Syrah (Shiraz) grapes are used to make red and rosé wines. Like most varieties, it gives its name to this drink. Wine from Syrah is considered one of the best European varieties in its class. Why did grapes deserve such popularity? And what is the difference between wines made from berries grown on different continents?
Origin
Like all ancient varieties, the Syrah grape, aka Shiraz, has a hazy history, and its origin is not exactly known. According to one version, it comes from the Persian Shiraz, which was famous for its wines in the Middle Ages.
Another version considers the valley of the French Rhone River, in the distant past Gaul, to be the birthplace of grapes. It is known that it was grown in these territories at the beginning of our era.
The dispute over primogeniture reached the point that at the end of the last millennium, American scientists carried out a genetic examination. She proved that Syrah is a native French grape. It was registered as a quality wine variety in 2001.
It is believed that histhe "parent" was Mondeuse Blanche, who naturally crossed with the Durez variety.
In addition to these two names, you can meet Black Servan, the Hermitage. But Petit Syrah is a local American variety.
Where is it grown?
Now in France, Syrah grapes grow on an area of 50 thousand hectares. It is grown in Italy, USA, Chile, Argentina, South Africa. In Australia and New Zealand, the vineyards where Syrah grows are about 40 thousand hectares. California, despite the insignificant area under grapes, is actively developing winemaking and is competing with the French.
It grows even in the south of Russia. The wine from this grape is more like French.
What does the Syrah grape look like?
Description
This grape has 16 clones. But there are only two real wineries. This is Sira and Shiraz.
Their bushes are of medium height and size. They can bear fruit up to 150 years. With age, the juice from their berries becomes thicker. Its leaves are three- or five-lobed, curved, corrugated, of medium size. Slightly pubescent below. The teeth are lancet. The petiolate notch is lyre-shaped. Leaves turn red in autumn.
Flowers are bisexual, with the aroma of mignonette and violet has Syrah (grapes). Photos show that its clusters are miniature, cylindrical in shape, with wings. The weight of one bunch is from 100 to 115 g. The berries are small, faceted, have the same size. They are close to each other. Color is black and blue, with a purple tint andwax coating. The skin is thin. Berries are fragrant and juicy.
Growing conditions
Syrah grapes ripen in an average of 145 days. Therefore, it is grown in warm regions, in areas that warm up very early in the spring.
You can not delay the harvest for a long time. Overripe berries lose their acidity and flavor. But you can store fruits for up to four months.
Syrah grapes grow well and bear fruit on any soil, including poor ones. This expands the possibilities of its cultivation. In France, it grows on soil that was formed after the collapse of the granite layer. But he doesn't like drought. Weak branches of Syrah grapes can break off in strong winds.
Grows well in subtropical climates considered ideal for grapes.
It freezes during severe frosts. And he does not like other changes in the weather. When the temperature drops, the ripening of the grapes is delayed, the yield decreases.
But spring frosts are not terrible for Syrah grapes. After all, his bunches are tied quite late.
But grapes need a lot of sun. All parts of the plant should be well lit.
Disease resistance
Often, new dessert grape varieties are difficult to grow due to their propensity to infect various diseases and pests. The Syrah grape variety is not very resistant to major diseases. It is affected by mildew and ovidium, having a resistance to these diseases of 2 points. A slightly higher score for gray mold: 2.5 points.
Yields
Natural yieldSyrah is low - from 30 to 65 hectoliters per hectare. But to get a quality product, this is exactly what is required. Therefore, three clusters should be left on the vine, no more. Then the berries will acquire a special taste and aroma. If you leave a lot of bunches, then the amount of tannins in the berries will decrease dramatically.
Application
Syrah grapes are grown for the production of wine and cuvées (blends of dry wines for making champagne). It has red, dark red and even blue color. Wines are valued for being intended for a wide category of consumers. Their price is in the middle range from 4 to 100 euros per bottle. Therefore, the wine has every chance to take a leading position in the world market.
Different sources have different opinions about whether this is one grape variety. This is due to the fact that wines produced in France and Australia from berries supposedly of the same variety are very different from each other in a number of characteristics.
Wine
Syrah (or Shiraz) grapes are used to produce strict mineral wines with peppercorns that have the aroma of molasses and resin. Use it after exposure from 5 to 15 years. Ripening, they open up, change and are complemented by new shades of blue berries (blackberries, gooseberries). A young wine may have floral aromas that turn peppery over time.
The wines of some producers are matured in barrels for up to 10 years, then aged in bottles for several years. Their acidity is from 7 to 9 percent. Sugar content ranges from 16 to 21 percent. It depends on the quantitythe sun that Sira (grapes) received.
Australian wine characteristic
Australian wine from Shiraz is drunk after two years, that is, young. It grows old only in the cellars of private winemakers. But his bouquet does not change. These are bright wines with aromas of chocolate, plums and leather. Acidity - from 6 to 8.5 percent, sugar content - from 15 to 19. Wine "Grange", made from Australian Shiraz, is used to make fortified wines.
This difference in the taste of the final product is explained by the fact that the conditions for growing grapes on different continents and latitudes are very different. Different climates and soils affect the finished product.
Yes, and the attitude to making wine in different regions is different. Australia is trying to produce as much ordinary wine as possible, while France is focusing on quality, producing less of it.
Syrah wine is more restrained, Shiraz is bright and fiery. But both varieties are very popular now all over the world. This is due to the fact that they are fundamentally different from the well-known Merlot, Cabernet and Sauvignon wines. They are especially popular in Australia. Therefore, such significant areas are allocated for its cultivation.
Syrah wine has a powerful flavor that overpowers the flavors of many dishes. Therefore, it is usually consumed with spicy meat dishes, game.
