Because International Syrah Day is celebrated on February 16, we invite you to discover some curiosities about this seductive grape variety.
His other self is Shiraz
Let’s start clearing up any confusion: Syrah and Shiraz are the same grape variety. Except that Syrah is what it is known and called in its place of origin, France, as well as the Old World; while Shiraz is the name given to it in Australia and other New World countries. In Chile, for example, the label for this variety is advertised in this way in Casillero del Diablo Shiraz.
It is not the same as Petit Syrah
Continuing with the clarifications, it is important to understand that a wine like Gravas Syrah is a totally different variety from Petit Syrah. Although they share the name, the Petit Syrah bears the word petit because it is a very small grape berry that gives rise to intense wines with great structure that are generally good for aging. It is the result of the cross between Syrah and Peloursin.
It is one of the oldest grape varieties in the world
There is still no consensus on its origin, but it is believed that it is one of the oldest varieties that could have originated in the Iranian city of Shiraz, where the Phoenicians would have been the ones who brought the wine grape to the colonies that would later spread it throughout Europe. Specifically in Marseille, where it would have been found around 600 BC. However, a DNA study carried out in 1998 determined that its origin would be France and the product of crossing two varieties from the area: Dureza (red) and Mondeuse Blanche (white).
It is vulnerable to “Syrah Decay”
Although Syrah is a variety resistant to most of the diseases that affect the vine, in 1990 in the south of France it was detected that this grape is prone to becoming infected with the “Syrah Decay” syndrome. This is characterized by the appearance of cracks in the grafting area of the vine and the subsequent reddening of the leaves (which could be confused with the arrival of autumn). If the plant exhibits both symptoms, it is likely to die in a short time.
It is part of the GSM blends
GSM is the acronym for the three most important grape varieties of the Côtes du Rhône: Grenache, Syrah and Mouvèdre, which are blended to give life to the famous GSM wines. This perfect combination makes it possible to create round, smooth and very easy-to-drink red wines, to which the Syrah adds notes of black fruits such as blueberries, plums and even some black olives. In addition, by the way, to deliver freshness and elegance to this desired blend.
