Syrah is a red grape that is a crossing between 2 ancient grapes Dureza and Mondeuse Blance. It is widely planted in the Rhône Valley where it also originates from, although you can find Syrah all around the world especially in Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, USA.

Syrah produces medium to full bodied red wines and depending on the climate it grows in, it can have medium levels of tannins and fruit. It loves dry climates and does best in schist, limestone and sandy soils which have good drainage like those of the hillsides of Nothern Rhône. The grapes are small and grow in small bunches which are relatively resistant to disease.

Due to its tannins, Syrah produces wines that are well suited for aging from 5 to 10 years and sometimes even more. It common to age the wines in oak which gives them a vanilla notes.

New world wines with hotter climates than Europe tend to have less tannins and are more fruit forward and richer while Old world wines are more elegant with more tannins and less fruit flavors.

Syrah is a grape which produces varietal wines especially in Nothern Rhône in regions like Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie but is also great in blends because of its dark purple color, acidity and tannins. In Southern Rhône it is used in the popular GSM blend where it is mainly blended with Grenache and Mourvedre.

Note: Syrah and Petite Sirah are two different grape varieties

Where to look for the best Syrah

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