Grape Varieties: Shiraz
The grape variety, which is mostly known as Shiraz outside Europe and is called Syrah in its country of origin France , is one of the most important red grape varieties. Fine wines can be obtained from the grape. The main growing area is in the Rhone Valley, from which the variety probably also comes. Likewise large growing areas for Shiraz red wine are in Australia. Other countries of origin are Argentina, Chile, the USA and South Africa. The grape originated from a cross between the two old French varieties Dureza and Mondeuse Blanche. Shiraz is offered sorted, but often also as a component in blended wines. Numerous top cuvées from all over the world have a share of Shiraz. So also the Châteauneuf-du-Pape, which has an excellent reputation, not least because Shiraz and Mouvèdre give the Grenache grape the finishing touch as the main ingredient.
Different styles of wine
Even though the vines with the names Syrah and Shiraz are genetically identical, they still produce different wines. With hardly any other red grape variety this is as obvious as with this noble grape. The French Syrah style describes elegant, spicy wines with soft tannins, while the Shiraz style created in Australia produces softer, fuller and milder drops than in France. The designation of the wines can usually be seen from the winemaker’s type of expansion.
Shiraz: opulent wine
The frosts of the grape hardly get to grips with the fact that the vine shoots out late. But the fruit is sensitive to cold and wet. If the weather is unfavorable, the grapes do not fully ripen, which has a negative effect on the taste: the wine takes on a green and immature character due to its high tannin content. On the other hand, if there is too much sun, Shiraz can also quickly become overripe, which takes away the fruity and strong acidity of the grapes. However, if the winegrower grows professionally and the weather conditions are good, then first-class wines are created: Such a Shiraz wine is deep dark in color, almost black, and is characterized by incomparable aromas of currants and dark forest fruits, often paired with very intense scents of undergrowth, Leather and tobacco. These drops are undoubtedly one of the largest red wines in the world.