Every February, we celebrate International Syrah Day, a grape variety of exceptional character and versatility. The Syrah grape is capable of adapting to diverse climatic conditions and different soils.

• From the root

 There are many myths about the origin of Syrah or “Shiraz.” Some think that it was the Romans who brought it to the south of France, but others claim that its cradle is ancient Persia. The fundamental fact is that the Syrah grape became popular in France, particularly in the Rhône Valley, located in France’s southeast. After a long period of uncertainty, in 1999, the grape’s DNA analysis yielded results about its origin. It was discovered that it comes from two types of grapes that have never been popular in the wine world: Mondeuse Blanche and Dureza.

The main countries where this variety is grown are France, Australia, Spain, Argentina, South Africa, the United States, Italy, and Chile.

 

• Aromas and flavors

 We know that wines’ appearance made from this grape is quite dark and full-bodied in the mouth. Syrahs are much softer and have a more robust fruit influence than Cabernet Sauvignon’s wines, especially when blended with Garnacha and Monastrell grapes.

Aromas and flavors tend toward black fruit, black pepper, herbal notes, and licorice. Syrah can develop dry fruit flavors and notes of leather, meat, and earth throughout its bottle aging.

 

• The perfect excuse

Wine is joy, life, sharing, and celebration, so let’s dedicate a special day to it and have the perfect excuse to have a few glasses of Gravas del Maipo Syrah with good company. This outstanding wine has an intense cherry red color, dense and deep in the mouth, ideal to accompany grilled red meats, lamb ribs, cow, and sheep cheeses.

On the other hand, Concha y Toro’s deep, dark red Marques de Casa Concha Syrah is always the right choice. It primarily offers rich blackberry and cherry flavors, with a rich, smoky tar note toward the finish. “It’s all about achieving balance. I try to reflect the terroir in my wines, bringing out the best characteristics of each vineyard I work with,” said winemaker Marcelo Papa.

 

• Black fruits: the protagonists of Syrah

 This variety’s typical aroma is associated with black fruits, such as blackberry, plum, and black pepper. The palate is concentrated, usually fruity, with soft tannins and balanced acidity. A reflection of the latter is Gran Reserva Serie Riberas Syrah with its deep red with violet notes. With a fruity character, this spectacular wine, notes of black fruits, berries, and sweet spices, is subtle, structured, and elegant in the mouth. We recommend pairing it with ripe cheeses and red meats, especially lamb.

Our last recommendation goes to Casillero del Diablo Syrah. By law, if you have a glass of Shiraz in your hands, you should know that you are in front of a rich and black fruit variety, with a good body and little astringency. This wine corresponds to a muscular and round specimen, with aromas ranging from ripe blackberry and plum to cedar, chocolate, and a toasted relish.

Create the perfect ambiance by pairing it with various cuts of red meats, and you will be ready to make a good toast with the company of your choice.