Syrah/Shiraz

Syrah is the red grape best known from the Rhône Valley. The identical grape bears the name Shiraz in Australia and a few other new world regions. This early to mid-season grape varietal crops heavily producing large clusters with small to medium sized berries. The berries will tend to wilt and collapse when they near maturity. Syrah loves warm climates and rocky soils and is fairly pest and disease resistant. It produces dark-colored dense wines that age well. Syrah ranges in flavor from spicy black pepper and smoke in cooler climates and less ripe seasons to jammy blackberry and chocolate when very ripe. Syrah quite often develops a meaty/gamey character similar to sausages and salami as well. Australia and South Africa sometimes use this grape to produce Port style dessert wines.

Two Syrah clones commonly used are:

• 300: This clone is known for its smaller clusters and powerful wines that can add tannin structure to blends.
• 174: This clone is noted for smaller clusters and lower production levels. It is considered to produce complex wine flavors.