Grapes Syrah: description, description, photo

The Syrah (Shiraz) grapes are used for making red and rose wine. Like most varieties, it passes its name to this drink. Wine from Syrah is considered one of the best European varieties in its class. What did the grapes deserve such popularity? And what is the difference between wines from berries grown on different continents?

Origin

Like all ancient varieties, Syrah grapes , also Shiraz, have a vague history, and its origin is not known. According to one version, it comes from the Persian Shiraz, which in the Middle Ages was famous for its wines.

Another version considers the birthplace of the grapes to be the valley of the French river Rhone, in the distant past, Gaul. It is known that it was grown in these territories as early as the beginning of our era.

The dispute over the birthright reached the point where, at the end of the last millennium, American scientists made a genetic examination. She proved that Syrah is a native French grapes. In 2001, it was registered as a quality wine variety.

It is believed that his "parent" was Mondes Blanche, who naturally crossed with the variety Durez.

In addition to these two names, you can find Servan black, the Hermitage. But Petit Syrah is a local American variety.

Where to grow?

Now in France, Syrah grapes grow on an area of 50 thousand hectares. Cultivate it in Italy, USA, Chile, Argentina, South Africa. In Australia and New Zealand, the vineyards on which Syrah grows are about 40,000 hectares. California, despite the small area under the grapes, is very active in developing winemaking and competing with the French.

It grows even in the south of Russia. The wine from this grapes looks more like French.

What does Syrah grapes look like?

Description

This grapes has 16 clones. But there are only two real wine men. This is Syrah and Shiraz.

Their bushes are of medium height and size. Can bear fruit up to 150 years. With age, the juice of their berries is becoming thicker. Leaves are three- or five-lobed, curved, corrugated, medium in size. Bottom slightly pubescent. Toothed teeth. The lacrimal notch is lyrate. In autumn the leaves become red.

Flowers are bisexual, with the aroma of resids and violets has Syra (grapes). The photos show that his clusters are miniature, cylindrical in shape, with wings. The weight of one bunch is from 100 to 115 g. The berries are small, faceted, they have the same size. Not very close to each other. The color is black-blue, with a purple tint and a wax coating. The skin is thin. The berries are fragrant and juicy.

Growth conditions

Maturing Syrah grapes on average for 145 days. Therefore, it is grown in warm regions, on sites that are very warm in the spring very early.

It is impossible to delay harvesting for a long time. Ripened berries lose acid and flavor. But the fruit can be stored for up to four months.

Syrah grapes grow well and bear fruit on any soils, including poor ones. This expands the possibilities of its cultivation. In France, it grows on the soil that formed after the collapse of the granite layer. But she does not like drought. Weak branches of the Syrah grapes can break off in strong winds.

Perfectly grows in a subtropical climate, which is considered ideal for grapes.

During severe frosts it freezes. And he does not like other weather changes. With a decrease in temperature, the ripening of the grapes is prolonged, the yield decreases.

But spring frosts are not terrible for Syrah grapes. After all, his bunches are tied up rather late.

But the sun needs a lot of grapes. All parts of the plant should be well illuminated.

Resistance to diseases

Often, new dessert varieties of grapes are difficult to grow because of the propensity to infect various diseases and pests. Variety of grapes Syrah is not very resistant to major diseases. He is amazed by mildew and ovidium, having resistance to these diseases in 2 points. A slightly higher indicator for gray rot: 2.5 points.

Productivity

The natural yield of Syrah is low - from 30 to 65 hectoliters per hectare. But to obtain high-quality products, this is required. Therefore, on the vine you need to leave three bunches, no more. Then the berries will acquire a special taste and aroma. If you leave a lot of bunches, the amount of tannins in berries will decrease sharply.

Application

Syrah grapes are grown for the production of wine and cuvé (a mixture of dry wines for making champagne). It has a red, dark red and even a blue color. Wines are valued for being intended for a wide range of consumers. Their price is in the average range from 4 to 100 euros per bottle. Therefore, wine has every chance to take the leading positions in the world market.

In different sources there are different opinions about whether one is a grape variety. This is due to the fact that the wines produced in France and Australia from the berries allegedly of one kind, are very different from each other for a number of characteristics.

Wine

Syrah (or Shiraz) grapes are used to obtain strict mineral wines with peppercorns, which have the aroma of treacle and resin. Use it after aging from 5 to 15 years. When they mature, they unfold, change and are supplemented by new shades of blue berries (blackberries, gooseberries). Young wine can have a fragrance of flowers, which eventually turns into peppery.

Wines of some producers are ripened in barrels for up to 10 years, then bottled for several years. Acidity of them is from 7 to 9 percent. The sugar content ranges from 16 to 21 percent. It depends on the amount of sun that Sira (grapes) received.

Characteristics of Australian wine

Australian wine from Shiraz is drunk in two years, that is, young. It only grows old in the cellars of private winemakers. But his bouquet does not change at the same time. These are bright wines with the aroma of chocolate, plum, and skin. Acidity is from 6 to 8.5 percent, sugar content is from 15 to 19. Grange wine, made from Australian Shiraz, is used for making fortified wines.

Such a difference in the taste of the final product is due to the fact that the conditions for the growth of grapes on different continents and latitudes are very different. A different climate and soil impose an imprint on the finished products.

And the attitude to the production of wine in different regions is different. Australia is trying to produce as much ordinary wine as possible , France is focusing on quality, producing less.

The wine of Syrah is more reserved, shiraz is bright and fiery. But both varieties are very popular now in the whole world. This is due to the fact that they are radically different from the Merlot, Cabernet and Sauvignon wines known to all. They are especially popular in Australia. Therefore, there are allocated for its cultivation so large areas.

The wine of Syrah has a powerful taste that interrupts the aromas of many dishes. Therefore, it is usually used with sharp meat dishes, game.