Syrah (or Shiraz)
Cultivated since Roman times in the northern Côtes-du-Rhone, Syrah is a noble variety, which produces the great wines of the Hermitage region. The name of the grape Shiraz was taken from that of the city of Shiraz in Iran, near where the process of winemaking possibly originated 7000 years ago. Historic accounts state that the Syrah/Shiraz was brought into southern France by a returning crusader, Guy De'Sterimberg. He became a hermit and developed a vineyard on a steep hill where he lived in the Rhône River Valley. It became known as the Hermitage.
The wine, which has a violet aroma, is rich in body, tannin and color. Needs to be aged in order to develop its full character.
The Syrah is a low yielding variety, which loses its noble qualities when the production is forced.
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