Syrah Wines; Dark, Rich and Mostly Sweet

Syrah is the grape used to make most Rhone wines, both as a single grape and in blends. Syrah is an ancient grape, a native of France and cross bred of two much less known grapes, mondeuse blanc and dureza. Most of the Syrah grapes are still grown in France, Australia, where it is known as Shiraz or Hermitage, and South Africa. In the United States, Syrah is grown in Southern Oregon, Washington and California, but the grape was only introduced to California in 1971.

Syrah is new to California as grapes go, but it is expanding. It has grown from less than 100 acres in 1984 to approximately 12,700 today, however it still has a long way to go before it can come close to the production achieved in other areas. Half of the vines are under three years of age and still to young to bear fruit.

Syrah wines have an intense spicy blackberry, plum, and peppery flavor with a hint of licorice, bitter chocolate and mocha and a deep purple color, so deep it is almost black. Climate makes a difference in flavors of Syrah wines. If it is made from grapes grown in a warm climate, it will have more of a plum flavor. From a cooler climate, it will be more spicy. Syrah can also be either sweet or dry.

Syrah wines from the Napa Valley will be very dark, have the aroma of juniper, cured meat and white pepper and the flavors of marmalade, currant jam, marmite, crystal ginger, pancetta, and christmas spice. Syrah wines from the Suisun Valley in California come in two styles that the differences point out just how aging changes a wine. The first one is meant to be drank right away. It will be a medium ruby to garnet color with the aroma of plums, cocoa white pepper and leather and grilled beef as it ages. It will have a medium bodied flavor with just a touch of acidity. The second variety which is able to be aged will have a darker color with the aromas of violets, white pepper and sorrel with a heavier taste. Syrah from the Russian River Valley will have one of the lightest colors of Ssyrah the aroma of cherry, orange blossom, and lilac and the flavors of lemon and blackberry. Wines from the Russian River Valley are able to be aged..

Syrah goes with beef, Italian, Mexican, hamburgers, bratwurst, BBQ Ribs game meats such as Beef, Venison, Bison and should be served at a temperature of 64 degrees.

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Syrah Vineyards

Syrah Information

Wine and Food Pairings