Syrahs

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A variety of red wine grape originally from the Rhône region, known for producing rich and full-bodied wines
2. A grape type often used to create bold and spicy red wines that exhibit dark fruit flavors and complex aromas
3. A popular wine varietal celebrated for its dense texture and ability to age well, typically showcasing notes of blackberries and pepper

Etymology: "Syrahs" is simply the plural of "syrah," the name of a dark-skinned red wine grape. It is one of the most widely planted varieties in the world, and the reason its name is so puzzling is that the story most people repeat about it is probably false. A popular tale links the grape to the Persian city of Shiraz, supposedly carried west by crusaders or traders, and similar legends point to Syria, Syracuse, or the Greek island of Syros. Etymologists today generally regard these as legends rather than documented origins. The name entered English by way of French, where "syrah" is the form used for the grape. Its true source is uncertain. One proposal connects it to a Celtic root, Proto-Celtic "serrā," meaning "billhook," a curved blade used for cutting. The link would be fitting, since the grape is harvested by hand with such tools, but it remains a hypothesis rather than a proven derivation.