Syrah

Synonyms: candive (France), shiraz/hermitage (Australia), seriné/serinne (Côte Rôtie and Isère in France), marsanne noire.

Vigorous variety with early to medium budding, it has a short ripening period from veraison. It does not ripen in excessively cool climates, so it needs temperate or warm climates.

It is considered one of the oldest varieties. Syrah is responsible for the great wines of the northern Rhône and is used in the south to enhance blends. It is also grown in most quality regions of Australia, although it is known there as shiraz. It is also important in South Africa, New Zealand, Washington (USA) and Chile.

The most developed and imitated style around this variety is that of the Rhone, i.e. temperate climate. In the north of this producing region it is usually made as a single varietal, sometimes with a small percentage of viognier to lift its floral aspect and help fix the color. It produces wines with a high layer, nose of black and violet fruit, pepper, herbal, meaty or mineral notes; on the palate they are elegant, fresh and structured, although with less tannin than a cabernet sauvignon. The other main style of syrah is the warm-climate Australian shiraz. This has a high layer, nose of ripe and opulent black fruit, spices, licorice, earthy or leather notes, and more presence of oak notes; in the mouth they are much more concentrated, warmer, with less acidity and very silky tannins. In Spain we can find a warm climate syrah, mostly used in blends. It is mainly grown in La Mancha, Catalonia, Aragon and Murcia.