The guide to the Syrah grape variety

Syrah is a grape variety whose origins have long remained an enigma. However, and although it is a difficult variety to cultivate because of its susceptibility to various diseases, it must be admitted that few grape varieties have the capacity to give rise to wines reds of such great intensity and aromatic elegance.

Adored by connoisseurs, Syrah is now firmly established in France and its success story is now combined internationally. Thus, over the last 50 years, the grape variety would have increased from 1,600 to more than 70,000 hectares in France! Globally, nearly 140,000 hectares are planted to date, compared to only 10,000 in the 1980s.

So what are the reasons for this dazzling success? What are the real origins of Syrah? Where is it planted in France and internationally? What to expect when you taste a glass of wine made from this fabulous grape variety? How to taste it ideally and with what to pair it? So many questions for which you will find the answers in this article!

Good discovery of the bewitching Syrah!

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 tests, that it was possible to determine with certainty that this one was the result of a cross between the Mondeuse blanche and the Dureza.

Our dear Syrah is therefore indeed French and most likely originated in the northern part of the Rhône Valley, where the two varieties mentioned above were present by the pass. Even today, this magnificent wine-growing region remains thecradle of Syrah on French territory.

Thus, the simple evocation 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 mono-varietal (1 wine = 1 single grape variety), with a few exceptions. Indeed, the wines of some of these AOCs can sometimes be supplemented with a little Viognier, Marsanne or Roussanne.

Beyond the Rhône, Syrah is also very present in Languedoc Roussillon (AOC Pic-Saint-Loup, Faugères, IGP Côtes Catalanes, Minervois etc.), in Provence (AOC Côtes-de-Provence) or in South-West.

Internationally, this is a key variety in Australia (over 40,000 hectares) where it is called Shiraz, but is also present in United States (California), Argentina, Mexico, New Zealand and Italy. Its success and adaptation are such that it is now the 6th most planted variety in the world!

You will therefore have understood that Syrah is very popular, and this beyond our borders.So, what are the qualities of this variety that have allowed such international success?

Although this is primarily a matter of personal taste, Syrah is quite possibly one of the most charming red grape varieties in the world.

Indeed, the wines made from it regularly presentrich and seductive aromatic profiles, where aromas of velvety black fruits (blackberry, cherry) mingle with

Which food should you pair Syrah with?

Syrah offers exciting food pairing possibilities. Thus, thanks to its measured power, it is equally suitable for white meats (chicken, pork, veal, etc.) than to red meats (beef, lamb etc). Moreover, duck in all its forms (magret, aiguillettes, roast, confit) goes superbly well with this one.

Furthermore, the Rhone variety has a charming profile as well as silky tannins, its wines are generally enjoyed very well during their youth. From the outset, they will reveal all their elegant aromatic characteristics.

Nevertheless, many Syrahs also have superb aging potential. Thus, many cuvées made from this grape variety can keep for 8 to 10 years without any problem and some of them can even easily pass the 20-year mark! For this, the wine must of course come from exceptional terroirs, as well as be vinified in an adequate way (often in oak barrels or at least for a part).