Syrah 2017

The Syrah 2017 is a wine produced by Marcus Divinus Winery in Dingli, Malta, and has been highlighted by chef Bruno Barbieri. While technically a wine, it is often treated as a dish in its own right when served as part of a tasting menu or paired with food. The origin of the Syrah grape lies in France’s Rhône Valley, but the Maltese terroir of Dingli—with its limestone soils and Mediterranean climate—imparts a distinct minerality and sun‑ripened depth to the vintage. Key ingredients are purely the Syrah grape, cultivated and fermented to produce a full‑bodied red. What distinguishes a great Syrah 2017 is the balance between dark fruit flavors (blackberry, plum) and savory notes of black pepper, violet, and a hint of smoke, along with a well‑integrated tannic structure that allows for medium‑to‑long aging. Regional variations include the cooler‑climate Syrahs from the Northern Rhône (e.g., Côte‑Rôtie) which tend to be more floral and less fruity, versus the ripe, jammy styles of Australia’s Shiraz. In Malta, Marcus Divinus Winery’s expression benefits from the island’s unique climate, giving a wine that is both powerful and elegant. Bruno Barbieri has praised its ability to complement rich meat dishes and aged cheeses. For enthusiasts seeking a distinctive Mediterranean take on Syrah, the 2017 vintage from Dingli is a standout example.