13 Feb The Legacy of Syrah in Monterey County (and What Makes Ours So Exceptional)

Today marks National Syrah Day. In celebration, we took a deep dive into the legacy of Syrah in Monterey County to better understand what makes the Arroyo Seco expression of this classic French grape so unique. 

You see, Monterey County’s Syrah tells the story of land and sea, of stony soil and fog brought in on the ocean breeze. It paints a history of this region and those who have transformed it into the paradise it is today. From its challenging beginnings to its current acclaim, Syrah continues to capture the hearts of wine enthusiasts worldwide. 

Mesa Del Sol’s Syrah, with its unique expression of the Arroyo Seco AVA‘s terroir, is a shining example of this grape’s extraordinary potential. Read on, and join us in celebrating Syrah’s remarkable journey through the years.

The Legacy of Syrah in Monterey County 

The story of Syrah in California, and more specifically in Monterey County, is as rich and complex as the wine itself. 

This prestigious grape is renowned worldwide for producing robust and enduring wines. Its rich, dark character often evokes notes of blackberry, cassis, black pepper, bacon, and smoke. DNA testing has revealed Syrah to be a hybrid of Dureza and Mondeuse, both originating from France’s Rhône Valley, while modern variants span the globe – from Sira in Iran to Shiraz in Australia.

Initially, vintners believed that the grape grew best in warm climates based on its success in the Rhone Valley and other southern European AVAs. It wasn’t until pioneers began experimenting with Syrah in cooler regions that the grape’s true versatility emerged.

In California, Syrah’s history dates back to the late 19th century. However, phylloxera devastated early plantings around the 1890s. Replanting efforts ensued, with significant acreage emerging in the 1990s, notably in San Luis Obispo, San Joaquin, and Madera counties.

Douglas Meador of Ventana Vineyards was the first to plant Syrah in cooler, windier climate of Monterey in the late 1970s. Using clean, virus-free wood from the Foundation Plant Material Service in 1978, Meador marked a turning point for this classic French varietal. 

The vines not only survived, they thrived! They displayed remarkable tolerance to the winds and cool, foggy nights. What’s more, this unique terroir lent the grapes distinctive black pepper and spice notes. These characteristics are now synonymous with Monterey County Syrah.

This pivotal moment in Monterey’s viticulture paved the way for a deeper understanding of how the region’s unique environmental factors contribute to cultivating distinctively flavored Syrah grapes.

What Makes Mesa Del Sol’s Syrah So Unique?

Nestled on a mesa overlooking the Arroyo Seco River Gorge, Mesa del Sol’s grapes also benefit from the temperate climate and rocky soils that characterize this region. 

As one of the oldest and smallest AVAs in Monterey County, Arroyo Seco showcases a diverse range of topographies, from the rugged terrains of the Santa Lucia Mountains to the open spaces of the valley.

Three main factors contribute to our Syrah’s unique profile:

1. The Arroyo Seco AVA Climate 

One of the defining features of the Arroyo Seco AVA is its cool climate, heavily influenced by the Monterey Bay. Though it only constitutes a small percentage of the appellation, the Gorge has its own distinct microclimate.

The ravine is protected from the larger marine influences and the southerly gale winds that batter the exposed, eastern section of the AVA. Still, some fog does penetrate, contributing significantly to the slowed ripening process of the grapes. This process allows for the development of a more complex flavor profile in our Syrah.

2. Soil Composition

The soil composition in Arroyo Seco is another critical element that shapes the character of its Syrah. The region is known for its well-drained, nutrient-poor soil which forces vines to root deeper. The soil is primarily composed of granite and cobblestones washed down from the Santa Lucia Mountains. 

These soil conditions, coupled with the water from the Arroyo Seco Creek, create a unique terroir that imparts a distinct minerality to the wines. The low salt levels in the water wells further allow for farming in these challenging conditions.

3. Sustainable Vineyard Practices

Our sustainable practices restore nutrients to the top soil though the use of cover crops and tilling. Meanwhile, we carefully monitor the brix (or sugar content) of our grapes to ensure they reach optimal ripeness before harvesting. This careful cultivation imparts acidity and aromatic complexity.

All these factors culminate in our award-winning Mesa Del Sol Syrah, which is known for its robust profile featuring a harmonious blend of dark fruit flavors, complemented by subtle notes of herbs and spices. On the palate, it reveals layers of blackberry, plum, and black pepper, enriched by nuances of vanilla and toasted oak from the aging process. The wine’s structure is firm and elegant, leading to a lingering finish.

This wine stands out from other Syrahs in Monterey County because of its intricate balance of flavors, pronounced minerality, and depth, all of which are a direct reflection of the unique growing conditions in the Arroyo Seco Gorge AVA.

Celebrating Syrah: A Vertical Tasting Adventure at Mesa Del Sol

For the entire month of February, Mesa Del Sol is proud to offer a vertical tasting package featuring 3 or 6 vintages of our exquisite Syrah. 

This tasting experience allows enthusiasts to explore the evolution of Syrah over different years, highlighting the subtle changes and consistencies across vintages. It’s an opportunity to understand how weather patterns, vineyard practices, and winemaking techniques influence the final product. 

Each vintage tells a story, and through this vertical tasting, wine lovers can delve into the narrative of the Mesa Del Sol Syrah.

Host your own Syrah tasting without even leaving your house. Simply download our FREE tasting guide, invite your fellow wine lovers, and pop those bottles! Our verticals offer 3 options to choose from:

Exclusive Vertical Tasting Options

The 3-Bottle Syrah Vertical

Choose between our carefully selected verticals of 2014, 2015, and 2016 vintages, or opt for the 2017, 2018, and 2019 selection. Each set represents a unique period in our winemaking journey, highlighting the distinct character of each vintage.

The Ultimate 6-Bottle Syrah Vertical

For the ultimate Syrah experience, explore all six vintages from 2014 to 2019. This comprehensive selection offers a deep dive into the evolution of our Syrah, showcasing the remarkable journey of this varietal at MDS.

To further elevate your tasting experience, we suggest offering light nibbles and palate cleaners – like sliced baguette, plain crackers, crisp apples, mild cheeses (such as mozzarella), and buttery green olives (we love Castelvetrano). Or, you can go all out and pair our Syrah with robust flavors like grilled lamb, hearty stews, or a rich, dark chocolate dessert.

However you plan to enjoy, be sure to tag us on Facebook and Instagram for the chance to be featured on our feed. Cheers!