Syrah
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The name Syrah is often thought to derive from the Middle East (a city in Iran shares its name with the Australian name for the grape, Shiraz) but, in fact, it appears to have its origins in Savoie and the Ardèche. It is the great red grape of the Northern Rhône and, after Grenache, the most important in the south but it expresses itself differently in the two regions: peppery and solid in the north, fruitier and more minty in the south. The fruit character is primarily blackcurrant or blackberry but spices such as black pepper, cloves and liquorice make appearances. The wines are robust but neither tannins nor acidity should be aggressive but they need to be present, especially the tannins, to give the wine its excellent aging potential. These are wines to enjoy with grilled meats, game and hearty stews. |
