Syrah is a red grape variety that originates from the Rhône Valley in southeastern France. It is known for producing rich, full-bodied wines with complex flavours and aromas. Characteristically, Syrah wines showcase dark fruit notes such as blackberry and plum, along with herbal, spicy, and earthy undertones. The grape thrives in cooler climates, which helps maintain its acidity and allows for a more nuanced flavour profile.
Where Does Shiraz Come Into Play
Shiraz is essentially the same grape as Syrah but is primarily associated with Australia. The term "Shiraz" became popular in Australia due to its unique winemaking style that emphasizes bold, fruit-forward characteristics.
In contrast to the more restrained and nuanced wines typically produced from Syrah in France, Australian Shiraz tends to be fuller-bodied, higher in alcohol, and often exhibits jammy fruit flavours with a peppery finish.
Key Regions for Syrah
In the Northern Rhône, look out for appellations such as:
Côte-Rôtie: Known for its perfumed and elegant Syrah, often co-fermented with Viognier to enhance aromatic complexity.
Hermitage: Produces some of the most prestigious and age-worthy Syrah wines, characterized by deep flavours of blackberry, coffee, and smoke.
Saint-Joseph: Offers excellent value with spicy and rich Syrah wines that vary in style depending on the specific vineyard location.
Crozes-Hermitage: The largest appellation in the Northern Rhône, known for both simple and complex Syrah wines, with a focus on freshness and spice
Cornas: While not talked about as much as the appellations listed above, Cornas is my favourite Syrah growing region. It is known for producing some of the most powerful and expressive Syrah wines, and its granite soils add a pervasive minerality to these wines that just adds another level of complexity.
Key Regions for Shiraz
In Australia, check out Shiraz wines from the following appellations
Barossa Valley: Often considered the spiritual home of Shiraz, Barossa Valley is famous for its rich, full-bodied wines with intense dark fruit flavours. The region is home to some of the oldest Shiraz vines in the world, dating back to 1843. Iconic producers like Penfolds and Henschke are based here.
McLaren Vale: This region produces powerful Shiraz with ripe fruit flavours and a slightly different profile compared to Barossa. It is known for its old-vine pockets and offers a mix of boldness and elegance.
Eden Valley: Located near Barossa Valley, Eden Valley is cooler and produces more elegant Shiraz styles with higher acidity and finesse.
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