Discover the Hidden Syrah in California's Pinot Noir: A Tasting Adventure

Did we get tricked or is it just innovative?

If you are drinking inexpensive, everyday table Californian Pinot Noir from a major grocery store, chances are it may also have Syrah in it.

California’s wine scene is full of surprises and one of those surprises that consumers may not notice is the subtle blending of Syrah into wines labeled as just "Pinot Noir".

At first, this blend sounds odd as their styles are a bold contrast. Pinot Noir- lighter and aromatic, while Syrah- tannic and spicy. Syrah is often used for blends, similar Southern Rhône, Franch red blends. Pinot Noir is not usually blended with other grape varieties, except the notable example of Champagne. As far as I have ever heard seems blending these two is unconventional approach.

If we blend these two grapes, what will happen? Was the bottle of Pinot Noir you enjoyed at dinner actually not 100% Pinot Noir?

Let's guide ourselves through what to expect, why this blend works and how it fits within U.S. labeling laws.

Why Blend Syrah with Pinot Noir?

Pinot Noir is known for its light body, bright acidity and delicate flavors of red fruits like red cherry and raspberry. Often has a pale to medium ruby color and a silky texture.

Yet, Syrah is richer with dark fruit flavors such as blackberry and black plum with spicy and smoky notes also, tends to have more tannins and deeper color.

Several California wineries have quietly embraced this Pinot Noir with a little Syrah blend style. While often not advertised, here is a list of possible reasons for making such a blend;

• Enhance color: Syrah’s deep purple hues give the wine deeper color.

• Add structure: The tannins from Syrah provide a firmer backbone, making the wine feel more mouthful.

• Maintain elegance: Pinot Noir remains the majority grape in this blend, the wine keeps its signature finesse and aromatic complexity.

• Create balance: The blend balances the aromatic lift of Pinot Noir with the boldness of Syrah.

In sum, these blends keep the elegant, delicate character of Pinot Noir while adding the structure and deep color that Syrah brings.

Why in California?

California features incredibly diverse wine growing regions driven by its unique geography and microclimates.

California generally has a warm Mediterranean climate with dry and sunny summers- beneficial for grapes to fully ripen. Yet, with its size and range of latitudes offers a breadth of diverse wine regions.

Its wine growing regions range from cool coastal influenced by exceptionally cold California ocean current with cool sea breezes and morning fog; to inland hot and dry regions which lack rain that can lead to drought. Yet, with a high diurnal range that allows grapes to ripen slowly thanks to cool nights. Its mountainous areas feature a diverse range of altitudes and aspects creating perfect vineyard spots for both cool-climate type of grapes and heat-loving grapes.

Pinot Noir is an early ripening variety which prefers cool and moderate climates. If grown in warm to hot regions it can become too "jammy", will lose freshness and high acidity. Its thin skin also makes it highly sensitive to overexposure. A mild, cool climate with gentle sunshine ripens the fruit without the risk of getting burnt in harsh direct sunlight and heat.

Syrah however, does not ripen well in very cool climates. It needs plenty of warmth and sunlight to fully ripen to develop its deep color with higher tannins. Depending on the climate in which the grapes are grown and winemaking technique, Syrah will show different profiles from medium-bodied with fresh black fruit flavors and peppery aromas; to full-bodied, ripe black fruit flavors and licorice aromas.

Both Pinot Noir and Syrah have their ideal conditions within a State that has diverse growing regions for each of their optimal growth and ripening. California's rich and diverse culture also fosters innovation and experimentation, unbound by old world customs and traditions. Perhaps this is what has created this unconventional blend.

Also maybe why California is praised to be one of the most prestegious and innovative wine growing regions in the world.

Grape Variety Designations on American Wine Labels

Under the US's Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) regulations, in order for wine to be labeled as a single varietal such as, "Pinot Noir" it must contain a minimum of 75% composition from that grape, provided the grape is not a strongly flavored variety or certain Vitis labrusca which requires only 51%.

With the eception of a few cases, up to 25% of other grapes can be blended in without changing the varietal label for most wines in the US.

TTB also mandates other things such only using grape variety names approved by TTB. If a grape varietal name is used, an appellation of origin* must also appear on the label. In the case of multi-variety blends all grapes used to make the wine must be labeled as varieties and so on.

For more information, visit TTB website for wine labeling regulations*.

How to Spot Syrah in a Bottle of Pinot Noir

If you want to test your palate, here are some clues that a California Pinot Noir might contain Syrah:

• Color intensity: Look for a deeper garnet or with hint of purple color rather than the usual light to medium ruby.

• Tannin presence: Notice if the wine has a firmer grip or more dryness in your mouth on tasting.

• Flavor profile: Detect darker fruit flavors like blackberry or black plum alongside the typical red cherry and raspberry.

• Spice notes: Pick up hints of black pepper, smoked meat, or even a touch of leather.

• Body weight: Feel if the wine is fuller-bodied than a typical Pinot Noir.

  
  

These signs don’t guarantee Syrah is present, but they can raise your suspicion and make tasting more fun.

The Future of Pinot Noir in California

The method of blending small Syrah into Pinot Noir reflects California winemakers’ creativity and willingness to push boundaries. It also responds to consumer interest in wines that combine elegance with a bit more body and color.

As climate change affects grape growing, blending may become a more useful tool to maintain balance and quality. Syrah’s thicker skins and higher tannins can help support the lighter nature of Pinot Noir without losing or overwhelming Pinot's finesse and high acidity.

Next time when you choose a bottle of Californian wine labeled just "Pinot Noir", take a moment and see if it contains a little bit of hidden Syrah just by looking at its color, smelling and tasting it. It might be interesting to tell people "Oh...the label of the bottle doesn't say but, I suspect Syrah is blended in this Pinot Noir."

Cheers!

Notes:

*An appellation of origin is a legally protected geographical name or designation used on products. It certifies that a product comes from a specific region or place of origin and that its specific quality, characteristics, or reputation are essentially or exclusively due to the geographical environment in which they are grown and produced.

An American Viticultural Area, or AVA, is a specific type of appellation of origin used on wine labels in the US. An AVA indicates a grape-growing region with specific geographic or climatic features that distinguish it from other regions and affect how grapes are grown. Famous AVA examples are Napa Valley or Paso Robles.

*These Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) regulations information on this article is my interpretation of the provided regulatory text and is intended for general information purpose only. It does not constitute official labelling advice or legal counsel.