheses, its name echoing the Iranian city of Shiraz, Syria, the Greek island of Syros and the Sicilian city of Syracuse.
Genetic analyses carried out in 1998 confirmed that Syrah is a natural cross between two ancient French grape varieties: Dureza and Mondeuse Blanche. There is no doubt, however, that this variety has been deeply rooted in the French terroir and vine-growing culture since antiquity, when the Romans brought the first vines, the ancestors of the variety, from the Orient south of Lyon.
Special features and characteristics
In the vineyard
Syrah is a grape variety that is both vigorous and fragile. However, the vigour of the plant is weakened by its long shoots, which need to be carefully trained to withstand the wind. This variety is also sensitive to soils with a high limestone content and to chlorosis (chlorophyll deficiency leading to more or less pronounced leaf discolouration). It is therefore best suited to poor, well-drained soils and warm, sunny climates.
Syrah is also characterised by its early budburst (the awakening of the vine's vegetative cycle) and ripening, resulting in a relatively short period between veraison (the colour change phase) and full ripening of the bunches. This also shortens the optimum harvesting period.
From a morphological point of view, adult Syrah leaves have 5 lobes and the bunches are medium-sized, elongated and compact, with small, round to slightly ovoid berries. Their thick skin is a dark violet to black colour.
In the glass
Syrah is a versatile grape variety that can express a wide range of flavours and styles, depending on the terroir and winemaking techniques used. Wines made from this variety are appreciated for their aromatic, powerful and spicy nature, whether red or rosé.
Syrah is often blended with more mid-palate varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, to give the wine a fuller flavour. Syrah blends wonderfully with Grenache, Cabernet Franc, Mourvèdre or Carignan.
Syrah wines are intensely coloured, ranging from dark violet to deep black, with bluish highlights that become more pronounced as the wine ages. They also have a robust tannic structure but little acidity. Resistant to wind and summer heat, Syrah produces powerful, elegant wines of great complexity. Syrah is remarkable for its ability to age. Syrah wines from great terroirs are renowned for their ageing potential. Over time, they gradually gain in complexity and roundness.
Where can one find this grape variety?
Syrah is originally a black French grape variety native to the northern part of the Côtes du Rhône and the Rhône Valley, where it was found exclusively until the end of the 20th century. It defines the wines of Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie (often blended with a little of the white grape Viognier) and St.-Joseph. For almost half a century, Syrah has been planted in increasing numbers in France, particularly in Provence, the South-West and Languedoc-Roussillon, where it flourishes, but also internationally. It can now be found in many wine-growing regions around the world, and has become an international success story. Today, it is the sixth most widely planted grape variety in the world, with over 185,000 hectares of vines, and the fourth most widely planted red grape variety behind Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Tempranillo.
For example, it plays an important role in Australian vineyards, where it is the most widely planted grape variety, particularly in the Barossa Valley in southern Australia. Known there as Shiraz, it produces bold, full-bodied wines, generally with a high alcohol content and rich notes of spice, chocolate and black fruit. It is also found in the Stellenbosch and Swartland regions of South Africa, where it produces robust, spicy Shiraz wines with a balance of fruit and terroir. In the United States, this grape variety is particularly present in California and Washington State, where its aromatic richness is sometimes blended with Grenache or Mourvèdre, and in Chile and Argentina in the Mendoza region. Syrah wines from Australia, the United States and South America are generally fruitier and more spicy. Conversely, Syrahs from France tend to have more acidity, earthy and herbaceous aromas. Today, France is the leading producer, but international wine regions have all successfully adopted this grape variety.
At La Rose Perrière
At Château La Rose Perrière, this grape variety was carefully selected as part of the research and development carried out for Tonnellerie Sylvain. Since 2016, it has been grown on 20 ares of our vineyard and has given rise to the creation of a new cuvée with the Vin de France appellation to enhance the range of wines: Syrah La Rose Perrière. With its intense purple colour, this Syrah has aromas of violets, raspberries and pepper. It is beautifully spicy and fruity.
This varietal red wine complements our blended red wines and, along with our Chardonnay La Rose Perrière and our Pinot Noir La Rose Perrière, is one of the highlights of our range. Discover it now ! For a successful taste and wider sensory experience, we suggest you enjoy our Syrah wine with grilled or roasted red meat, game, a spicy dish such as tandoori chicken, or with firm or blue cheeses, for a gourmet pairing at the end of the meal.
In short
Syrah is now one of the most emblematic grape varieties in the world of wine. Its many qualities make it the grape of choice for producing exceptional ageing wines, particularly in its native Rhône Valley. Its range of flavours, combining powerful black fruits, subtle spices and complex aromas, evolves very well over time. Whether used as a single grape variety or in blends, Syrah's rich aroma, elegant structure and remarkable ability to adapt to different terroirs give it unique characteristics. Explore the world's wine-growing terroirs by tasting Syrah wines from all around the globe!
