While many Oenophiles know that the region or appellation a grape is grown in makes a significant difference in any varietals wine quality and experience, another important factor that effects the quality and experience of a wine is the clone the grape is grown from. In fact it is the intersection of appellation and clone that forms the basis of wine. From here there are different farming and winemaking techniques that are applied to form the full experience. Many subscribe to the thought that 85% of the wines experience comes before the grape is picked.
Appellations
We talked about three of the appellations that produce the best Syrah’s in the US (Walla Walla, Santa Rita Hills and Willow Creek in Paso Robles). These three bring such differing Syrah qualities that it is hard to tell they come from the same grape varietal. Walla Walla will bring Old World Smoky Earthiness to the characteristically dark red fruit of the Syrah varietal. Santa Rita Hills will bring hints of earthiness but also a more herb and black pepper to the fruit. Where as the Willow Creek Syrah will generally bring stronger dark red fruit plays than the other two but also with herbs and black pepper common to all. While there are many other great Syrah’s from other appellations, for those adventuring into labels unknown, this writer believes you have a high probability of great wines from these three.
Bring in the Clones
Ahh but the story would be incomplete without a look under the clone covers. While there are over 600 registered Syrah clones in the world, Four Bridges Syrah leverages a combination of two clones:
Estrella – In 1977, Gary Eberle planted Syrah at what was then called Estrella River Winery from suitcase cuttings brought in from the famous Chapoutier property in Hermitage. One of the most widely-planted and highly-coveted Syrah clones in the Central Coast, it is late-ripening with loose clusters and soft skins, which delivers a rich, fruit quality to the wines.
Clone 470 – Originally from Garonne, France, this is a late-ripening clone with open clusters (which discourages fungal disease), resulting in wines that are aromatic and full-bodied with high acidity, deep color, and good tannic structure. This is an extremely popular clone in France, most widely-planted in Hermitage.
We covet the complexity these two bring while driving the fruit to hang on the vine longer in an area such as Paso Robles where temperatures and days of sunshine are higher than its northern cousins mentioned above. Other more common clones in the US are:
Clone 8/Durell – An Australian clone that is very prone to virus but a very late ripening fruit that brings the benefits of a long hanging fruit. Generally need to drop fruit to allow proper late harvest.
Clone 174 – a low yield clone that is strong in its aromatics of balanced fruit. Usually used in combination with other more complex clones.
Clone 877 – This clone is known for its tannic qualities on the midpalate. It is usually used in combination with other clones for proper blend.
For those seeking more knowledge on Syrah Clones, UC Davis link provides more than enough info: Syrah Clones
As we can see the style of the Syrah grape is a blend of Appellation and Clones that are used in that appellation and vineyard. In fact most Syrah’s are made from multiple clones that are blended to bring the particular qualities together.