Photo by VIVC - Vitis International Variety Catalogue
Description
Syrah, known as Shiraz in Australia and many other countries, is the classic black grape of France's Rhône Valley. DNA work has shown it is a natural cross of two little-known French varieties, Mondeuse Blanche and Dureza. It makes red wines that often have a characteristic black-pepper note, both as a varietal and in blends such as the 'S' of GSM.
Characteristics
Black wine grape; vigorous; early budbreak; mid-season ripening; can set poorly on young vines; peppery red wines
Growing Tips
Syrah is a highly vigorous vine, so North Carolina growers recommend a divided canopy and moderately vigorous rootstocks such as 3309C or 101-14. It breaks bud early, so a site with good cold-air drainage helps it escape spring frost, and it ripens mid-season, around the same time as Cabernet Franc. Texas growers note that young Syrah vineyards can be finicky about setting a crop, so do not be discouraged by uneven early harvests.