Syrah/Shiraz

Question 1

In what climates does Syrah/Shiraz prefer to grow?

Answer 1

• Moderate (e.g. Northern Rhône)* Warm (e.g. South Australia)

Question 2

In France the name for Syrah is _____.

Answer 2

Syrah

Question 3

In Australia the name for Syrah is _____.

Answer 3

Shiraz

Question 4

Describe the profile of a moderate-climate Syrah/Shiraz, e.g. one from the Northern Rhône.

Answer 4

• Dry* Medium body* Medium to high alcohol* Medium - high tannin* Medium - high acidity* Fresh black fruit* Black pepper* Herbal

Question 5

Describe the profile of a warm-climate Syrah/Shiraz, e.g. one from Australia.

Answer 5

• Dry* Full body* High alcohol* Medium - high tannin* Medium - high acidity* Ripe, cooked black fruit* Anise/liquorice

Question 6

When Syrah/Shiraz is used as a blending grape, what qualities will it add?

Answer 6

• Color* Black fruit flavors* Tannin

Question 7

For Syrah/Shiraz, is it more common or less common to mature it in oak?

Answer 7

More common## FootnoteThe oak softens Syrah’s tannins and adds layers of flavors, including smoke and spices.This oak maturation also helps Syrah to age.

Question 8

What are some of the developing flavors that emerge as Syrah ages?

Answer 8

• Leather* Meat/bacon* Earth/mushrooms

Question 9

In France, Syrah’s most important region is _____.

Answer 9

Northern Rhône

Question 10

What is the only black grape allowed in the Northern Rhône?

Answer 10

Syrah

Question 11

Which appellations of the Northern Rhône are most important for Syrah?

Answer 11

• Côte Rôtie AOC* Hermitage AOC* Crozes Hermitages AOC

Question 12

The choicest vineyards in the Northern Rhône are planted on which terrain:* valley floor* steep slopes

Answer 12

Steep slopes

Question 13

What is the climate of the Northern Rhône?

Answer 13

Moderate, but there are pockets of great warmth which aid in Syrah’s ripening.## FootnoteThe extra warmth comes from vineyard aspect and light reflected off the Rhône River.

Question 14

Because of the steep slopes in the Northern Rhône, are vineyards more likely to be machine harvested or hand harvested?

Answer 14

Hand harvested, which means the resulting wine is likely to be more expensive.## FootnoteHeads up! Crozes-Hermitage is flat and can be machine harvested, so prices will be lower than Côte Rôtie and Hermitage.**Remember that the best vineyards (Côte Rôtie and Hermitage) are on slopes, not flat land.

Question 15

What appellation marks the northernmost point where Syrah can ripen?

Answer 15

Côte Rôtie AOC in the Northern Rhône

Question 16

What is the one grape allowed to be co-fermented with Syrah in Côte Rôtie AOC?

Answer 16

ViognierIt adds floral aromas and aromatic lift to peppery Syrah.

Question 17

What direction does the steep hill of Hermitage face?

Answer 17

South## FootnoteThis makes Hermitage generally warmer than Côte Rôtie, producing wines with more heft.

Question 18

Where is Crozes Hermitage AOC in relation to Hermitage AOC?

Answer 18

Crozes Hermitage AOC surrounds the bottom of the hill of Hermitage.Crozes Hermitage AOC is on flat land.

Question 19

Stylistically, how do Syrahs from Crozes Hermitage differ from Côte Rôtie and Hermitage?

Answer 19

Crozes Hermitage will be less complex, less concentrated, and generally less impressive than Côte Rôtie and Hermitage.They will also be less expensive.

Question 20

In the Southern Rhône, Syrah is generally blended with _____.

Answer 20

Grenache

Question 21

Where is Minervois AOC and what is it known for?

Answer 21

Minervois AOC is in the South of France and is known for its Syrah blends.## FootnoteSyrah has no problem fully ripening in the South of France where it can be blended or bottled as a single varietal.

Question 22

What is the IGP used in the south of France?

Answer 22

Pays d’Oc IGP

Question 23

What is the most widely planted black grape in Australia (it’s also the most planted grape in Australia, period)?

Answer 23

Shiraz

Question 24

The appellation South Eastern Australia is generally known for what kind of Shiraz?

Answer 24

High-volume, affordably priced, bulk Shiraz grown in the the warmer inland areas.

Question 25

Name 2 regions in Australia known for high-quality Shiraz.

Answer 25

1. Barossa Valley2. Hunter Valley

Question 26

Some of the world’s oldest Shiraz vines are in the _____ Valley.

Answer 26

Barossa Valley## FootnoteThere are some vines that are older than 125 years.

Question 27

What is the climate of the Barossa Valley?

Answer 27

Warm

Question 28

Describe the style of Shiraz from Barossa Valley.

Answer 28

• Dry* Full body* High tannin* Cooked black fruit* Black pepper* Spicy oak flavors (vanilla, mocha)* Intense

Question 29

What is the climate of Hunter Valley?

Answer 29

Warm, but cloud cover and sea breezes help moderate the heat and extend the growing season.

Question 30

Describe the style of Hunter Valley Shiraz.

Answer 30

• Dry* Medium body* Medium to high tannin* Fresh black fruit* Black pepper* Not as intense as Barossa Valley Shiraz