Black wine grape variety grown in Apulia

Syrah n.

Syrah n. is a vine with an important national and international diffusion, also present in Apulia, where it is suitable for cultivation throughout the region.

Origin and Historical Outline

The Syrah n. vine for black wine grapes is mainly grown in France, more precisely in the Rhône area and its surroundings.
Initial molecular analyses have shown that it is similar to several grape varieties: the Albanian Shesh, the Siriaca from Campania, and other varieties that are widespread in Italy (Calò A. et al., 2001).
Further DNA research (Meredith et al., 2003) showed that the vine derives from a cross between two French varieties, Dureza and Mondeuse blanche. The grape variety arrived in Italy in the middle of the 19th century. It is also present in Apulia.

Synonyms

Blauer Syrah, Candive, Petit Syrah, Sirah Marsanne noir, Sérine noir, Shiraz.

Shoot tip: medium-expanded, fluffy, white-greenish, with carmine edges.

Leaf: medium-large, pentagonal, trilobate or pentalobate. U or closed lyre-shaped petiole sinus with slightly overlapping lobes. Slightly closed lyre-shaped upper lateral sinuses or with slightly overlapping lobes. U or V-shaped lower lateral sinuses.

Bunch: medium, elongated, quite loose, cylindrical, sometimes winged.

Berry: medium-small, oval. Very pruinose, blue, medium-soft skin; soft flesh with a sweet and sapid taste.

Phenology

Time of bud burst: intermediate

Flowering time: intermediate-early

Veraison: intermediate-early

Ripening: intermediate-early

Isoenzymes

GPI: 9

PGM: 6

Agronomic and Cultural Characteristics

Vigour: good

Average bunch weight: 270 g (min 160 g – max 380 g)

Average berry weight: 1.5 g (min 1.2 g – max 1.9 g)

Number of seeds per berry: 1 2

Average rachis weight: 16 g

Fertility of buds: 1 – 2

Potential fertility: 1.3

Actual fertility: 1.1

Environmental and Cultural Requirements

Abundant and consistent production. Requires mediumlong pruning and prefers much light. High grape yields per plant diminish the aromatic potential of the vine.

It shows a normal behaviour in the presence of the most common vine parasites and is not particularly susceptible to adverse climate conditions. In case of rain during the ripening stage, it becomes susceptible to rot. Susceptible to ferric chlorosis and hydric stress.

Chemical Features of the Wine

Alcoholic content: 11.5 – 14 % by vol.

pH: 3.3 – 3.6

Total acidity: 5 – 8 g/l

Oenological Use and Sensorial Properties of the Wine

The Syrah n. grape variety is used exclusively for vinification, often in blends with other black grapes to give the wine better harmony and more robustness. The wine is ruby red-purple in colour, dry, fine and robust, full-bodied, with the right amount of alcohol.

Economic Significance and Geographic Distribution

The Syrah n. vine is successfully cultivated in many warm regions of the New World (Australia, California, South Africa). In Italy, it is mainly cultivated in Tuscany, Marche and Lazio. In the last period, also in central and southern Italy and on the islands.

The vine has been successfully experimented in Apulia, where it has been included among those suitable for cultivation throughout the region.

Author and Source

Antonacci Donato
antonacci.dona@gmail.com

The data sheet of the Syrah n. vine variety, revised and updated, is extracted from: Antonacci Donato (2006). Viti di Puglia, Adda publisher. Its use is granted by the author citing the source.