Exploring Syrah: A Bold and Timeless Red

Syrah is a wine that has captured the hearts of connoisseurs worldwide. It is known for its bold flavours and elegant complexity. At Groot Phesantekraal, we craft Syrah red wine that showcases the distinctiveness of our terroir, creating a wine that is both powerful and refined. But what makes Syrah truly exceptional? Join us as we explore its rich history, unique characteristics, and the ideal food pairings that will elevate your tasting experience.

What kind of wine is Syrah?

Syrah is a bold, full-bodied red wine known for its rich flavours and deep colour. Originating from the Rhône Valley in France, it is made from the Syrah grape, which offers an aromatic profile of dark fruits like blackberry and plum, complemented by savoury, spicy notes such as black pepper and olive tapenade. Depending on the region, Syrah wine can also present smoky, earthy, or floral undertones, making it a versatile wine enjoyed worldwide. With its firm tannins and good acidity, Syrah is often well-suited for ageing, allowing it to develop complexity over time.

Where does Syrah come from?

Syrah is originally from the Rhône Valley in France and arrived in South Africa in the late 20th century, inspired by its success in regions like Australia and California. While its roots are firmly in France, where it developed locally rather than being introduced from ancient Persia, its adaptability made it an appealing choice for South African winemakers.

Syrah was first planted commercially in the 1990s, with regions like Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Swartland proving ideal due to their Mediterranean and maritime climates. South African winemakers embraced their ability to produce wines with a balance of fruit-forward flavours and savoury, peppery notes, offering a unique profile compared to the fruit-driven Australian Shiraz.

By the early 2000s, Syrah began gaining international recognition, particularly from Swartland, where it showcased its potential. Today, Syrah wine from South Africa is one of the country’s standout varieties, known for its rich, earthy flavours and contributing to South Africa’s growing global wine reputation.

Is Syrah Sweet or Dry?

Syrah is a dry red wine. Its bold structure is characterised by dark fruit notes such as blackberry and plum, complemented by hints of black pepper, spice, and earthy undertones. While some versions can have a velvety smoothness, Syrah remains a full-bodied and rich wine rather than a sweet one.

Syrah vs Cabernet Sauvignon

Flavour Profile

Syrah is known for its bold, full-bodied profile, with rich flavours of dark fruits like blackberry, plum, and blueberry. It often carries savoury, spicy notes such as black pepper, leather, and olive tapenade, providing a complex and intense taste. Cabernet Sauvignon, on the other hand, is renowned for its deep, dark fruit flavours like blackcurrant, blackberry, and cherry, often accompanied by notes of tobacco, green bell pepper, and cedar. While both wines have a full-bodied structure, Cabernet Sauvignon tends to be more tannic and less spicy than Syrah, with a more pronounced emphasis on earthy and herbal characteristics.

Ageing Potential

Syrah has excellent ageing potential due to its higher tannins and acidity, which allow it to evolve and develop more complex flavours over time. Many Syrah wines, especially those from regions like the Rhône Valley, are crafted to mature gracefully, becoming more nuanced and refined as they age. Cabernet Sauvignon also has exceptional ageing potential, often surpassing Syrah due to its higher tannin levels, acidity, and deep concentration of flavours. Over time, Cabernet Sauvignon can evolve into a more balanced, complex wine with smoother tannins, rich fruit flavours, and secondary notes like leather and tobacco. Both wines can age well, but Cabernet Sauvignon generally has a longer ageing trajectory.

Syrah vs Merlot

Flavour Profile

Syrah is known for its bold, full-bodied profile. It offers rich flavours of dark fruits like blackberry, plum, and blueberry, often complemented by savoury, spicy notes such as black pepper, leather, and olive tapenade. It typically has higher tannins and acidity, creating a more intense and complex wine. Merlot, on the other hand, has a softer, smoother profile with flavours of red fruits like cherry, raspberry, and plum. It tends to be fruit-forward and less spicy, with a round, velvety texture and lower tannins, making it generally more approachable.

Ageing Potential

Syrah’s higher tannin levels and acidity give it excellent ageing potential. Over time, it can develop more complex flavours, with its bold structure allowing it to evolve gracefully for years. Many Syrah wines, especially those from regions like the Rhône Valley, are built to improve with age, often becoming more refined and nuanced. Merlot, while still able to age, generally has a shorter ageing potential due to its softer tannins and lower acidity. However, higher-quality Merlots from regions like Bordeaux can still age well, gaining complexity with time, though they typically reach their peak sooner than Syrah.

What to Pair with Syrah

One of Syrah’s greatest strengths is its versatility in food pairings. Its bold flavours and structured tannins make it a fantastic companion to:

• Grilled and roasted meats: Lamb chops, venison, or a perfectly seared steak.
• Slow-cooked dishes: Braised short ribs, oxtail, or beef stew bring out the wine’s deep, savoury notes.
• Spicy and smoky flavours: Barbecue, smoked meats, and Moroccan-inspired dishes.
• Aged cheeses: Pair it with hard cheeses like aged cheddar or gouda for a rich and satisfying combination.

Experience Syrah at Groot Phesantekraal

Syrah 2023

The perfect integration of cool climate factors creates this complex wine. On the nose, beautiful aromas of redcurrant and Madagascan Green peppercorn follow through to the palate with an elegant, grainy texture. The layering of the wine is complex, yet it remains an elegant style of cool-climate Syrah.

The Groot Phesantekraal’s Syrah wine price is R179.00

Syrah Rosé 2024

Delicate salmon-pink hue. Inviting aromas of ripe grapefruit dominate, complemented by subtle hints of dried herbs and delicate floral notes. There’s a refreshing quality that suggests summer gardens and citrus groves. The first sip reveals a creamy texture that coats the palate, enhancing the wine’s luxurious feel. A distinct saline character emerges, creating a delightful, salivating effect that amplifies the fruitiness. Notes of juicy peach and tangy pomegranate mingle harmoniously, leading to a satisfyingly crisp and refreshing finish.

The Syrah Rosé is available for R99.00

Experience the Full Flavor of Syrah at Groot Phesantekraal

Nestled in the heart of Durbanville, Groot Phesantekraal offers a unique wine estate experience. Our restaurant features farm-fresh dishes, while our wine tastings showcase the rich, smooth flavours of our exceptional wines.

As you admire the panoramic vineyard landscape, we invite you to consider membership in The Wine Herd, our distinguished wine club. Members enjoy exclusive advantages, including discounts and priority access to new releases.Should you have questions or want to learn more about our wines, please contact us through our website. We look forward to introducing you to the best wine in South Africa at Groot Phesantekraal.