Behind the Grapes: Syrah

Throughout 2021, we’re taking you on a journey through the Caton Estate Vineyard to discover each of the five grapes we grow in the Mayacamas Mountain Range.

We’ve covered Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec, next up is Syrah.

Syrah 101

Syrah is grown in a number of wine regions across the globe including California, Chile, South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia, where it’s known as Shiraz. Syrah is a thick, dark-skinned grape that produces some of the most powerfully flavored and full-bodied red wines in the world, though it can certainly vary in style, being reflective of the climates in which it’s grown. Syrah coming from a more temperate region can offer a medium plus to full-bodied mouthfeel and higher tannin levels, and it often features notes of berries, herbs, and spice. Those from warmer climates are consistently deeper and more full-bodied, with softer tannins and earthy notes of ripe black fruit, leather, black peppercorn, and tobacco.

The Origins of Syrah

Syrah grapes originated in the Northern Rhône Valley of France. The sub-region of Hermitage produces some of the most highly acclaimed and expensive Syrah in the world. In the early 19th century, Syrah plantings began to move south along the Rhône River, throughout the Valley and then on to Provence and Languedoc-Roussillon before continuing southeast. Syrah has continued to spread throughout the world since the 1950s, and its first appearance in the United States was in California during the 1970s.

Recommended Pairings

This varietal pairs great with bold foods due to its round, full-bodied presence and is complementary to a number of dishes. Dark meats and spices will bring out the fruit notes; think grilled lamb chops or a peppery barbecue. Soft cheeses like Camembert and bleu cheese, and distinct spices such as clove and anise, will bring out Syrah’s beautifully subtle nuances.

Ty Caton Estate Ballfield Syrah

The Estate Ballfield Syrah is everything you could want in a bottle— deep garnet colors, velvety mouthfeel, and a lingering finish. Roasted plum notes on the nose mingle with boysenberry and cherry flavors on the palate, accentuated by that classic peppery Syrah finish. If, like us, reading this has given you a particular yearning for some bold red wines, we invite you to stock up online, or come visit us for a tasting. We’d love to pour you a glass of the Estate Ballfield Syrah, along with the rest of Ty’s offering of distinctly memorable wines.