Syrah
Originally from the Rhône Valley, Syrah is one of France’s best known grape varieties. Its reliability in producing consistently good wine means its popularity has spread worldwide. For example, vineyards in Spain, Italy, Chile, Argentina, the USA and South Africa, to name a few, now grow it.
However, outside France, it is Australia that the love affair with this grape prevails. The Aussies call it Shiraz. They make a wide range of wine styles from it, from rosés to reds of real depth and intensity. You might find it in their dessert wines, too. Syrah was originally used in sweet wines here. And did you know it also turns up in the continent’s sparkling reds?
As one of five dominant varieties grown in the diverse regions and appellations of Southern France, Syrah appears in many red wine blends. These include one or more of the following: Grenache Noir, Mourvèdre, Cinsault and Carignan.
Syrah in the red wines of AOC Terrasses du Larzac
Of course, you might already be familiar with Syrah if you’re a lover of Northern Rhône wines. Those from Hermitage, Côte Rôtie, Cornas, St Joseph and others are popular in the UK. Here, however, the reds are 100% Syrah as it’s the only permitted variety i.e., no blends.
In the Southern Rhône, Syrah is often combined with Grenache Noir, this region’s most characteristic variety, and Mourvèdre. GSM, as it is known, is also prevalent in Languedoc.
So why Syrah? Well, its small grapes naturally lead to lower yields compared to other varieties. The vines produce late-ripening, dark berries. Due to the grape’s thick skin and loose bunching habit, they also have concentrated flavours.
So, in Languedoc red wines Syrah becomes the backbone, the structure. It brings flavours of ripe black fruits, peppercorns, earthy characters and dried herbs. These all add richness and complexity.
However, it’s not only the concentrated flavours and aromas that makes Syrah so popular with Languedoc winemakers. By including a large percentage of Syrah in a blend, the wine gains body and shapely tannins. These tannins usually require time in French oak to soften them. The oak adds further complexity to the wine with spice notes ranging from cinnamon to nutmeg.
The combination of tannins and high acidity means Syrah wines can last for decades. If, indeed, Syrah has had extensive cellaring time, it will develop leathery aromas. It might also be gamey, and have dark chocolatey notes. As a consequence, these wines are very attractive to wine collectors.
When discussing Syrah, we shouldn’t forget Languedoc winemakers use it for rosé wine, along with Cinsault, Grenache or Mourvèdre. Here, its fruit flavours and aromas are lighter. There are notes of summer fruits, red berry fruits, and hints of spice.
Searching for something different? Choosing wines from small artisan wineries rather than the familiar brands on supermarket shelves is what ‘getting to know wine’ is really about.
At DDWine online, we sell some of the best examples of Syrah blends. Check out wines from Château Capion, Château Saint-Jean d’Aumieres and Mas Lasta to name a few. One of our mixed wine cases includes six producers from AOC Terrasses du Larzac.
And if you’re looking for a crisp Syrah rosé, see those available in our store such as Zefir 2019 and Coup de Folie 2019 from Château Capion.
Alternatively, why not treat yourself to a mixed case of reds, whites and rosés from this fabulous region? Our wine delivery service means your wines are direct from our vineyards to your door. Cheers!
