The
Syrah is a grape variety whose origins have long remained a mystery. However, despite being
a variety difficult to cultivate due to its sensitivity to various diseases, it must be admitted that few grape varieties have the ability to produce
red wines of such great intensity and aromatic elegance.
Adored by enthusiasts, Syrah is now firmly established in France and
its success story is now unfolding internationally. Thus, over the past 50 years, the grape variety has grown from 1,600 to more than
70,000 hectares in France! Worldwide, nearly
140,000 hectares are planted to date, compared to only 10,000 in the 1980s.
But then, what are the reasons for this meteoric success? What are the real origins of Syrah? Where is it planted in France and internationally? What can you expect when you taste a glass of wine from this fabulous grape variety? How to ideally taste it and with what to pair it? So many questions whose answers you will find in this article!
Enjoy discovering the captivating Syrah!
Origins of Syrah and Places of Cultivation
Often linked to linguistic similarities (Syracuse in Italy, Syros in Greece or simply Syria etc.), many origins have been attributed to Syrah. It was not until 1988, thanks to DNA testing, that it was definitively determined that it was the result of a cross between Mondeuse blanche and Dureza.
Our dear Syrah is indeed French and is most likely from the northern part of the
Rhône Valley, where the two previously mentioned varieties were present in the past. Even today, this magnificent wine region remains the
birthplace of Syrah in France.
Thus, the mere mention of this grape variety leads us to renowned appellations such as
Côte Rôtie,
Hermitage,
Crozes-Hermitage,
Cornas or even
Saint-Joseph. Here, Syrah is used as a single-varietal (1 wine = 1 unique grape variety), with a few exceptions. Indeed, the wines of some of these AOCs can sometimes be complemented by a bit of
Viognier,
Marsanne or
Roussanne.
Over time, Syrah has spread further south in the Rhône Valley.Thus, although the Grenache is predominant in blends here, it still holds a prominent place in many AOCs such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Lirac, Beaumes-de-Venise, and also the IGP Coteaux de l'Ardèche. Furthermore, it is also widely used in the regional appellation of the Côtes-du-Rhône, where the majority of the vineyards are located in the southern part of the region.
Beyond the Rhône, Syrah is also very present in the Languedoc Roussillon (AOC Pic-Saint-Loup, IGP Côtes Catalanes, Minervois etc.), in Provence (AOC Côtes-de-Provence) or even in the Southwest.
Internationally, it is a key variety in Australia (over 40,000 hectares) where it is called Shiraz, but it is also present in the United States (California), in Argentina, in Mexico, in New Zealand or even in Italy. Its success and adaptation are such that it is now the 6th most planted variety in the world!
As you can see, Syrah is very popular, and this is beyond our borders. But then, what are the qualities of this variety that have allowed such international success?
The flavors of Syrah
Although it is primarily a matter of personal taste, Syrah is very likely one of the most charming red grape varieties in the world.
Indeed, wines made from it regularly feature
rich and enticing aromatic profiles, where aromas of
velvety black fruits (blackberry, cherry) blend with
captivating spices (pepper, licorice) and a
characteristic floral touch of violet. Syrah produces
delicate yet powerful wines whose silky tannins delight the palate.
When the variety evolves in sunnier regions, the fruit notes become richer (cherry in brandy, blackcurrant liqueur, etc.) and a delicious chocolatey touch may also appear. Additionally, the alcohol will generally be more pronounced and the mouthfeel denser during tasting.
Without a doubt, the finest expressions of Syrah are found in its region of origin, notably in appellations like Côte Rôtie and Hermitage. Nevertheless, the more southern and warm profiles of Syrah should not be overlooked and can be absolutely divine in richness and complexity. And to best enjoy these different expressions...Nothing better than choosing the right food and wine pairing!
With which dishes should Syrah be paired?
Syrah offers exciting culinary pairing possibilities. Thanks to its measured power, it pairs well with both white meats (chicken, pork, veal, etc.) and red meats (beef, lamb, etc.). Additionally, duck in all its forms (breast, fillets, roast, confit) pairs superbly well with it.
Dishes with Mediterranean and spicy flavors also highlight its aromatic complexity.Finally, cheeses such as parmesan or gouda also pair very well with Syrah.
Ideally tasting a Syrah (temperature and aging)
As with all grape varieties, the serving temperature is a key element in the appreciation of the wine. This is no exception for Syrah, and that is why it is important to avoid serving it too cold (exacerbated tannins, lack of aroma) or too warm (marked alcohol and heavier profile).
Thus, La Cave Éclairée advises you to serve your Syrah between 14-16°C to fully enjoy it and reveal all its flavors.
Moreover, the Rhodanian variety with its charming profile and silky tannins, its wines are generally very well appreciated during their youth. From the outset, they will reveal all their elegant aromatic characteristics.
Nevertheless, many Syrahs also have a superb aging potential . Thus, many cuvées from this grape variety can be kept for 8 to 10 years without any problem, and some of them can even easily reach the milestone of 20 years of age! For this, the wine must of course come from exceptional terroirs and be vinified in an appropriate manner (often in oak barrels or at least for a part).
In any case, do not hesitate to seek advice beforehand when purchasing your wine to have all the elements to appreciate it ideally.
What are the best Syrah wines?
Although it is difficult to create an exhaustive list of the best Syrah wines, La Cave Éclairée offers you a precise and varied selection illustrating the quintessence of this grape variety.From pleasurable Syrah to great Syrah for aging, there is something for every taste and budget!
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Rhône - Domaine François Merlin - Côte Rôtie
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Rhône - Stéphane Ogier - Côte Rôtie - Mon Village
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Rhône - Domaine de Hauts-Châssis - Crozes-Hermitage - Les Galets
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Rhône - Domaine de Piéblanc - Beaumes-de-Venise - Les Hauts
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Rhône - Domaine de Piéblanc - Côtes-du-Rhône - Bourdon
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Languedoc-Roussillon - Château de L'Ou - IGP Côtes Catalanes - Infiniment
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Languedoc-Roussillon - La Chouette du Chai - Pic-Saint-Loup - Rien ne m'effraie
All that remains is for you to combine practice with theory and pour yourself a glass of this wonderful Rhône varietal.And if you need advice,
La Cave Éclairée we remain, of course, at your complete disposal!
The AOC Côte Rôtie and its magnificent Syrah terraces
