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Red wine Shiraz (Shiraz, also known as Syrah, Syrah) is made from the grape variety of the same name. In 1999, it was discovered that this grape comes from two little-known French varieties Dureza and Mondeuse Blanche. Both “parents” of Sira are found only in the southeastern part of the country.
It is important not to confuse the Syrah variety with the Petite Sirah – despite the similar pronunciation, this is not an analogue, but the result of crossing the original Syrah with the Peloursin grape.
The characteristics and flavor profile of Shiraz wine are highly dependent on climate and terroir, being mostly medium to full bodied, high in tannins, with notes of blackberry, mint and black pepper. In a hot climate (for example, in Crete or Australia), the wine becomes less tannic and more “jam”, notes of spices, licorice, anise, leather appear. Syrah has good aging potential: this wine is able to age gracefully, acquiring a special depth of bouquet.
Shiraz wine is single-varietal, but it is much more often used in blends. In 2004, this variety ranked 7th in the world in terms of popularity. Syrah plantations are located all over the world: in France, Chile, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, USA, etc.
History
Documentary evidence claims that the Syrah grape has been growing along the banks of the Rhone for hundreds of years, but its exact origin was established only in 1999. One of the “parents” of the variety, Dureza, has almost completely disappeared and is found only in the Montpellier region. The second “parent”, the white variety Mondeuse Blanche, is still quite common in the French region of Savoy.
The age of Shiraz grapes remains unclear. Perhaps its first mention is found in Pliny the Elder in 77 AD, but under the name Allobrogica, but the identity of the varieties has not been proven. Moreover, Allobrogica, judging by the descriptions, was distinguished by increased frost resistance – a quality that Syrah cannot boast of.
Why there are two names
The variety has two official names:
- Syrah – in the country of origin, France, as well as in other European countries, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, New Zealand and South Africa.
- Shiraz is in Australia. Until the 1980s, this variety was called Hermitage, but then the name was changed to avoid confusion with the French appellation, which specializes in the production of Syrah.
Other less common cultivar names: Antourenein noir, Balsamina, Candive, Entournerein, Hignin noir, Marsanne noir, Schiras, Sirac, Syra, Syrac, Serine, Sereine.
Legends
One of the legends says that the birthplace of the variety is Shiraz, the capital of Persia, and grapes appeared on the banks of the Rhone thanks to the Phoenicians. Another version connects the name with the Sicilian city of Syracuse. In any case, there is no reliable evidence for these theories.
Syrah owes its popularity to wines from the French appellation Hermitage (Hermitage) – they were so good that in the XNUMXth century they attracted the attention of foreign oenologists. However, in those days they were used mainly for blending with Bordeaux to improve the taste of unsuccessful vintages.
In 1831, Shiraz came to Australia, and by the 1860s he had achieved popularity. Today, Syrah is still considered the main grape in the Rhone area and is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache. The best wines from this grape are aged for decades, but they can also be drunk young. In addition to still red wine, rose brands, fortified wines, sparkling wines (both dry and sweet) are made from Syrah.
Old World Syrah is more acidic and herbal, while New World Syrah is more fruity and spicy.
Features
The Shiraz variety produces an aromatic and full-bodied wine. The exact bouquet depends on the country of origin, terroir, year and skill of the winemaker. The aroma can vary from violet to chocolate, and this wine is also characterized by tones of black berries, coffee and pepper.
Optional notes include blueberry, blackberry, boysenberry, olives, cloves, vanilla, allspice, rosemary, jerky, bacon, tobacco, lavender, anise, eucalyptus, graphite, resin, cream.
Usually Shiraz is aged in oak barrels for 5-9 years, but this is not a prerequisite.
Syrah is an industrial variety, it is darker than Cabernet Sauvignon and contains more antioxidants, it is unpretentious in cultivation. Due to the dense skin in the manufacture of wine, maceration can stretch for weeks.
Syrah Cultivation Regions
Syrah plantations occupy about 186 thousand hectares worldwide. Main regions:
- France: Côtes du Rhône: Cornas, Hermitage (the most expensive brands are made here), St. Joseph, Côte-Rôtie.
- Australia: Barossa, McLaren Vale, Limestone Coast.
- Spain: Priorat, Montsant, Toro, Yecla.
How to drink wine Shiraz (Syrah)
Syrah has one of the highest recommended serving temperatures – 18 degrees.
Wine makes successful gastronomic pairs with almost any food with a bright expressive taste. It can be served with blue cheese burgers and barbecues, as well as herbes de Provence dishes, spicy steaks, etc.