Syrah is a red grape variety native to the northern Rhône Valley, where it has reached its full potential in the great wine-growing regions of Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, Cornas and Saint-Joseph. Modern genetic analyses have confirmed that it is the result of a spontaneous cross between Dureza and Mondeuse Blanche, shedding light on a history deeply linked to south-eastern France and the ancient migrations of the vine. Today, it is widespread across the world’s major wine-producing countries and, in Italy, thrives particularly well in Sicily, Tuscany, Lazio, Sardinia and Puglia.
From an ampelographic perspective, it produces small to medium-sized, generally compact bunches with small, elliptical berries featuring a thick, intensely pruinose skin of a blue-black colour. The mature leaf is pentagonal, often divided into five lobes, with open lateral sinuses and petioles, short teeth with convex margins, and a moderately hairy underside.
The wine is distinguished by its deep ruby colour, often with violet hues, and by a broad aromatic profile characterised by violet, dark forest fruits, black pepper, liquorice, graphite and, as it matures, smoky and balsamic notes. On the palate, it offers structure, freshness and vigorous yet refined tannins, qualities that support its longevity. It is also known as Shiraz and is noted for its remarkable colour stability during vinification.