Syrah is a beloved grape variety celebrated for its bold and robust flavors. The rich, full-bodied wines it produces are often associated with deep, dark hues and intense aromas. However, Syrah is more than just a red grape variety. Is Syrah always red, or can it produce wines of different colors? This article will delve into the various aspects of Syrah, exploring its characteristics, its uses in winemaking, and the possibility of non-red wines made from this famous varietal. By understanding the nuances of Syrah, we can gain a deeper appreciation for this multifaceted grape and its role in the world of wine.
What Is Syrah?
A Brief Introduction to Syrah
Syrah, also known as Shiraz in certain regions, is a red grape variety originating from the Rhône Valley of France. It is one of the most prominent grapes in the world, with its spread reaching diverse wine-growing regions. Syrah is renowned for its full-bodied wines, characterized by a combination of dark fruit, spice, and earthy undertones. While most commonly found in red wine bottles, Syrah is not limited to just that.
The grape’s origins are shrouded in mystery. Some legends trace its roots to the ancient city of Shiraz in Persia, while others argue that it originated in the Rhône Valley. Despite the uncertainty surrounding its birthplace, Syrah has become an iconic and versatile grape, producing wines that range from rich and powerful to lighter and more refined, depending on where and how it’s grown.
The Basic Characteristics of Syrah
Syrah typically yields wines that are bold, with flavors of blackberries, black cherries, and plums. It often has a peppery spice component and notes of leather, tobacco, and herbs. The color of Syrah wine is usually a deep, opaque purple, thanks to the high levels of anthocyanins, which are responsible for the color pigments in red wine.
The flavor profile of Syrah varies depending on the region it’s grown in and the winemaking methods employed. In cooler climates, Syrah wines tend to be more elegant and subtle, with higher acidity and brighter fruit flavors. In warmer climates, such as Australia’s Barossa Valley, Syrah (or Shiraz, as it’s called there) takes on more intense fruitiness, with a heavier, sometimes jammy texture.
However, the question remains: is Syrah always red?
Can Syrah Produce Non-Red Wines?
The Possibility of White Wines from Syrah
While Syrah is most commonly associated with red wines, it is not exclusively a red wine grape. Syrah can also be used to make white wine, but this is not a typical or widespread practice. The production of white wines from Syrah, known as “white Syrah,” involves a technique that separates the juice from the skins early in the winemaking process.
The White Syrah Process
To produce white wine from Syrah, winemakers carefully crush the grapes and immediately press them, ensuring that the juice does not come into prolonged contact with the skins. This prevents the transfer of color and tannins from the skins, resulting in a wine that is clear and pale. While Syrah’s skins contribute to its typical deep red color, they also contain much of the grape’s tannins and other flavor compounds. Without extended skin contact, white Syrah tends to have a delicate, fresh profile.
It is important to note that producing white wine from red grapes, such as Syrah, is not a common practice. Some producers in regions like the Northern Rhône, particularly in areas such as Hermitage, have explored this technique, albeit on a limited scale. White Syrah wines are typically rare, and they are often labeled with specific designations that differentiate them from traditional red Syrah wines.
Tasting Notes of White Syrah
The flavor profile of white Syrah can vary depending on the winemaking methods used and the climate in which the grapes are grown. These wines tend to feature crisp acidity with flavors of citrus, green apple, and floral notes. The body is usually light to medium, and there is a distinct minerality to many white Syrahs, which is a characteristic of the terroir in the Northern Rhône.
In terms of texture, white Syrah can have a round mouthfeel due to the wine’s slight aging on lees, a process in which the wine is allowed to rest with the yeast cells that remain after fermentation. This can contribute some richness and complexity to the otherwise clean and crisp profile.
Rosé Syrah: A Middle Ground
Another non-red version of Syrah is rosé. While rosé wines are generally considered a category distinct from red wines, they still originate from red grape varieties. The process of making rosé wine involves allowing the grape skins to stay in contact with the juice for only a short period of time, typically only a few hours to a day, depending on the desired color and flavor.
The Rosé Syrah Process
Rosé Syrah, like other rosé wines, is made by pressing the Syrah grapes and allowing just enough skin contact to impart a light pink or copper hue. The goal is to extract some of the color and tannins from the skins without over-extracting, which would result in a deeper, more tannic wine. Rosé Syrah typically offers vibrant fruit flavors such as strawberry, raspberry, and melon, with a crisp, refreshing acidity. Unlike white Syrah, which tends to focus on freshness and minerality, rosé Syrah wines can carry more fruit-forward aromas, making them popular choices for casual and warm-weather occasions.
Tasting Notes of Rosé Syrah
Rosé Syrah wines can range from delicate and light to more textured and bold, depending on the winemaking technique and the climate in which the grapes are grown. Some Syrah rosés from warmer climates, like California or Australia, may exhibit a slightly riper fruit profile with hints of peach, watermelon, and even herbs, while those from cooler climates may present lighter, more floral characteristics.
The Diversity of Syrah Wines Around the World
Syrah in the Northern Rhône
The Northern Rhône Valley is where Syrah finds its most prestigious expression. It is the only grape allowed in the red wines of appellations such as Côte-Rôtie and Hermitage. These wines are renowned for their deep, complex flavors, which often include aromas of dark berries, black pepper, and earthy, smoky notes. However, in these regions, the production of white Syrah is also possible, especially for winemakers seeking to experiment with the grape’s versatility.
Syrah in Australia: Shiraz with a Twist
In Australia, Syrah is known as Shiraz, and the wines made from this grape are some of the most famous in the world. Shiraz wines from regions such as the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale are known for their full-bodied, bold character and rich, dark fruit flavors. Australian Shiraz is typically a red wine, but the country’s experimentation with different winemaking techniques has led to a small production of white and rosé wines from the same grape.
Syrah’s Role in Blends
While Syrah is often made as a single varietal wine, it is also a key component of many blends. In the Southern Rhône, Syrah is blended with other grape varieties like Grenache and Mourvèdre to create wines like Châteauneuf-du-Pape. These wines are typically red, but Syrah’s role in blending is crucial for adding structure, spice, and depth.
In the New World, particularly in regions like California and South Africa, Syrah is often blended with other grapes to create wines that showcase the versatility and adaptability of Syrah. These blends can include a mix of red, white, and rosé wine components, showcasing the different facets of Syrah beyond its classic red form.
Conclusion
The answer is clear: Syrah is not always red. While red Syrah is undoubtedly the most common and celebrated expression of the grape, it can also be used to produce white and rosé wines. These wines, though less common, highlight the versatility of Syrah and its ability to adapt to various winemaking techniques.
Whether made into a deep, bold red, a crisp white, or a refreshing rosé, Syrah offers a wide array of flavors and textures. From the northern reaches of the Rhône Valley to the sun-drenched vineyards of Australia, Syrah’s journey through different winemaking traditions underscores its adaptability and timeless appeal. So, while Syrah is often associated with red wines, it is not confined to this single expression. It is, indeed, a grape with much more to offer than meets the eye.
Ultimately, the world of Syrah is diverse, and whether you enjoy it in its classic red form or are curious to try a white or rosé, the journey of discovery promises a wealth of experience for wine lovers around the globe.
You Might Be Interested In:
