see-raah
Syrah is local to and the backbone of the picturesque Rhone Valley that sits in Southern France. Here, Syrah is planted most widely and in the north makes a single varietal style of peppery finesse while in the South, forms part of the famous GSM (Grenache Syrah Mourvedre) blend, touted for its rich texture and charming character. The Southern Rhone Valley’s appellations of Côte Rôtie and Hermitage are unanimously regarded as custodians of the finest Syrah styles.
around the world
Syrah is a well-travelled noble grape that has been so remarkably evolved, especially in Australia where it was renamed Shiraz. This new world avatar is big, bold and ripe and is inarguably the country’s most popular grape.
In South Africa, they still call the varietal Syrah though the local style straddles French tradition and modern winemaking, yielding a complex yet alluring expression.
Shiraz has been a pleasantly surprising success in India where it has nicely adapted to Nashik’s warm climate, making for age worthy, barrel aged reds.
Tastes Like
Northern Rhone Syrah, universally regarded as the grape’s finest French expression stuns the palate with a beautiful balance of red fruit and peppery notes while the best Aussie Shiraz, minted in Barossa Valley blows the mind with a wallop of red fruit, spice and chewy tannins.
On the palate
Syrah tastes of plum, blackberry and pepper, compliment by good acid and smooth tannins.
Pairing Recommendations
Syrah and Shiraz both pair well with a host of grilled meats, especially lamb and buff steak and is at home with assorted barbeque.
key styles
France’s Northern Rhone Valley makes 100 per cent Syrah of which Crozes Hermitage and Cote Rotie are the finest appellations to try while Gigondas in Southern Rhone is a keeper.
Stellenbosch and Paarl regularly turn our Syrah of high quality and ripe expression.
Australia is far and away the best New World exponent of Shiraz and it simply doesn’t get better than Barossa Valley Shiraz which sweeps the palate off its senses with big bold fruit and long tannins.
