Shiraz

Rhône Valley, France

Shiraz, known as Syrah in France and other parts of the world, is a dark-skinned grape variety that originated in the Rhône Valley of France. DNA profiling has confirmed that Syrah is the offspring of two obscure grape varieties from southeastern France: Dureza and Mondeuse Blanche. The grape was introduced to Australia in the 19th century, where it became known as Shiraz and has since become the country's most planted grape variety, particularly thriving in regions like the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale. The terms 'Syrah' and 'Shiraz' are often used to denote stylistic differences, with 'Syrah' referring to the traditional French style and 'Shiraz' to the New World expressions.

Small to medium-sized, dark-skinned berries with thick skins, forming tight clusters.

Shiraz is a versatile grape that adapts well to various climates, though it prefers warm, sunny regions. It is known for its vigorous growth and requires careful canopy management to ensure optimal ripening. The grape is relatively resistant to diseases and can produce high yields, but lower yields are often preferred to enhance concentration and quality. Harvest times can vary depending on the desired wine style, with earlier harvests yielding more peppery and acidic wines, and later harvests producing riper, fruit-forward profiles.