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Syrah

Red Grape of the Northern Rhone Valley

Syrah

Syrah is a dark-skinned grape variety that originates from the Rhône Valley in southeastern France. It's known for producing powerful, full-bodied red wines. Depending on where it's grown, the grape can produce wines with a wide range of flavor profiles. Here's a closer look at Syrah:

Taste Profile: Syrah wines often have flavors and aromas of dark fruits like blackberry, along with spicy, peppery, and sometimes smoky notes. Depending on the region and the winemaking techniques, the flavor profile can also include licorice, black tea, violet, and even olive or cured meat nuances.

Texture & Aging: Syrah typically produces wines with high tannins and high acidity, making many Syrah wines suitable for aging. As they age, they can develop more earthy and leathery notes.

Major Growing Regions:

Rhône Valley, France: Northern Rhône regions like Côte-Rôtie and Hermitage produce some of the most esteemed Syrah wines in the world, often characterized by their smoky, meaty qualities.

Australia: Known as ""Shiraz"" in Australia, it's one of the country's signature grapes, especially in regions like Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale. Australian Shiraz can be big, bold, and fruit-forward, often with chocolaty and spicy notes.

California, USA: Syrah has found a home in regions like Paso Robles and Sonoma, where it's made in a variety of styles.

South Africa, Chile, and Argentina: In these regions, Syrah is grown with increasing success, producing wines with a mix of New World fruitiness and Old World structure.

Syrah or Shiraz? The grape is genetically the same, whether it's called Syrah or Shiraz. The difference in name often denotes a stylistic difference in the wine. Syrah typically refers to wines made in the style of the Rhône Valley, while Shiraz refers to the bolder, riper style typically found in Australia.

Viticulture: Syrah is a hardy vine with good resistance to many vine diseases. It thrives in a variety of soil types, especially those that are well-draining.

Blends: Syrah is often used in blends. In the Southern Rhône Valley, it's blended with other varieties like Grenache and Mourvèdre in appellations like Châteauneuf-du-Pape. In Australia, it's sometimes blended with Cabernet Sauvignon.

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