From Dry January to Bold February: Celebrate Syrah!

After a month of restraint and resolution, what better way to bid farewell to Dry January and welcome February than by  pouring yourself a glass of Syrah? With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, Syrah offers the perfect balance of warmth, spice, and velvetiness. Its bold flavors and intense depth make it an ideal companion for cozy winter evenings or festive gatherings with a group of friends. And with International Syrah Day on February 16th, now is the perfect time to explore the history and allure of this exceptional varietal that has found a home in Paso Robles.

Known for its deep color, bold flavors, and ability to thrive in diverse climates, Syrah easily captures the hearts of winemakers and wine enthusiasts alike. But where did this noble grape originate, and how did it make its way to Paso Robles, where it has flourished in recent decades? Let’s dive into the fascinating history of Syrah.

The History of Syrah

There are many legends behind the history of Syrah. Some believed that Syrah originally thought to have hailed from the ancient city of Shiraz in Persia, and brought to France by Roman soldiers (they did love their wine), while others adamantly declared it is a descendant of wild grapes growing in the Rhône Valley.

Thanks to modern DNA profiling, both schools of thought were proven wrong. In 1998, researchers at the University of California, Davis, determined that Syrah is the offspring of two lesser-known French grapes: Dureza (a dark-skinned variety) and Mondeuse Blanche (a white grape). These parent grapes were native to southeastern France, proving that although Syrah’s true birthplace lies in the Rhône region, not Persia, it did not descend from wild grapes.

Syrah’s Rise to Fame

Before we can discuss it’s popularity, I feel it is important to clarify its name. In France, it is widely known as Syrah, while in Australia, it’s called Shiraz—a name that stuck due to historical labeling practices rather than a connection to the Iranian city. Two names; one grape. 

Documentation of Syrah began in the Middle Ages, with records showing its cultivation in the Rhône Valley as early as the 13th century. Just a mere five centuries later, Syrah had become the dominant variety in the Northern Rhône, where it continues to produce some of the world’s most sought-after wines, including Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, and Cornas.

The grape traveled beyond France, finding its way to Australia by the early 19th century, where James Busby, the “Father of Australian viticulture” is claimed to be the first to plant it. As it turned out, Syrah loved the hot climate of Australia, especially in the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale where it produces robust, fruit-forward wines helping it solidify its global reputation. By the 20th century, Syrah had found a home in California, where it quickly became a favorite among winemakers looking to produce Rhône-style wines. 

Syrah Today

Today, the Rhône Ranger movement that began in the 1980’s and 1990’s leads the path for the momentum of  Syrah in California by elevating Rhône varieties’ status and increasing plantings across the state, especially in Paso Robles. Syrah from Paso Robles is known for its rich, bold flavors and ability to express terroir. The region’s varied microclimates allow for a wide range of styles—from opulent, fruit-driven wines to more structured, savory expressions reminiscent of Northern Rhône.

Click here to read my post The Lone Ranger Had Tonto; The Rhône Rangers have GSM.

What to Expect