Origins of Syrah and the 2007 Reininger Syrah
The history of wine can be pretty interesting. Similar to a person’s life story, the back story of wine varietals shapes their modern identity. So how did Syrah go from being a humble grape to what some estimate to be the fifth most planted variety in the world? How did the varietal end up in Walla Walla, made into the delicious 2007 Reininger Syrah, and onto your tables? Pour yourself a glass of the 2007 Reininger Syrah and learn the origins of this delicious varietal.
The Beginnings of Syrah
The exact origin of Syrah causes serious debate. Some scholars attribute the varietal to Sicily, others to Persia. Scientist have determined the vine to be a blend of two varieties from the southeast of France, but don’t expect the Sicilians or Iranians to relinquish their claim anytime soon! Regardless of where it started out, by the time the Roman empire was in its heyday, Syrah was well established as a noble variety and thriving in the Rhone Valley of France.
Syrah in the Rhône Valley
Today some of the finest and most famous wines in the world are Rhône Valley Syrahs. You’ve probably at least heard of Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, and blends such as Côtes-du-Rhône and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. What makes these Rhône Valley wines so special? The French and most old world wine proponents would attribute the famous quality to the special terroir, or the exact and unique growing conditions, including soil type, slope, sun, air, precipitation, etc. Terroir believers, also known as terroists, use the remarkable differences in flavors exhibited amongst Rhône Valley Syrahs as proof of how big a difference terroir can make. While hardly anyone would debate the outstanding qualities of the Rhône Valley Syrahs, today Syrah is being successfully produced in other parts of the world as well.
Syrah in the Walla Walla AVA
One of the keys to producing excellent Syrah is a warm climate which allows the berries to ripen fully and develop optimum flavor. As anyone who has tasted the 2007 Reininger Syrah can attest, the sunny, dry climate of Walla Walla is ideally suited to growing Syrah. We’re not the only ones who have discovered this to be true. In 1999, only a few Washington wineries were producing Syrah. Today, Syrah is being made by many of Walla Walla’s and Washington’s best wineries.
2007 Reininger Syrah in your glass
So you’ve learned a bit about the history of Syrah. We might be biased, but we can’t think of any better way to complete this lesson than by tasting some Syrah for yourself. Order the 2007 Helix Syrah online, or stop by our tasting room any day of the week to pick up the 2007 Reininger Syrah.
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