Grapevine Syrah - Early Ripening

The Syrah variety is also known in Australia and the New World countries as Shiraz.  Syrah is a red wine grape variety originating from Iran.  Besides France, it is also grown in Switzerland, Italy, Australia, California (USA), South Africa, Argentina, Mexico and Chile.    In 2001 , it was planted on small areas in Bulgaria too, around the town of Lyubimets and in Sakar. In 2004 , "Villa Lyubimets" makes the first Bulgarian Syrah.    Syrah wine variety An early to mid-ripening variety: in Bulgaria the grapes ripen around the middle of August. The vines have medium growth and do not give high yields. It prefers poorer, stony soils with good drainage. Resistant to fungal diseases and most vine diseases.    The bunch is small to medium, cylindrical-conical, slightly winged, moderately dense. The berries are medium in size, slightly oval, black.    High-quality red varietal wines are made from Syrah, as well as blended wines and rosés. Young wines have characteristic notes of violets, exotic flowers, smoke, rosemary, thyme, raspberry, blueberry and blackcurrant. The wines are distinguished by a very deep, garnet colour with purplish hues and high body. They have great ageing potential. With age the wines acquire new aromatic notes of chocolate, tobacco and leather. In France, in the Rhône Valley, the famous dark wines "Hermitage" and "Côte-Rôtie" are made from Syrah, with small amounts of Viognier added for aroma. The variety is grown everywhere across Southern France, where it is used in blended wines. Brought and planted in Australia in the 19th century, today Syrah is the most widely planted red variety in Australia, and has become emblematic of Australian winemakers.