This is an outstanding red variety of warm climates, native to Hermitage region of France, close to the Alps. There are several reports about the origin of Syrah: one of them claims that its origin was in Shiraz province of Iran, another version suggests that it originated from Syracuse and a third one that it came from Syros. In Crete, about 2,000,000 sq. m (according to YAAT real estate management 2015) are planted with Syrah and close to 10,000,000 sq. m are planted all over Greece.

It is a very lively, moderately productive variety, with mid-early ripening. It is sensitive to both high as well as very low temperatures and winds. It adapts to shale soils of medium depth, with low to medium fertility, gravelly, not too wet and well drained. Under these conditions it produces high quality wines.

The grape is small, cylindrical or cylindrical-conical, often double, medium to small, and oval. Its skin is thin to moderately thick, with a deep blue-black color and sweet, juicy flesh with pleasant taste.

Syrah managed to spread in the Greek and Cretan vineyards in a relatively short time, producing wines of very high quality. This is no coincidence for the producers, since it is believed that Syrah thrives in the warm climate conditions of Greece.

Depending on the vine, the pruning, the soil and the region, this variety can produce wines with high alcohol content, moderate acidity, deep red color and strong aromas which become more complex during the aging process. It is used in the production of several Local Wines (Wine of Heraklion, Cretan Wine).