Syrah grapes

There are two types of grape varieties - technical and table. The former are used in the vast majority of cases for the preparation of wine products. Syrah grapes are perhaps one of the most well-known and sought-after technical varieties. Has an alternative name - Shiraz. This name was given to the grapes because of the ties with the Iranian city of Shiraz.

Historical facts say that a large amount of wine was produced there centuries ago. Over time, the variety spread throughout the eastern part of France. There he already received a different name - Syrah. It is believed that the technical variety was obtained by crossing Dureza and Mondez Blanche.

Variety characteristics

Shiraz is a red technical grade. It is used to make vintage rose and red wines. Such drinks are characterized by a dark purple color. The taste of the resulting drink will depend on the region where the grapes are grown. It can have black pepper aroma, pleasant fruity aftertaste or spice.

• Syrah is a moderately growing grape. Leaves are medium in size and rounded. Each leaf has 3 to 5 blades. The incisions are barely noticeable. In addition, single pimples can be found on each sheet. Their surface is slightly pubescent. In spring and summer, they have a rich green color. In autumn, with the onset of the first cold weather, they quickly turn yellow and red.
• The flower is hermaphrodite, so the plant does not need outside help for pollination. Shiraz is a grape with a long growing season. Subject to all the rules of agricultural technology, the plant can bear fruit abundantly from 50 to 100 years.
• Syrah is an early ripe grape variety. You can harvest the first crop in early August. It is highly recommended to harvest in a timely manner, otherwise the taste of the berries will be spoiled.
• The brush size is medium, their structure is rather loose. Each berry is the same size, round-oval shape. The color of ripe fruits is dark blue. A dense waxy coating is observed on the surface. The rind is thin, but at the same time it is characterized by high strength. The pulp is juicy and fleshy. The concentration of sugars can vary from 15 to 21%, which fully depends on the place of growth of the culture.
• Berry clusters can be transported over long distances, and berries can be stored for 4-5 months without losing their properties.
• A characteristic feature of the grape variety is - excessive sensitivity to changes in weather conditions. A sharp drop in temperature will have a detrimental effect on the condition of the berries, they will not ripen well. Also at low temperatures there is a weak maturation of the vine.

Syrah grapes

Shiraz has poor resistance to disease and pathogenic / pathogenic microorganisms. Because of this, it is required to regularly spray the bushes with special preparations for prevention.

Agrotechnics

Warm regions with a lot of sunny days are optimal for growing the technical grape variety of Shiraz. The bushes do not tolerate drought, so the plant must be watered abundantly and regularly if rain is a rare occurrence in this area. If strong winds are regularly observed in the region, the vineyards must be tied to supports.

Winemakers love this grape variety because it is undemanding to soil quality and is prone to long storage.

Shiraz and Sira are considered to be one variety, but this is not entirely true. The Australian Shiraz is used for the production of bright and juicy drinks, and the French Syrah is used for a strict mineral drink with a characteristic peppercorn.

Fruits are very sensitive to temperature changes, this will inevitably affect the ripening of the fruit. In the process of growth, the bush develops a large and powerful root system, so the culture takes root best on land with poor soil. Shiraz adapts quickly and can be grown in any climatic conditions suitable for growing grapes.

Seat selection

If the soil is clay, then it is necessary to make excellent drainage. If the soil is sandy, it is good to add humus or manure to the soil. Peat soil - sand must be added. It is better to refrain from planting plants in salt marshes. The root system of the bush deepens greatly, so groundwater should be located no higher than 2.5 meters.

Good soil drainage is essential

The seedling is planted in the spring, when the ground is already well warmed up. April, May - lignified seedlings are planted, and in June - green ones. You can also plant a crop in the fall, but for a good wintering, the plant must be covered.

Landing features

• The hole must be dug a few weeks before the expected landing date so that the earth can be compacted. The width and depth of the pit is 80 by 80 cm.
• It is recommended to leave an interval of at least 1.5-2 meters between the pits, if there is a fence or wall nearby, then at least 50 cm from it.
• There must be a peg in the center of the pit. Spread a 10 cm layer of broken brick or rubble evenly on the bottom of the pit.
• Next, pour 10 cm of soil on top. Pour the contents of the pit with plenty of water and add organic composition (humus, manure) or mineral fertilizers (potassium salt, superphosphate, etc.). After again, a 10 cm layer of soil should follow. Ultimately, the pit should be one third full.
• A few days before planting, the seedling must be placed in a container with water.
• The final stage - the seedling is carefully placed in the hole, straightening the root system and tying it to a peg. If grafted seedlings were purchased, then they are placed in the pit almost horizontally.
• The seedling is covered with earth and the pit is slightly compacted. The point of divergence of the shoots should not be covered with soil. It is necessary to spud the plant to a height of no more than 0.2 m.

Plant care

• With the onset of spring, it is imperative to cut off all the broken off branches and frozen stems, and tie up the vine. For the prevention of diseases and attacks of pests, the bush must be treated (200 g of Nitrafen per 10 liters of water). It is necessary to dig up a shallow mail, water abundantly, add Kemira or Nitrofoska to the soil near the bush.
• Grapes of this variety do not tolerate drought very well. Water exclusively under the rhizome. Watering for the first time with the onset of spring, when dried soil is visible. The second time - during the active formation of grapes. The third time is in the fall after the harvest.
• During the growing season, it is necessary to regularly pinch the vine so that its height does not exceed 1.7 m. Until the middle of summer, two more top dressing must be done. The stepsons must also be removed. In the middle of summer, you can already cut the leaves that shade the grapes.
• In June, it is necessary to process the vine to prevent powdery mildew. For this, you can use special drugs.
• In the fall, after harvesting, the vine becomes very weak and requires feeding, it is best to use a manure solution. It is necessary to prune the grapes only after all the leaves have fallen off.
• In severe frosts in winter, the vine may disappear. In the fall, the crop must be sprinkled high with soil, the vine must be cut in such a way that it bends down to the soil. The bush itself should be covered with spruce branches.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

In winemaking, this variety of technical grapes is highly valued due to its unsurpassed taste and not only. Consider the main advantageous characteristics of varietal grapes:

• The berries can be used to produce excellent wine products. Syrah wines are highly prized as they are of high quality.
• Optimal concentration of juice in berries.
• Balanced content of sugar and acids in fruits.
• The bunches can be stored for a long time without loss of taste, and can be transported over long distances.
• The grape variety is thermophilic, but it can grow in a region with cool but stable climatic conditions.

Despite the large number of advantages, the variety also has disadvantages:

• Low resistance to pathogenic / pathogenic microorganisms and pests.
• Oversensitive to changes in weather conditions.

Syrah grapes are a real treasure for wine lovers and connoisseurs. The variety is quite capricious, but if you follow all the rules for planting and caring for it, it will delight the agronomist with a rich, tasty and healthy harvest. Only through trial and error can a beginner grower become a real professional!