Syrah Serine, and Sereine. Legends of Syrah's origins come from one of its homonyms, Shiraz. Because Shiraz, Capital of the Persian Empire (modern-day Iran), produced the well-known Shirazi wine, legends claim the Syrah grape originated in Shiraz and then was brought to Rhône. At least two significantly different versions of the myth are reported, giving different accounts of how the variety is supposed to have been brought from Shiraz to Rhône and differing up to 1,800 years in dating this event. In one version, the Phocaeans could have brought Syrah/Shiraz to their colony around Marseilles (then known as Massilia), which was
Vouvray (wine) ranking for any white wine behind only the 1921 vintage of Chateau d'Yquem. Vouvray (wine) Vouvray is a French wine region in the Loire Valley located in the Touraine district just east of the city of Tours in the commune of Vouvray. The "Appellation d'origine contrôlée" (AOC) is dedicated almost exclusively to Chenin blanc; the obscure and minor grape Arbois is permitted but rarely used. Wine production in this area is highly variable and dependent on climate conditions. Cooler years promote the production of dry "(sec)" and sparkling Vouvray, while a warmer, more favorable vintage encourages the production of sweet