Syrah

Also: Shiraz

Syrah is a grape of strong personality. In the northern Rhône (Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie) it produces elegant wines, with that unmistakable black pepper and remarkable aging potential. In Australia, where it's called Shiraz, it gives more concentrated, fruity and opulent wines — Barossa Valley is the mecca. Vigorous but demanding: it requires strict pruning and careful water management. Its berries have thick skins, which brings deep color and firm tannins. Ripening is late, and it needs thermal accumulation to reach its full profile. In Argentina, San Juan is the kingdom of Syrah — especially Pedernal Valley and Tulum Valley, where altitude moderates heat and allows elegant, spicy styles. In Mendoza, Syrah is often blended with Malbec, a combination that strengthens the wine's aromatic backbone.