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Syrah has been appreciated
as a truly fine varietal for a long time, with
the wines from Hermitage in the northern Rhône
revered by connossieurs even during the 18th
century. Unquestionably, the grape's popularity
has only increased in the past several decades,
driven at least in part by the arrival of
Australia's tremendous production of 'Shiraz'
(the same thing as Syrah).
The
History of Syrah
Syrah is an ancient grape variety
that originated in the Northern Rhône from two
more humble parent varieties sometime around
the 1st century A.D. Because the grape is
bottled as 'Shiraz' in Australia, some
suggested perhaps the grape came instead from
the town Shirazi in Iraq, but DNA testing has
shown that its true origins are in the
Rhône.
Qualities of
the Syrah Grape
Extremely
dark-skinned, Syrah tends to be more hearty
than other fine varietals and can be grown
well in a wider range of climates. When
planted in warmer zones such as the
southern Rhône and Australia's interior, the
grapes show much riper character although can
become less balanced, and frequently
warm-region Syrah is used in blends. For
single-varietal bottlings where the grape must
stand fullly on its own, cooler climates such
as the Northern Rhône provide excellent
conditions.
Syrah Wine
Characteristics
Body: heavy
Tannins: medium to heavy
Acidity: medium
Flavors: dark fruit, especially blackberry
and black currant, as well as black pepper
and savory gamy notes
Regions
Where Syrah is Grown
- France's Rhône Valley
- northern Rhône bottlings contain only Syrah
for reds; in the southern Rhône, Syrah is
blended and Grenache may be
the predominant grape
- France's Languedoc-Roussillon, where Syrah is
frequently blended with other varietals
- Australia, where it is the country's most
popular red grape
- in the
U.S., throughout California as well as in
Washington state
- To a smaller extent in Chile and
Argentina
Syrah Fast
Facts
- Bottled
by regional name in France's Rhône
Valley and
Languedoc-Roussillon
- Bottled by varietal name outside of
France
- Also bottled as 'Shiraz' in Australia and
occasionally in other New World regions
- Villages of the Rhône: Hermitage, Côte-Rotie.
Cornas, St. Joseph, Gigondas, Vacqueyras,
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
- Famous Producers: Jean-Louis Chave, E.
Guigal, Chateau Beaucastel, Penfolds, Tablas
Creek
- Some vintages can be drunk young, but
wines can also have excellent aging potential:
10 - 30 years
Syrah
Wine & Food
Pairing
- Delicious paired
with hearty cheeses and meats, especially
those with a bit more 'gaminess' to them such
as lamb
- Easy Food and Wine pairings with Syrah:
NY
Strip Steak with Red Wine Sauce & Parmesan
Fries
Ribeye Steak with
Creamed Spinach & Garlic Mashed
Potatoes
Grilled Salmon with Creamy Dill
Sauce
Porcini Mushroom Asparagus
Risotto
Here are some of our
favorites:
2006 Novy Syrah, Santa Lucia
Highlands
Impeccably
balanced, slightly earthy/gamey flavors play
off the mushrooms deliciously.
($30)
2006 Luca
Syrah, Mendoza,
Argentina
A blend with 30% Malbec, deep red fruit flavors
and pepperiness are matched by a sauve
body. ($26)
2008 E.
Guigal, Côtes du
Rhône
Guigal is a great producer, top to bottom.
Their entry-level Côtes du Rhone is a great
value. ($10)
Delas Côtes du Rhône 'St.
Esprit'
Wow! We can't believe this wine is only $12.
Elegant and balanced, with nice complexity and
excellent fruit
quality. ($12)
2007
Chateau Pesquié, Côtes du Ventoux "Cuvée
des
Terrasses"
A smoky, gamy touch on the nose echoes
the flavors from the grill. Full yet
balanced. ($11)
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