Syrah, a variety with great enological and commercial potential in Argentina

Syrah is a French strain that is emblematic of Australia but also grows well in Argentina, especially in Mendoza and San Juan valleys where most of the cultivated area is concentrated.
One of the most appreciated varieties in the Rhone Valley, Syrah (also called Shiraz) comes, as far as it is known, from the Middle East, from the Shiraz area, an ancient Persian city. Some also locate its origin in Sicily, more precisely in the city of Syracuse.
Arriving in Argentina along with the rest of the so-called “French varieties” at the end of the 17th century, it has stood out as one of the most precious red varietals both for domestic consumption and for the export of bulk wines.
Sensory characteristics
In Argentina Syrah wines achieve very intense colors, deep ruby red with violet shades. Its main characteristics are the aromas of cinnamon, black pepper and raspberry, forming an aroma that consumers describe as “spicy”). By aging in oak barrels, or in contact with staves, the Syrah develops new tertiary aromas, such as earthy and tobacco. With aging, notes of black olives and truffles can also appear.
Cultivated area and production
Present in most of the wine-growing provinces of Argentina, the Syrah registered a total of 11,797 cultivated ha in 2020. Mendoza has the highest amount of Syrah in the country, (69.5%), followed by San Juan (22.1%) and the rest of the provinces with 1,026 ha .. After Malbec, Syrah is among the varieties that have grown the most: Syrah developed 3,882 ha between 2000 and 2020.
In 2021, 110,443,404 kilos of grapes were produced, which represents 5.06% of the total production in Argentina.
In Argentina the consumption of this varietal is important. last year 74,166 3.0 hectoliters of Syrah wine were sold within the domestic market, which represented 3% of the varietal wine consumed in Argentina, ranking seventh among the most consumed varieties.
The third most exported red in Argentina
In 2020, Syrah as a single varietal was the 3rd exported red varietal (after Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon) and concentrated 3.2% of the volume and 1.2% of the total FOB value of the varietals, according to statistical data from the Argentine National Vitiviniculture Institute .
Meanwhile, Syrah exports from January to June 2021 total 36,256 hl and were destined for the following countries:

Syrah exports 2021 (Jan-June)



(Temporary data)

Meanwhile, the main destination countries for Syrah in 2020 were:

Hectoliters FOB price (thousand of US$)



After analyzing the exports of recent years, Alejandro Ballarini, manager of the Argentine Chamber of Bulk Wines, stressed: “in 2018 we used to export half a million liters of Syrah in bulk, in 2019 we exported 2.6 million liters, in 2020 3.7 million liters. This year we estimate that we will do very well with this varietal, since in the first half of this year we added close to 3 million liters”.
In the last few years, the largest buyer of Syrah from Argentina has been Canada. “Argentina sells its largest volume of Syrah to two countries: China and Canada, in a price segment that ranges from US$ 0.30 to 0.40,” Ballarini explained.
However, so far this year the United Kingdom has surprised us all, appearing as a good player with 864,000 liters purchased in all price ranges of US$ 0.30 – 0.40, US$ 0.40 – 0.50 and it has even bought 120 thousand liters for up to US$ 1.
“There is an Argentine exporter that has consolidated an export strategy from 2018 to the present in the export of Syrah in the category of more than US$ 1, especially to the Danish market. It is a niche business with items of 300 to 400 thousand liters per year at a good price. But as our qualities are excellent, due to the climate and sanitary conditions, we are committed to continuing the development, especially in countries like China, eager for this recognized varietal” the manager of the Chamber said.