syrah / SHIRAZ

The dark and deep coloured grape variety

Syrah / Shiraz

This grape variety is also known as Shiraz in Australia and is the fourth most planted black grape variety in the world. It is native to the Northern Rhône Valley before spreading to the Southern Rhône, Provence and Languedoc-Roussillon where it is used in the composition of red wines, most often blended with other grape varieties of the region. The red wines of the Northern Rhône Valley (Côte Rôtie, Hermitage...) are 100% Syrah, as in the vineyards of the New World where the cuvées are made from a single grape variety (except in Australia). It also plays a role in the blending of rosé wines from the South of France. This noble grape variety is one of the oldest vine varieties.

WHERE IS IT FOUND?
In France and all over the world

FRANCE

Rhône Valley, Languedoc-Roussillon, Corsica, Provence, South-West

WORLDWIDE

Australia, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Switzerland, Argentina, Chile, and South-Africa

MAIN APPELLATIONS
By type of wine: Red and rosé

Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Saint-Joseph, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Cornas, Corbières, Côtes-du-Roussillon, Barossa Valley, Hunter Valley

Collines Rhodaniennes, Pays-d’oc, Corbières, Ardèche…

SHALL WE TASTE?
In the glass

Bluish black color. The style varies from a little tannic, silky texture to full-bodied, round wines.

In the blends, this grape variety brings structure. Associated with Grenache or Mourvèdre in Languedoc-Roussillon.

Characteristic aromas of violets and undergrowth: blackberry, blackcurrant, redcurrant. Spices, pepper, licorice, menthol, leather and truffle.

New World: In warmer climates, Syrah expresses itself with strength with an almost candied fruitiness with smoky or chocolate notes. In Australia, it is very popular blended with Cabernet Sauvignon.

Syrah plays the role of the complementary grape variety in the blends of rosé wines from Provence, Languedoc Roussillon and the southern Rhône.

However, more and more rosé wines are being made from Syrah, which is appreciated for the freshness it brings.

Rosés are then colourful, brilliant and aromatic in a very fruity and spicy register: notes of undergrowth and pepper.

More specifically, sparkling Shiraz is also found in Australia, which is similar to sweet sparkling red wines.

FOOD AND WINE PAIRINGS
Syrah / Shiraz with your meals

Supple wine: Cooked or raw delicatessen meats. Red and white meats grilled or pan-fried. Pizza, spaghetti bolognese, lasagne, gratin dauphinois...

Structured wine: Game birds (duck) and poultry braised, roasted or in sauce. Poultry liver salad...

Light and fruity rosé wine: dry sausages (mangalitza, coppa, beef jerky) tomato pies (tuna pie)...

Vinous rosé: vegetables au gratin (small stuffings), sea fish (swordfish) and grilled white or red meat...

OUR SYRAH'S...

MORE INFORMATION

→ 4th most planted black grape variety in the world.

→ 6th most planted grape variety in the world.

Originally from the Northern Rhône Valley, this noble grape variety is one of the oldest varieties. The red wines of the Northern Rhone Valley are 100% Syrah, and it has expanded rapidly in France (after 1958) and beyond its borders. Apart from certain AOCs such as Saint-Joseph or Hermitage, it is very often blended with other varieties.

The very dark Syrah/Shiraz delights the palate of the most experienced connoisseurs for the finesse and complexity of its aromas. It produces colourful, spicy red wines that can be kept for a long time ageing.

Known for its floral and fruity notes of undergrowth, notably violet, with ageing, the nose evolves towards more musky and spicy notes.

Tannic, it structures the wines by bringing a little roundness and colour. It thus gives alcoholic, low acidity and full-bodied wines.

This grape variety offers deep wines, yet with great finesse. Some unmissable 100% Syrah cuvees from the Rhône Valley: La Chapelle Hermitage - Paul Jaboulet Aîné; the three Guigal Grands Crus: La Mouline, La Turque, La Landonne; other estates such as Mélody, Laurent Combier, Chapoutier, Delas, Yves Cuilleron or the Coopérative Cave de Tain sublimate Syrah to perfection. It is most often blended with Grenache to bring balance, roundness and suppleness to its powerful, strong and rough character.