Syrah/Shiraz Flashcards
Learn characteristics, winemaking/maturation, and important regions of Syrah/Shiraz.
In what climates does Syrah/Shiraz prefer to grow?
- Moderate (e.g. Northern Rhône)
- Warm (e.g. South Australia)
Fill in the blank:
In Australia the name for Syrah is _____.
Shiraz
Describe the profile of a moderate-climate Syrah/Shiraz, e.g. one from the Northern Rhône.
- Dry
- Medium body
- Medium to high alcohol
- Medium - high tannin
- Medium - high acidity
- Fresh black fruit
- Black pepper
- Herbal
Describe the profile of a warm-climate Syrah/Shiraz, e.g. one from Australia.
- Dry
- Full body
- High alcohol
- Medium - high tannin
- Medium - high acidity
- Ripe, cooked black fruit
- Anise/liquorice
When Syrah/Shiraz is used as a blending grape, what qualities will it add?
- Color
- Black fruit flavors
- Tannin
For Syrah/Shiraz, is it more common or less common to mature it in oak?
More common
The oak softens Syrah’s tannins and adds layers of flavors, including smoke and spices.
This oak maturation also helps Syrah to age.
What are some of the developing flavors that emerge as Syrah ages?
- Leather
- Meat/bacon
- Earth/mushrooms
Fill in the blank:
In France, Syrah’s most important region is _____.
Northern Rhône
What is the only black grape allowed in the Northern Rhône?
Syrah
Which appellations of the Northern Rhône are most important for Syrah?
- Côte Rôtie AOC
- Hermitage AOC
- Crozes Hermitages AOC
On which kind of terrain are the choicest vineyards in the Northern Rhône planted, valley floor or steep slopes?
Steep slopes
What is the climate of the Northern Rhône?
Moderate, but there are pockets of great warmth which aid in Syrah’s ripening.
The extra warmth comes from vineyard aspect and light reflected off the Rhône River.
Because of the steep slopes in the Northern Rhône, are vineyards more likely to be machine harvested or hand harvested?
Hand harvested, which means the resulting wine is likely to be more expensive.
Heads up! Crozes-Hermitage is flat and can be machine harvested, so prices will be lower than Côte Rôtie and Hermitage.
Remember that the best vineyards (Côte Rôtie and Hermitage) are on slopes, not flat land.
What appellation marks the northernmost point where Syrah can ripen?
Côte Rôtie AOC in the Northern Rhône
What is the one grape allowed to be co-fermented with Syrah in Côte Rôtie AOC?
Viognier
Viognier adds floral aromas and aromatic lift to peppery Syrah.
What direction does the steep hill of Hermitage face?
South
This makes Hermitage generally warmer than Côte Rôtie, producing wines with more heft.
Where is Crozes-Hermitage AOC in relation to Hermitage AOC?
Crozes-Hermitage AOC surrounds the bottom of the hill of Hermitage.
Stylistically, how do Syrahs from Crozes Hermitage differ from Côte Rôtie and Hermitage?
Crozes Hermitage will be less complex, less concentrated, and generally less impressive than Côte Rôtie and Hermitage.
They will also be less expensive.
Fill in the blank:
In the Southern Rhône, Syrah is generally blended with _____.
Grenache
Where is Minervois AOC and what is it known for?
Minervois AOC is in the South of France and is known for its Grenache/Syrah blends.
Syrah has no problem fully ripening in the South of France where it can be blended or bottled as a single varietal.
What is the IGP used in the south of France?
Pays d’Oc IGP
What is the most widely planted black grape in Australia (it’s also the most planted grape in Australia, period)?
Shiraz
The appellation South Eastern Australia is generally known for what kind of Shiraz?
High-volume, affordably priced, bulk Shiraz grown in the the warmer inland areas.
Name 2 regions in Australia known for high-quality Shiraz.
- Barossa Valley
- Hunter Valley
Fill in the blank:
Some of the world’s oldest Shiraz vines are in the _____ Valley.
Barossa Valley
There are some vines that are older than 125 years.
What is the climate of the Barossa Valley?
Warm
Describe the style of Shiraz from Barossa Valley.
- Dry
- Full body
- High tannin
- Cooked black fruit
- Black pepper
- Spicy oak flavors (vanilla, mocha)
- Intense
What is the climate of Hunter Valley?
Warm, but cloud cover and sea breezes help moderate the heat and extend the growing season.
Describe the style of Hunter Valley Shiraz.
- Dry
- Medium body
- Medium to high tannin
- Fresh black fruit
- Black pepper
- Not as intense as Barossa Valley Shiraz
