Syrah/Shiraz

Question 1

True or false: Syrah and Shiraz are 2 different grape varieties.

Answer 1

False

Question 2

Does Syrah/Shiraz have thin or thick skins?

Answer 2

Thick

Question 3

What climate does Syrah/Shiraz need to grow?

Answer 3

Moderate or warm climate

Question 4

What are the typical acidity and tannin levels of Syrah/Shiraz?

Answer 4

Medium to high tannins
Medium to high acidity

Question 5

What are the typical flavours characteristics of a moderate climate syrah/shiraz?

Answer 5

Fresh black fruit (black cherry, blackberry)
Herbal notes
Black pepper

Question 6

What are the typical flavours characteristics of a warm climate syrah/shiraz?

Answer 6

Ripe flavours
Cooked black fruit
Liquorice

Question 7

What are the typical body and alcohol level of a warm climate syrah/shiraz?

Answer 7

Full body
High alcohol

Question 8

Outside of Australia and France, why might a producer choose to use the word Syrah vs Shiraz on their label?

Answer 8

To indicate the style of wine they are making
Syrah: medium bodied, fresh black fruit, etc.
Shiraz: full bodied, high alcohol, ripe to cooked black fruit flavours

Question 9

When used in a blend, what does Syrah/Shiraz provide to the wine?

Answer 9

Colour
Black fruit flavours
Tannins

Question 10

What are the 2 main grape varieties usually present in what is sometimes referred to as a “Rhône Blend”?

Answer 10

Syrah
Grenache

Question 11

Is oak maturation common with Syrah/Shiraz?

Answer 11

Yes
Softens tannins
Adds smoke and spice

Question 12

Name 3 AOCs of the Northern Rhône for Syrah.

Answer 12

Côte Rôtie AOC
Hermitage AOC
Crozes-Hermitage AOC

Question 13

What other black grapes, other than Syrah, are permitted in the AOC wines of the Northern Rhône?

Answer 13

None. Syrah is the only black grape permitted.

Question 14

In which AOC is there a tradition to co-ferment a small amount of Viognier with the Syrah?

Answer 14

Côte Rôtie AOC

Question 15

What aromas does Viognier add to Syrah?

Answer 15

Floral

Question 16

True or false: Crozes-Hermitage AOC is a flatter appellation than other Northern Rhône AOCS, which leads to wines that are more intense, more complex and more expensive than other AOCs.

Answer 16

False.
Flatter and larger area means higher yields and mechanisation are possible, which means less intense, less complex and more affordable wines.

Question 17

Name the AOC in the Languedoc-Roussillon where wines are blends of Syrah and other varieties (including Grenache).

Answer 17

Minervois AOC

Question 18

What are single variety Syrah wines labelled as in the Languedoc-Roussillon region?

Answer 18

Pays d’Oc IGP

Question 19

What styles of wines are typically labelled under “South Eastern Australia”?

Answer 19

Inexpensive, high-volume wines

Question 20

Describe a typical Barossa Valley Old Vine Shiraz. (body, tannins, flavours)

Answer 20

Full bodied
High, ripe tannins
Cooked black fruit (blackberry, black cherry), black pepper, flavours of oak (vanilla)

Question 21

Describe a typical Hunter Valley Shiraz. (body, tannins, flavours)

Answer 21

Medium body
Medium to high tannins
Fresh black fruit flavours

Question 22

What varieties are commonly blended with Shiraz in Australia?

Answer 22

Grenache
Cabernet Sauvignon

Question 23

True or false: In the Northern Rhône, grapes are often planted on steep slopes, with stony soils, to slow down the ripening and ensure the grapes don’t get too ripe too quickly.

Answer 23

False.
Slopes, aspect and stony soils help the grapes to ripen.