An extremely trendy black grape, a complex, high-quality red wine variety, which is shrouded in many stories and legends. Somewhat romantically, many considered its origin to be in Shiraz, in the former Persian Empire, in what is now Iran. However, modern studies have revealed that its parents are the varieties Mondeuse Blanche and Dureza. Thus, a spontaneous natural crossing of varieties of French origin, which are also found in the Rhône Valley. Likewise, it is one of today's best-known and important varieties, especially in the northern Rhône Valley.
It is cultivated on 280 hectares in Hungary, with most found in the Eger, followed by the Villány wine district. It is difficult to define the Hungarian style of Syrah. Although some pretty great wines are being made, it is too early to say much about their nature, as their regions of origin are so fragmented. However, there are exciting experiments with the variety in Szekszárd, Eger, Villány and the Balaton, as well as in Sopron.
As with all varieties, the terroir, soil and climatic conditions are extremely important in shaping the wines. In general, wines made from Syrah are deep in colour, with medium-high alcohol and pronounced, powerful tannins. Wines from cool climates are characterised by redcurrant, violet, blackberry, green olive, mint and pepper, while warm climate versions are dominated by notes of blackcurrant, blackberry, liquorice, mint leaf, smoke and black pepper. It is a matter of style whether the wine is light, lively, spicy and peppery or rather ripe, dense and powerful.