The Síria grape variety

Síria is referred to as a famous white wine grape variety that is indigenous to the regions of Portugal.

This white wine grape variety is also known under a number of synonyms such as Alvadurão, Crato Branco, Coda Pinhel, Côdega, Roupeiro, and many others, depending on the regions where it is grown and plated.

Origin

Not a lot of information has been known as to the origin of the Síria grape variety. A vast genetic variability suggests that this white wine grape variety has been grown in the region of Portugal for a very long time and thus it is a native to the same. In the 1980s, this grape was referred to as the most representative variety of white wine grape in the region of Alentejo.

Thanks to its excellent cultural adaptability, this indigenous white grape grows in different regions across Portugal.

It has been the most planted white grape variety in the Alentejo region, where it is known as Roupeiro. However, Alentejo’s high temperatures were not beneficial to Síria: the wines weren’t fresh, didn’t have good acidity, and would quickly lose their aromas. Therefore, this grape variety started being produced in the higher and cooler lands of Beira Interior (namely Castelo Rodrigo) and Dão (where it is called Alvadurão, Côdega or Crato Branco). It is mostly produced also in the Tras-os-Montes region in the north, leading further south past the Douro where it is known as Côdega. And a little production is also found on the borders of Spain.

Grape

In all the regions where this white wine grape is planted and cultivated, this grape is considered to be a grape of very high quality, when it is compared to several other grapes. The berries are medium length; short elliptic shape, yellowish-green in color, medial bloom. The skin of medium thickness. Colorless, soft pulp with a simple flavor.

Its vines offer high yields, but at the same time, they are considered as very much prone to rotting. The good news is that these vines are very much resistant to the regular grape diseases such as powdery mildew and are often saved by their harmful attack.

Wine

Wines produced with this grape are delicate, fresh and elegant. This wine is very much prone to premature oxidation and therefore the best option would be to consume the wines produced out of this white wine grape variety right upon its release.

The medium to high-performance grape ripens late in the year and produces citric wines that are full-bodied, refined, have perfumed, and have a well-balanced aroma with hints of unripe exotic fruit and citrus flavors. These citrus flavors are later accompanied by the hints of melon, laurel, peach, and melon as well as forest flowers.

This grape variety has a pale color and the wines produced out of this white wine grape variety are considered as very aromatic in nature, to be good in terms of its alcohol and they entertain a light acidity.

The wines produced out of this white wine grape variety share a love-hate relationship with the wine lovers. For some, it is a lovely wine, while others simply hate it.

Food pairing

These wines are best served when chilled.

Because of all its characteristics, the wines produced out of this white wine grape variety are paired with various light dishes.

These wines go well with vegetable salads, white asparagus risotto, or the Portuguese Piri-piri chicken.

Would you like to taste it?

Branco Vinhas Velhas ’18 – Morgado do Quintão, Algarve