Syrah : Principal Black Grape Varieties

Question 1

Which region is known for being the classic region for Syrah?

a) Southern Rhône
b) Northern Rhône
c) Bordeaux
d) Champagne

Answer 1

b) Northern Rhône

Question 2

What is the topography of the Northern Rhône?

a) Flat plains
b) Rolling hills
c) Steep slopes in a narrow river valley
d) Mountainous terrain

Answer 2

c) Steep slopes in a narrow river valley

Question 3

How is grape ripening aided in the Northern Rhône?
Answer:
a) Cool ocean breezes
b) High humidity
c) Aspect and reflected sunlight from the river
d) Artificial lighting

Answer 3

c) Aspect and reflected sunlight from the river

Question 4

Where is Côte Rôtie AOC located?

a) Southern Rhône
b) Central Rhône
c) Far north of the Northern Rhône
d) Eastern Rhône

Answer 4

c) Far north of the Northern Rhône

Question 5

What is the geographical characteristic of the Hermitage AOC?

a) Flat plains
b) Rolling hills
c) Steep, south-facing hill
d) Mountainous terrain

Answer 5

c) Steep, south-facing hill

Question 6

How do the wines of Crozes-Hermitage compare to Côte Rôtie and Hermitage?

a) More intense and complex
b) Less intense and complex
c) Similar in intensity and complexity
d) Cannot be compared

Answer 6

b) Less intense and complex

Question 7

In what climates does Syrah prefer to grow?

Answer 7

Syrah likes to grow in a moderate to warm climate

Question 8

Describe the profile of a moderate-climate Syrah from the Northern Rhône.

Answer 8

A dry red wine with medium body and medium to medium+ alcohol. It will have medium to high tannin and medium to high acidity. Flavours of fresh black fruit, black pepper and herbal notes.

Question 9

Describe the profile of a warm-climate Shiraz, from Australia.

Answer 9

A full bodied red wine with high alcohol, medium to high tannin and medium to high acidity. Flavours of ripe, cooked black fruit and anise or liquorice.

Question 10

When Syrah is used as a blending grape, what qualities will it add to the blend?

Answer 10

Syrah will add colour, black fruit flavours and tannin.

Question 11

What are some of the tertiary flavours that emerge as Syrah ages?

Answer 11

Leather, meat/bacon, mushrooms, earth

Question 12

Which are the appellations in the Northern Rhône that are covered in WSET Level 2?

Answer 12

Côte Rôtie AOC, Hermitage AOC, Crozes Hermitages AOC

Question 13

What kind of terrain gives the best grape growing in the Northern Rhône and why?

Answer 13

The steepest slopes produce the best grapes. The Northern Rhône is the coldest region that Syrah will ripen and the steepest slopes give the best chance of this. The aspect of the slopes and the reflection from the river allow for more sun intensity.

Question 14

Which appellation is the most northerly that can successfully ripen Syrah?

Answer 14

Côte Rôtie AOC

Question 15

Which grape variety is allowed to be co-fermented with Syrah in Côte Rôtie AOC?

Answer 15

Viognier which adds floral aromas

Question 16

Where is Crozes Hermitage AOC in relation to Hermitage AOC?

Answer 16

Crozes Hermitage AOC is a flatter and larger appellation that surrounds the steep south facing slopes of Hermitage AOC.

Question 17

In the Southern Rhône which grape variety is Syrah often blended with?

Answer 17

Grenache

Question 18

Which AOC in the South of France does WSET level 2 highlight as one that uses Syrah in its blend?

Answer 18

Minervois AOC

Question 19

What is the most widely planted black grape in Australia?

Answer 19

Shiraz

Question 20

Which GI in Australia is known for high volume inexpensive brands of Shiraz?

Answer 20

South Eastern Australia

Question 21

Name the two Australian regions mentioned in the WSET level 2, highlighted for their high quality Shiraz?

Answer 21

Barossa Valley and Hunter Valley

Question 22

Which region in Australia is known for some of the oldest Shiraz vines in the world?

Answer 22

The Barossa Valley

Question 23

What is the climate of the Barossa Valley?

Answer 23

Warm climate

Question 24

Describe a typical Barossa Shiraz.

Answer 24

Full-bodied red wines with high tannin, cooked black fruit flavours, black pepper and spicey flavours from the oak maturation.

Question 25

What is the climate of the Hunter Valley in Australia?

Answer 25

The Hunter valley has a warm climate, but it is moderated by high cloud cover and sea breezes which slow the ripening of the grapes.

Question 26

Describe a typical Hunter Valley Shiraz.

Answer 26

Hunter Valley Shiraz is is a medium bodied red wine, with medium to high tannins and fresh black fruit flavours. They will develop complex flavours of meat and earth in the bottle.

Question 27

What flavours might develop in outstanding examples of Syrah/Shiraz as they age?

Answer 27

Leather
Meat
Earth