The narrative of Shiraz, Syrah, and Shirazi wine intertwines myth, history, and culture, presenting a rich tapestry that extends back to the region of Shiraz in Iran. Despite common misconceptions, genetic research has established that the Syrah grape, referred to as Shiraz in many English-speaking countries, is not genetically linked to the storied past of the ancient city of Shiraz.
Viticulture in Iran has roots stretching back to at least 2500 BCE. The systematic cultivation likely commenced when vine cuttings were brought from the hills to the lower plains of Persia. This ancient practice was validated by the discovery of 7,000-year-old wine residue in Neolithic jars unearthed in the Zagros mountains.
Despite the absence of genetic links between Persian grapes and those cultivated in the Rhône Valley and Languedoc, a narrative has developed over time that associates them. Legends tell of a French knight, Gaspard de Stérimberg, who returned from the Albigensian Crusades with vine cuttings, supposedly founding the first vineyard in Hermitage. Although the historical accuracy of such tales is dubious, they underscore the mythological allure surrounding Shiraz wine.
Shirazi wine was celebrated in the poetry of Hafez, the 14th-century Persian poet whose works praised the drink for its intoxicating qualities and its role in offering solace to the heart. Descriptions of Shirazi wine highlighted its beauty and taste, marking it as a treasured beverage of the region, with references to its luxurious musk-like aroma.
However, the Iranian Revolution of 1979 brutally severed these ties. With winemaking banned and bottles smashed, Shirazi wine faded into obscurity. Diaspora communities occasionally attempt to substitute Australian or South African Shiraz for the real deal, but the authentic expression of Shirazi wine remains a relic of a bygone era, virtually extinct.
Overall, the evolution of Shiraz wine reflects a complex interplay of history, culture, and the impactful changes wrought by political events, embodying not just a beverage but a narrative of a region and its traditions.