How Syrah Shapeshifts Across the Globe

There's a certain mystique surrounding Syrah, a grape varietal that has exploded in popularity in recent decades. While it might be a familiar face on the supermarket shelf now, it wasn't always so. Once a bit player in the world of wine, Syrah's rise to fame can be attributed to a confluence of factors, not least of all the influential palate of Robert Parker. Remember the stratospheric rise of Bordeaux in the late 80s and early 90s? Syrah swooped in, a value competitor offering exceptional quality from the sun-drenched slopes of the Rhône Valley.

Fast-forward to today, and top-tier Syrah from Hermitage can rival the price tag of a Grand Cru Burgundy. Not bad for a grape that was a complete enigma to most wine drinkers just a few generations ago. But where did this captivating grape come from? The answer, like many things in the world of wine, is shrouded in a bit of mystery. Theories abound, but DNA analysis points to the Northern Rhône as the birthplace of Syrah, with Dureza and Mondeuse Blanche as its fascinatingly obscure parents.

This lineage is perhaps why the Rhône Valley produces some of the most spellbinding expressions of Syrah. Here, in appellations like Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie, terroir takes center stage. Imagine this: rugged slopes bathed in sunshine, shielded from the ferocious Mistral winds. This meticulous balance between sun exposure and wind protection allows Syrah's floral soul to blossom.

But terroir is more than just sunshine and wind. Soil composition and vine age play a starring role too. The granitic soils found in these regions act like a heat bank, coaxing the grapes towards ripeness while imbuing the resulting wines with unique mineral and herbal notes. It's a combination of factors – terroir serving as the instrument of fruit ripeness, ultimately dictating the style of the wine.

Wines with lower alcohol levels tend to be more peppery, while their higher alcohol counterparts burst with black fruit and alluring floral characteristics like violets. These captivating complexities are further underscored by vibrant acidity and firm tannins, ensuring these wines have the potential to age gracefully for years to come. Think of it this way: a well-cellared Syrah from the Rhône can keep you company for decades, with some like Guigal's La Turque or Chapoutier's Le Pavillon extending their drinking window to a staggering 50 years.

Let's not forget Syrah's adventures outside the Rhône Valley. Southern France beckons, with Languedoc-Roussillon boasting the largest Syrah vineyard area in the world. Here, the grapes are destined for easy-drinking, everyday wines. But Syrah's wanderlust doesn't stop there. Italy has embraced Syrah as a blending partner for Sangiovese in Tuscany, while some daring producers are crafting intriguing single-varietal expressions.

The New World has also fallen under Syrah's spell, with cooler climate regions like Washington State and pockets of California (think Sonoma, Santa Barbara, Paso Robles) producing captivating examples.

Now, the inevitable question arises: Shiraz vs. Syrah? This is where things get interesting. The simple answer is Syrah. But why? It's a matter of perspective. When you first decide to start on your wine course, the bold fruitiness of Australian Shiraz might be irresistible. But as your palate evolves, so too will your appreciation for the elegance and complexity that defines Syrah from the Old World. Think of it this way: Syrah elicits images of those aforementioned sun-drenched slopes, while Shiraz evokes a more powerful, fruit-forward style.

Ultimately, Syrah and Shiraz are two sides of the same coin. However, with time and a touch of exploration, you might just find yourself drawn to the alluring allure of Syrah, a grape that promises an ever-unfolding journey of discovery.

In-text Citation: (Bryksa, 2012, pp. 56-57)