Legend has it that Syrah was brought back from the Crusades in 1224 after a long voyage from the Iranian city of Shiraz, but experts are still debating this theory. However, this grape variety found just what it needed in the Rhone Valley to flourish. Not highly fertile, with a long growing season, Syrah thrives on nutrient-poor, dry soils like those found on the steep slopes of the C?te R?tie, and the Rhone climate suits it well. Cultivation of Syrah has recently dramatically increased in France, now totaling 45,000 hectares and overflowing from the Rhone Valley into Languedoc and Provence. It is also a very popular variety for producing Vins de Pays. Deeply colored, wines made from Syrah make an impression with their smoky, peppery aromas enveloping hints of violet, blackberry and blueberry. But their excellently balanced tannins, both powerful and velvety, seduce connoisseurs as well. France currently cultivates approximately 70% of the world’s Syrah.

Where is this variety grown?
Languedoc – Roussillon, Provence, Sud-Ouest, Vall?e du Rh?ne