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Syrah

Grape
Red: Thought to be one of the oldest varieties. 'Syrah' is the name used in the Old World while 'Shiraz' has been adopted in the New World. Originally from Northern Rhone in France this variety is now widely planted throughout the world. Very dark in colour and with dark fruit flavours character such as blackberry and blueberries. Syrah is also found throughout southern France, often blened. It is famously used in the dark, powerful Hermitage and Cote Rotie in France, and the Barossa Valley in Australia.
Cool Climates: Acidity and tannin levels are high and typical characteristics will are blackberry, dark chocolate and black pepper.
Warmer Climates: A more full-bodied, alcoholic wine is produced and the tannins and acidity are much softer. The flavours can often be found to be more earthy and leathery while still maintaining the black pepper spice and hints of chocolate and prune. Out of all the New World countries, Australia is where it is most widely planted, from the warmer region of Barossa to the cooler region of Victoria.
Classic Syrah/Shiraz growing Countries are:
France: Rhone Valley. It is a featured great in many of the big, powerful reds of France such as Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Australia: Has become a classic grape variety and is the most widely planted grape in Australia. It is often blended with Cabernet. Despite the change in climate this grape will thrive in the hot regions of the Hunter and Barossa Valley's where the wine has an almost earthy spice to the cooler Margaret River where there is more peppery flare.