The Siria
Grape
Also known as Roupeiro in Portugal, Siria is a white grape variety producing fresh, aromatic wines with citrus and floral notes, along with a mineral undertone. It is widely planted in the Alentejo and Douro regions of Portugal, contributing to the country's crisp, vibrant white wines.
Siria
Grape History
The Siria grape, also known as Colombana Bianca or Grecanico Dorato, is a white wine grape variety with a long and storied history. This ancient grape is believed to have originated in the Mediterranean region, specifically in Italy and Greece, where it has been cultivated for centuries.
Historical records suggest that the Siria grape was widely planted in Sicily and Calabria as early as the 16th century. Its popularity spread to other regions of Italy and the Mediterranean, where it became an essential grape variety for producing white wines with bright acidity and floral aromatics.
Siria is known for its high productivity and resistance to various vine diseases, making it a favorite among winemakers for its reliability and versatility. It is well-suited for hot and dry climates, thriving in regions with ample sunlight and mild temperatures.
The Siria grape is commonly used in the production of dry white wines, where it imparts floral and citrus notes to the final product. It is often blended with other grape varieties to enhance complexity and balance in the wine. Siria is also used in the production of sweet wines and fortified wines, adding depth and character to these styles.
While Siria is predominantly grown in Italy, particularly in Sicily and Calabria, it can also be found in other Mediterranean countries such as Greece, Spain, and France. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in the Siria grape, with some winemakers experimenting with single-varietal wines to showcase its unique characteristics.
The projected future of the Siria grape variety looks promising, as more wine enthusiasts and critics discover its potential for producing high-quality wines with distinctive flavors. Its adaptability to different terroirs and winemaking techniques make it a valuable asset for winemakers looking to create innovative and expressive wines.
In conclusion, the Siria grape is a fascinating wine grape variety with a rich history and promising future in the world of winemaking. Its versatility, resilience, and unique flavor profile make it a grape worth exploring for both wine enthusiasts and producers alike.
Introduction
Hello, my name is Franklin Laurel - Welcome!
I started drinking wine in 1992 when I was in my early twenties and recently married. Like many other young Southern Californians, it started out with White Zinfandel. As we were a couple of young DINKs just beginning life together, and on a budget, our go-to-wine was Sutter Home White Zinfandel, which tasted a lot like wine coolers and probably cost at the time $2.49. If we really were going to splurge, we would step it up and buy Beringer White Zinfandel for $2.99. Those were the days....
After a little time, we decided to get fancy. We stepped up our game and bought some wonderful 2-Buck Chuck from Trader Joe's. The Charles Shaw (Trader Joe's Exclusive Label) wine, also known as 2-Buck-Chuck extended our pallet into Reds for only $1.99 a bottle. Over the years we continued to grow in our understanding of wine (finally ran into some good wine) and we slowly kept buying better and better bottles.
Our first wine club purchase was from Kenwood's Vineyards, in Kenwood, California located in Sonoma Valley, right next to the famous Napa Valley. I began to learn about tobacco leather, and earthiness, and lots of other strange terminology when tasting their signature Zinfandels (of the red variety). So that is how it all began.
Fast forward a couple decades, and we have been members of five different wine clubs, and now have a passion for California's red wines. My favorite by far is Cabernet Sauvignon, while my wife fancies a good Syrah, Malbec, or Merlot - but she also loves the smell of a wine barrel room, which is all about the notes of Cabernet Sauvignon.
As I come across great wine resources and useful information that I find in planning my own wine trips, I will share here for anyone that might stumble across my humble website.
Cheers! - Franklin Laurel