Syrah En Provence – Saveur audacieuse et épicée

Hey there, wine enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into the world of Syrah in Provence, a grape variety that adds a touch of magic to the region’s already captivating wines.

It’s my favourite wine grape variety. But hey, for those who’ve been following me for a while might say : what about Blaufränkisch?

Well, that’s a real tough call!

Let’s say Blaufränkisch is my favourite grape variety in L'Autriche and Syrah in France.

Hopefully, France won’t start growing Blaufränkisch and Austria won’t start growing (too much) Syrah, because then I’d have to choose…and I can’t!!

Anyway, let’s make it short also today and let me tell you about Syrah in Provence (my favourite Syrah actually comes from Côtes du Rhône Nord actually…but still, Syrah brings this magical touch in Provence wines!)

NOTA : By the way, if you’ve never heard about Blaufränkisch, time to check out my Guide du débutant!

Unveiling the Rich Tapestry of Syrah in Provence

Syrah, also known as Shiraz in some parts of the world, has an intriguing a heritage.

Unlike many grapes with clear-cut origins, Syrah’s story is a delightful mystery. DNA analysis suggests it’s a love child of two obscure grapes: Mondeuse Blanche and Dureza.

Syrah’s arrival in Provence wasn’t a grand entrance, but rather a gradual migration.

Likely brought by winemakers from the Northern Rhône Valley sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century, it found a welcoming home in the warm, sunny climate of Provence.

Here, the days are long and bathed in sunshine, while the sols, often a blend of clay, limestone, and gravel, offer excellent drainage. These conditions enable Syrah to ripen fully and develop its signature intensity.

Now, let’s talk about color.

When you swirl a glass of Syrah from Provence, you’re greeted by a deep, mesmerizing purple hue. This rich color isn’t just visually stunning; it’s a telltale sign of the grape’s phenolic compounds, which contribute to flavor, structure, and aging potential.

So, next time you admire a glass of Syrah, remember, the color is more than just eye candy, although you’re definitely in for a treat!

The aromatic profile of Provence’s Syrah is all about ripe black fruits.

Initially, you might be captivated by dark berries like blackberry and blackcurrant. But as you delve deeper, you’ll get hints of peppery spice, violets, and even a touch of smoke.

There’s one more thing to keep in mind with Syrah, especially young wines: something called “reductive characteristics.”

This simply means that the wine might have aromas of rubber or leather due to the presence of certain sulfur compounds. Don’t worry, these aromas aren’t a sign of spoilage! In fact, with a little aeration – swirling the wine in your glass or decanting it – these aromas often dissipate, revealing the true essence of the Syrah beneath.

Syrah’s Symbiosis with Provence Blends

Syrah isn’t a lone wolf in the vineyards of Provence.

It often plays a starring role in blends, where it shines as a “complémentaire” grape. Think of it as the spice that elevates a dish – Syrah adds structure, body, and a touch of peppery spice to the blend, harmonizing beautifully with grapes like Grenache and Mourvèdre.

Speaking of harmony, Syrah-based wines from Provence are known for their aging potential.

The combination of Syrah’s firm tannins, bright acidity, and concentrated fruit creates wines that can evolve beautifully over time.

A young Syrah bursts with juicy black fruit, and then, a few years later, the fruit softens, and notes of leather, earth, and even a hint of truffle emerge.

But what about those first few years, when the wine is young and vibrant? The key is balance.

The tannins, although present, are typically smooth and integrated, complementing the bright acidity that keeps the wine fresh. The fruit, while intense, isn’t overpowering, creating a harmonious and enjoyable drinking experience.

Le art of vinification also plays a crucial role in shaping Syrah’s character.

Winemakers can choose different techniques, like fermentation temperature or the use of oak barrels, to enhance the complexity and robustness of the wine. Exploring different styles from various producers allows you to discover the fascinating spectrum of possibilities that Syrah offers in Provence.

And last but not least, let’s talk about food pairings!

Syrah’s bold flavors and firm tannins make it a fantastic partner for a variety of dishes.

Think grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even lentil stews. The key is to match the intensity of the wine with the richness of the food.

So, next time you’re firing up the grill or whipping up a hearty stew, consider pairing it with a bold and beautiful Syrah from Provence. Its robust flavors will stand up to grilled meats and vegetables, while its smooth tannins will complement the richness of a slow-cooked stew.

Syrah’s Global Journey: From Ancient Persia to Provence

Syrah’s story extends far beyond the sun-drenched vineyards of Provence.

Historical evidence suggests Syrah might have even more ancient roots, possibly originating in Persia (modern-day Iran) over 2,000 years ago.

Imagine ancient trade routes carrying grapevines along the Silk Road, eventually leading Syrah to Europe. While the details remain fuzzy, the idea of Syrah having such a rich and exotic past is quite intriguing, don’t you think?

Now, let’s compare Syrah’s expression in Provence to its famed home in the Northern Rhône Valley, particularly in appellations like Côte-Rôtie and Hermitage (my favourite appellations in France!).

There, Syrah reigns supreme, often blended with a small amount of Viognier. The resulting wines are known for their power, intensity, and profound aging potential.

Compared to Provence, les wines from the Northern Rhône tend to be more structured and tannic, reflecting the cooler climate and focus on single-varietal expressions.

Cultivation practices also play a crucial role in shaping Syrah’s character.

Syrah is naturally resistant to many grapevine diseases, making it a darling for winemakers.

However, it can also be quite vigorous, producing high yields. To ensure premium quality, Provençal winemakers often employ techniques like yield reduction, which concentrates the flavors and aromas in the grapes.

Le aromatic complexity of Syrah is truly captivating. Beyond the initial notes of dark fruit, Syrah has a surprising array of aromas. Think of violets, black pepper, even a hint of tobacco. These nuances emerge depending on the specific terroir, winemaking techniques, and the age of the wine.

Finally, let’s talk about the unique characteristics Syrah brings to the world of wine. It offers a captivating balance between elegance and power. The deep color, bold flavors, and firm tannins speak of power, while the floral and peppery notes add a touch of elegance. This duality is what makes Syrah so versatile and food-friendly… and why it’s my favourite grape variety : powerful and elegant !

Conclusion : Syrah In Provence

So, the next time you raise a glass of Syrah from Provence, take a moment to appreciate the fascinating journey this grape has taken.

From its possible ancient Persian roots to its starring role in the Rhône Valley and its delightful expression in Provence, Syrah is a surprising grape variety which needs to be tasted over and over again!

>> Want to taste Syrah? Check out Syrahs from all over the world!<<