Shiraz

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One of the so-called international varietals, Syrah or Shiraz (both names are equally used) is a red wine grape commonly grown in Australia, in the United States, and in the Rhône Valley of France where it is also called Hermitage.

Aromas -- Wines made from Syrah/Shiraz are often powerfully flavoured and full-bodied, with deep violet, nearly black color, chewy texture and richness, and often alcoholic strength. Its aromas tend to be more spicy than fruity, ranging from violets to dark berries, chocolate, espresso and black pepper.

Syrah is often vinified on its own, like in the famous Rhône wines of Côte Rôtie and Hermitage. Its is also frequently blended with other grape varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Viognier.
edit Regions

This grape took its name from the city of Shiraz, in Iran, near where the process of winemaking possibly originated 7000 years ago. It is believed that Syrah was brought in France by a returning crusader, Guy De Sterimberg, who became a hermit and developed a vineyard on a steep hill where he lived in the Rhône River Valley -- hence the local name of Syrah, Hermitage.

Starting in 1998, combined research of the University of California at Davis and the French INRA proved Syrah is indeed indigenous to France. DNA profiling proved it to be a genetic cross of two relatively obscure varieties, Mondeuse Blanc and Dureza.

Today, more than half of the world's Syrah acreage is planted in France, but it is also a successful grape in Australia, South Africa and California. Syrah is a fairly new variety in California, first introduced in 1971.
edit Viticulture

Syrah vines are relatively productive, yet not too vigorous. Like Merlot, it is sensitive to coulure, and although Syrah buds fairly late, it is a mid-season ripener. Syrah requires heat to get fully ripe, but can lose varietal character when even slightly overripe. The berry is thick-skinned and dark, almost black.
edit Other names

* Antournerein Noir
* Balsamina
* Biaune
* Candive
* Entournerin
* Hermitage
* Hignin Noir
* Marsanne Noire
* Neretto di Saluzzo
* Petite Syras
* Schiras
* Sérène
* Serine
* Serinne
* Shiraz
* Sirac
* Syra

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