Syrah / Shiraz
The Syrah grape variety, which is usually referred to as Shiraz outside of Europe, is a natural cross between the very old Mondeuse Blanche and Dureza varieties.
Facts
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110 ha
Vineyard area 2019
Syrah
Importance and cultivation
The Syrah grape variety, which is usually referred to as Shiraz outside of Europe, is a natural cross between the very old Mondeuse Blanche and Dureza varieties. It probably comes from the Rhône valley in France and is cultivated worldwide, predominantly in France with 63,958 ha (2015), followed by Australia and Spain.
In Germany, around 123 hectares were planted with this grape variety in 2022. Syrah is very sensitive to cold and wet conditions during flowering.
For the perfect degree of ripeness and the full ripeness of the grapes, the vines need a lot of direct sunlight. On the other hand, too much sun and the associated overripeness quickly lead to a loss of quality.
Flavour and food companion
Typical of the Syrah is its unmistakable currant aroma. But also nuances of plum, violet and blackberry are recognizable. The red wines are deep dark in color and have both fruity and spicy notes. Thanks to the strong tannins, they bring enormous aging potential. Syrah wines harmonize very well with hearty meat dishes such as game or beef.
What famous relative does the Syrah/Shiraz have?
Born from the cross between Mondeuse Blanche and Dureza, the famous relative of the Syrah/Shiraz is not yet in the parent generation. But if we go back a little further, the Syrah/Shiraz is probably a great-grandson of the Pinot Noir!
