Is German Shiraz the new kid on the block? Francois Haasbroek

German Syrah Production “How cool is too cool?” Currently 40% of Germany is planted under red grape cv Germany is the third largest grower of Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder)

Syrah however is new … The first planting was in 1993 by Werner Knipser in the Pfalz area In 1999 Hanspeter Ziereisen planted Syrah in Baden By 2015 a total of 61 ha was planted under Syrah This was versus 360 ha Cabernet Sauvignon and 600 ha Merlot

The challenges that are faced … Brutally cold winters affect the vines Vigor needs to be constrained to open the canopy to ensure ripeness(hopefully) and prevent rot (often) Labour is very expensive Crops are unusually low – 30 to 35 hℓ per ha The cost of barrels increase the cost even more, ending up with expensive wines without a track record

What to expect? Baden and Pfalz likely the most suitable candidates for potential areas Quality is a hit and miss affair Young vines, lack of experience in making Syrah, vintage conditions all play a role A “lighter style” Northern Rhône with distinct herbal and vegetal notes on many wines Acidity balance often towards the too acidic side; some producers trying to balance it with residual sugar creating a sweet-sour effect

Weingut Ziereisen: Ziereisen 2013 Gestad More earthy in style; use of oak barrels extensively practised Can only manage to ripen Syrah every few years

Weingut Wassmer: Fritz Wassmer Syrah 2013 Extended skin maceration, aged in small barrels for up to 18 months

Weingut Knipser: Knipser Syrah 2012 Knipser Reserve 2011 Syrah One of the original Syrah producing cellars Up to 24 months in new oak Very ambitious and generally regarded as one of the best examples in Germany