Syrah Unveiled: Ojai Mountain's Star Grape

The Roots of Syrah

Syrah’s journey begins in southeastern France. Recent DNA evidence has unraveled its lineage, revealing it as the offspring of two lesser-known grapes: Dureza from Ardèche and Mondeuse Blanche from Savoie. This discovery sheds light on Syrah’s deep French roots, debunking the long-held belief that it originated from the Persian city of Shiraz.

The Bold and Versatile Syrah

Syrah is famed for producing bold and full-bodied wines, with flavors that vary widely depending on the climate, soil, and viticultural practices. In the Rhône Valley of France, Syrah expresses itself with smoky, black fruit, and white pepper notes. In contrast, Australian regions like the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale bring out Syrah’s jammy fruit and savory undertones, complete with hints of licorice, anise, and earthy leather. The versatility of Syrah is its most captivating trait, making it a favorite among connoisseurs.

Syrah: A Grape Full of Surprises

— Small But Mighty Berries — Syrah grapes are smaller than many other varieties, resulting in a higher skin-to-juice ratio. This contributes to the wine's deep color and robust tannin structure, making each sip a rich experience.

— The Peppery Twist — A compound called rotundone is responsible for the characteristic peppery flavor in Syrah wines. Interestingly, this compound is also found in peppercorns and a few other grape varieties.

— Unique Co-fermentation — In the prestigious Côte-Rôtie appellation of Northern Rhône, Syrah is traditionally co-fermented with a small percentage of Viognier, a white grape variety. This unique process enhances the wine’s aroma, color, and complexity.

— Sparkling Syrah — Though not as common, Syrah is used in some sparkling wine productions, especially in Australia, showcasing its adaptability.

— Diverse Aging Techniques — The flavor of Syrah is also influenced by the choice of aging vessels. Whether in oak barrels, stainless steel, or concrete tanks, each container imparts different characteristics to the wine.

— Clonal Variation — The diversity of Syrah extends to its many clones, each with distinct traits. In the Rhône Valley, specific clones are selected for vineyards based on the desired style of wine.

A Grape That Reflects Its Terroir

Syrah’s sensitivity to its growing environment means that even minor differences in climate, soil type, and vineyard practices can significantly alter its flavor profile. This makes Syrah an ideal candidate for wines that truly represent the unique terroir of their origins.

Syrah: A Continual Source of Wonder

The complexity and versatility of Syrah make it a continually fascinating subject for wine aficionados. At Ojai Mountain, our Syrah is more than just a wine; it's a journey through the unique characteristics and nuances of this extraordinary grape. From its rich history to its multifaceted flavor profile, Syrah continues to amaze and delight, solidifying its place as a star in the world of viticulture.