Sustainable Solutions - Chapter 2

The History of Syrah

It was in the year 77 AD that the Syrah grape was first documented in literature.  In fact it may have been cultivated in the Rhone Valley as much as 600 years prior.   There are a number of legends surrounding the origins of Syrah:  that the Romans brought it from the Sicilian city of Syracuse, that it originated in the Persian city Shiraz, which was known for a regional wine called Shirazi, that the plant itself was brought to France by returning crusaders.  Or maybe earlier, by the Greeks.

There is no evidence to support any of these claims.  The Shiraz legend, however, has always been compelling because of the close word association, especially since Australian winemakers adopted the name to promote their own production of Syrah.  In fact, there is significant documentation that shows the wine that came from Shiraz was actually white – not at all related to Syrah.  The legend still abounds, but recent DNA testing has proved that it is just that – a legend.

In fact, Syrah originated in the northern Rhone Valley, probably sometime between 600 BC and 77 AD.  Syrah resulted from the cross-pollination of two parent grape varietals, Dureza and Mondeuse Blanche.  Each of these varietals still exists, although they rarely produce wine these days.  Imagine, in our day of genetically altered seeds and disappearing varieties of everything from rice to tomatoes, a plant that has remained genetically unaltered for over 2000 years.  I find it fascinating to think that the Hermitage the Pope drank during the 13^th century while residing at Avignon was likely very close stylistically to the Hermitage you can buy at any fine wine shop today.


continued in chapter 3...