The History of Shiraz Grapes
Shiraz grape is often defined as indigenous to France due to the wonderful and intense expressions produced in the Rhone Valley. However, it was most likely imported from Persia, in particular from the city of Shiraz, or indeed from Sicily.
According to legend, it was first brought to France, to the small village of Tain on the banks of the Rhone, by the nobleman Gaspard de Steinberg on his return from the Crusades in 1224. From here, it spread throughout the territory.
Many believe the birthplace of the syrah wine is the Persian city of Shiraz, now in Iran. Located at an altitude of about 1,500 metres on the slopes of the Zagros mountains, Shiraz is here the first fermented musts were probably produced in the mists of time. The discovery of 7,000-year-old terracotta jars near the Persian city suggests that red wine Shiraz was the first to be produced in the history of mankind.
Another idea, bordering between myth and historical reality, traces the origin of this variety of red grapes to Syracuse in Sicily, based on an etymology probably of Greek origin. According to this hypothesis, the vine, which originated in Sicily, spread to France and then gradually disappeared on the island, only to be reintroduced in the 19th century, at the same time as it spread throughout the Italian peninsula.
According to another legend, the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius Probus imported this grape from Egypt to be cultivated in Gaul. During the long journey, his legions stopped in Sicily, near an area with the mythological name of Arethusa, and began planting the first vine shoots. The name Syracuse was born from the combination of grape’s name and that of Arethusa. The name Arethusa has survived to this day and identifies a body of water on the island of Ortigia, which flows into the city's Porto Grande.
The Most Prestigious Syrah Production Areas in the World
The Shiraz grape variety is widespread worldwide, with extensive cultivation in California, South Africa and Australia, where different names, such as Shiraz identify it. The productivity of the plant and the generosity of its intense, spiced aromatic profile have contributed to the production of red wines in almost every corner of the globe. In Australia, where the grape variety was imported in 1837 by James Busby, it is vinified on its own with great results or in combination with Cabernet Sauvignon.
However, the elective home of this variety is the Rhone Valley, where the first and most prestigious expressions were born and recognised in legendary denominations such as Hermitage AOC. Here that powerful, elegant, robust and long-lived red wines are born, with their characteristic spiced notes of liquorice and black pepper. In the northern Rhône Valley, this grape is vinified on its own, while in the south, it is blended with other local varieties, as is the case with Chateauneuf du Pape Rouge.
Several high-quality Syrah IGT wines are now produced in Italy, particularly in Sicily and Tuscany. Sicilian wines of this type are usually intense, warm, and enveloping, with moderate freshness. Their spiced notes are softened by the exuberant aromas of ripe fruit and dried flowers, which are due to the power of the sun and the generosity of the soil.
The Maremma produces robust and structured versions of great longevity through long macerations and ageing in wood, with a spiciness based on Mediterranean tones of underbrush, roots and wild herbs. In the town of Cortona, located in the heart of the Chiana Valley, in the province of Arezzo, a top-level Syrah DOC wine is produced, which has become famous worldwide. One of the main contributors to this success is undoubtedly the winemaker Stefano Amerighi, who was among the first to invest in the potential of the vine and the Tuscan territory.
Syrah and Shiraz: The Same Grape, Different Expressions
Syrah and Shiraz refer to the same grape variety but are named differently based on their regions and styles. Here are the main differences between French Syrah and Australian Shiraz::
French Syrah:
- Commonly used in France, especially in the Northern Rhône Valley.
- Known for more peppery and complex flavours.
- Key regions include Côte Rôtie AOC and Hermitage AOC.
- Typically features flavours of black fruits.
- Wines mature well over time.
Australian Shiraz:
- Name used in Australia.
- Produced in regions like Barossa Valley and Southeastern Australia.
- Wines are rich, full-bodied, and have higher tannin concentrations.
- Characterized by ripe fruit flavours such as plum and blackberry.
- It can exhibit notes of chocolate and spice.
Exploring the Varieties: Red, Rosé, and Sparkling Shiraz
Syrah/Shiraz grapes are versatile and can be used to produce a variety of wine types, including red, rosé, and sparkling wines:
- Red Syrah/Shiraz is the most common, known for its full-bodied, rich flavours with notes ranging from black fruits and pepper in French Syrah to ripe plum and chocolate in Australian Shiraz.
- Syrah Rosé offers a lighter, refreshing option. It often exhibits flavours of red berries and a crisp acidity, making it perfect for warm weather.
- Sparkling Shiraz is an innovative and less common style, bringing a unique twist with its effervescence combined with the grape's characteristic fruit and spice notes, creating a celebratory and intriguing wine experience.
Shiraz: Exploring Dry and Sweet Variants
Syrah wines are predominantly dry, characterized by their rich, bold flavours and tannic structure.
- Dry Shiraz exhibits notes of black fruits, pepper, and sometimes chocolate or spice, depending on the region.
- Shiraz sweet is not common, some producers may create off-dry or sweeter styles by halting fermentation early or through the addition of residual sugar. These sweeter versions will have a fruitier, less tannic profile, emphasizing ripe berry flavours with a softer finish.
The Organoleptic Profile and Pairing Suggestions for Syrah
Wherever in the world it is produced, Syrah wine is always characterised by a spiced and intense aromatic profile reminiscent of black pepper. Other common and recurring scents are those of liquorice, carob, black fruit, humus, coffee, smoked wood, roots, brine and green olives. The colour is usually intense, deep and compact, with shades ranging from purplish to deep ruby and garnet. The taste is full-bodied, austere and concentrated, varying in intensity depending on the style of vinification.
Because of its deep and spiced soul, Syrah pairs well with very tasty grilled meats, possibly seasoned with aromatic herbs and barbecue sauce, with mushroom or truffle dishes and with important roasts. Depending on the different expressions of the wine, it also goes perfectly with savoury or smoked meats, rare steaks, and game and herb cheeses. Some producers tend to recommend specific dishes such as first courses with spicy sauce, pappardelle with venison or wild boar ragout, jugged hare or even bitter chocolate for the more intense and prestigious versions.
Syrah wine at the best prices
On Callmewine, you will find Shiraz wine for every occasion. The Syrah red wine price varies, but you can always find deals that suit your budget and palate and enjoy the convenience of delivery right to your door. Discover our selection of Syrah, perfect for giving as a gift or enjoying lively company.