Syrah / Shiraz
The origin of this grape variety remained a mystery for a long time. Many people suggested that Syrah aka Shiraz came from the Middle East and was brought to Europe by the Crusaders. In fact, it seems to be the result of a natural cross between Mondeuse Blanche and Dureza, which is thought to have occurred in Isère. This would explain why it thrives in the cooler northern Rhône region. It is also grown in Languedoc-Roussillon, California, South Africa, Greece, Italy and, of course, New Zealand and Australia, where it is known as Shiraz. And while it can produce wines of very different styles depending on where it is grown, it is recognisable by its aromas of black fruits, spices (e.g. pepper, liquorice) and violets, and its pronounced tannins. Syrah is sometimes used in blends to add structure, as in Priorat, for example, and sometimes as a single varietal, as in the Cornas and Côte-Rôtie appellations. It is mainly grown in hot, dry regions that allow it to ripen well, as it is susceptible to disease and produces fairly low yields.
Syrah is thus used by winemakers around the world, such as Guigal, Jean-Michel Gerin, Eben Sadie, Penfolds, Stéphane Ogier, Burn Cottage Vineyard and Torbreck, to name a few.
