Origin:
This grape variety originates from the geographical area between Valence, Lyon and Dauphiné. According to published genetic analyses, it is a crossbreed of Mondeuse Blanche, a variety from Savoy, and Dureza Noir, an ancient variety from Ardèche, to the north of Valence. It is thus not from the region of Shiraz, in Iran, which lends its name to some Australian wines.
Aromas:
Syrah's typical varietal aromas of violet, blackberry, blueberry and blackcurrant are well known. Nonetheless, many other flavors can be distinguished in these wines, such as black olive pâté, smoky and peppery notes, and lovely aromatic hints of peat and graphite. With age, wines made with Syrah also take on gamier notes, as well as leather and truffle.
Wines produced:
Syrah can be used to obtain red wines with a good degree of alcohol and moderate acidity that can age for many years thanks to their prominent tannins. Its wines are often of extremely high quality. Their color is generally intense, dense and dark with a hint of bluishness. They stand out thanks to their aromatic complexity and the subtlety of their tannins, which are strong yet silky. Syrah is thus a grape variety that can keep for many years, and ageing it in oak barrels rounds out its tannins and enriches it aromatic potential. Syrah can also be used to make very fruity, intriguing rosé wines.