Shiraz/Syrah

One of the most popular and widely planted red grape varieties, Shiraz/Syrah is a full-bodied, tannic and spicy red wine known for its dark berry aromas.

Shiraz/Syrah typically produces deep purple or blue-black grapes with thick skins. Its characteristic aromas range from smoky and bacon fat to ripe dark fruit, spice and pepper. Its taste profile is characterized by dark fruit flavours, such as blackberries, blueberries and black cherries, as well as earthy, savoury and spicy notes.

Shiraz/Syrah is grown in many countries around the world, but it is particularly associated with France's Rhône Valley, where it is often blended with other grape varieties. It is also grown in Australia, South Africa, California, Chile, Italy, Spain and other countries. Shiraz/Syrah is known to be a relatively difficult grape to grow, as it is susceptible to a range of diseases, such as powdery and downy mildew. It is usually harvested late in the season in order to allow the tannins to fully ripen. Winemakers often use oak for ageing, which adds complexity and subtle smoky and spicy notes. Shiraz/Syrah from the Rhône Valley is known for its intense, complex and elegant style, with aromas of dark fruit, violet, pepper and leather. Australian Shiraz is known for its bold and fruity style, with intense aromas of dark fruit and spice. California Shiraz is known for its ripe and jammy style, with aromas of blackberry, blueberry and licorice. Shiraz/Syrah is a great match for a range of food, from grilled meats and roasted vegetables to spicy dishes and barbecued foods. It is also an excellent match for hard cheeses, such as cheddar and parmesan.

In the Côte-Rôtie appellation in the northern Rhone, the red Syrah is often blended with a proportion of Viognier (max.

20%). It is said that this process contributes to the color stability of the wine and adds some additional fruitiness to the blend.