Syrah

Syrah is at home in the Western Alps and along the Rhone, and probably was born on the western slopes of the pre-Alps.

Since 1980, Syrah has increased dramatically in popularity, but surprisingly, it only became one of the top ten planted wine varieties in the early part of the 21st Century, thanks to the intense New World versions. 

The style and flavour profile of wines made from Syrah is influenced by the climate where the grapes are grown. People are familiar with the New World and the French Rhone climates, but in Switzerland Syrah has found another home higher up the Rhone.

Syrah came up the Rhône to Switzerland multiple times, the last time in the 1960s. In the Swiss Alps an intensely sunny but cooler climate, and a long growing season, allow for the full range of flavours to come out - without high levels of sugar and alcohol.

Beautiful fruit, expressive tannins and flavours of blackberry, mint and black pepper notes. And a freshness which makes them age with more elegance.

Syrahs such as Germanier's Cayas, Simon Maye's Reserve, and Didier Joris are rightly famous in Syrah circles. And yes, we have all of them, although they disappear fast.