Syrah [sih-rah]

Definition: A red grape grown in the Rhone region of France used in making Hermitage, Cote-Rotie and Chateauneuf-du-Pape wine. Also known as shiraz in Australia and Hermitage in South Africa. Is not the same grape as petite sirah, although both wines are similar in flavor and texture.

Grown primarily in: Australia, France, South Africa and United States

Best Climate: Warm to Hot

Winemaking: Generally produces a hearty wine that's capable of aging a while in oak. In the United States, it's sometimes blended with small amounts of zinfandel and cabernet sauvignon.

Nose: Blackberry, currants, spice, herbs.

Mouth: Full body, good tannins, low acids, big red wine with a lingering finish.

Note: This is the grape used for making Penfolds' famous Grange Hermitage wine. It is often confused with petite sirah.

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