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Que Syrah Shiraz, whichever grape it may be

What is the difference between Syrah and Shiraz? When you look at bunches of them, they have the same small dark berries, thick skinned grapes that ripen best in hot climates. This is because they are the same grape variety, just grown in different parts of the world, with the more fruit forward, bolder wines being known as Shiraz whilst more restrained, medium bodied examples are frequently referred to as Syrah.

The grape originates in the Rhone, France, where it is known as Syrah, and from there it was transported all over the world, including to Australia, where thanks to a Scot name James Busby it became known as Shiraz in reference to a legend that the grape origins began in Persia near the city of Shiraz. Thanks to DNA testing, today we can be sure this is just a legend but who doesn’t love a little romance with their wine?

The Northern Rhone River Valley’s steep slopes, granitic and schistose soils are the ideal home for producing small amounts of outstanding Syrah grapes. Most of the vineyards are planted on south facing slopes, with some of the most famous appellations including Cote Rotie, Saint Joeseph, Cornas, Hermitage and Croze Hermitage. The wines from these regions tend to taste of black fruits and pepper with herbal notes and even smoky and meaty flavours.

As the Rhone River flows south it becomes broader and the surrounding countryside switches to rolling hills with a wide variety of soil types and a Mediterranean climate that is cooled by the local mistral winds. Along with Syrah you will find Mourvedre and Grenache grapes (amongst others), which make up the GSM blend that the region is famous for, and although Grenache tends to take the lead here Syrah is still an important component. The wines made here vary from medium bodied fruity Cote du Rhones to full bodied, spicy and intense reds made in the Crus such as Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Carrianne and Rasteau.

France is not the only location you can find this wonderful grape excelling. In Australia they use the grape to make some world famous, full bodied, spicy reds packed with black fruits. They bottle single variety Shiraz as well as blends inspired by the GSM blend. Some of the most famous appellations include the Baross Valley, McLaren Vale and Heathcote. The US also has some fantastic wines made from Syrah, particularly along the west coast in California, Oregon and Washington State. Other countries that are worth checking out as producers of Syrah include South Africa, Chile and New Zealand.

With the 16th of February being International Syrah day, now is the ideal time to try some delicious wine made with this fabulous grape to celebrate. Here are a few delights that we recommend, and for those of you who like to put a date in your diary International Shiraz Day is celebrated this year on the 24th July.

Name / Producer: The Francophile Syrah The Liberator

Region: Stellenbosch / Price: £12.95

A young vine Syrah from South Africa, made in the style of wines from the Northern Rhone. Fine red and black berry fruit with a touch of violets and fresh finish.

Name / Producer: Tom and the Peloton

Region: Cotes de Ventoux, Rhone / Price: £16.95

Rich, fruit driven and elegant Syrah & Grenache blend - a fantastic Rhône red from Ventoux. Named in honour of Tom Simpson, who was one of the greats of British cycling in the mid 20th century and sadly died cycling up the Ventoux ascent in the 1967 Tour de France.

Name / Producer: Regional Reserve Heathcote Shiraz de Bortoli

Region: / Price: £17.95

From Heathcote in Australia this is filled with ripe dark fruit aromas of blackberry and plum, black pepper. Plump dark fruits continue onto the palate with gentle tannins, hints of spice and a soft finish.

Name / Producer: la Touge Chateau Maris

Region: Minervois, Languedoc-Roussillon / Price: £23.95

La Touge is a medium bodied red wine made with Syrah and Grenache grapes. Wine Advocate gave it 91 pts: "Easy-drinking raspberry and plum fruit are joined by hints of cracked pepper and garrigue in this medium to full-bodied, silky wine."

Name / Producer: Saint Joseph Les Pierres Seches Yves Cuilleron

Region: Saint-Joseph, Rhone / Price: £32.95

Dark red; restrained, reserved nose on elderberry, a light skim of blueberry, mineral touches. The palate manages a fine line of spinal freshness, is flanked by good style gras richness, is neatly rounded. The tannins bring extra darkness on the close, smoke-tobacco on the exit.

Name / Producer: Cold Sweat Syrah First Drop

Region: Eden Valley / Price: £36.95

A complex brooding expression of Eden Valley Syrah. Eden Valley is the perfect backdrop for us to further push the vinous boundaries. Eden Valley is the perfect backdrop for this. At a higher elevation than the Barossa Valley below, we embrace the funk to make even more diverse expressions of Syrah that speak of their unique sites.

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