LA CLARISSA
The origin of Syrah
La Clarissa
SYRAH / DOP SICILIA BIO //
In Sicily, Syrah is the most widely planted non-native red grape. A variety with mysterious origins, Syrah—also known as Shiraz in some regions—has earned global recognition as an international grape of distinction. It boasts a stronghold in France, particularly in the prestigious Rhône Valley, while also flourishing in California, Australia, and South Africa, where it has given rise to unique and unmistakable expressions of its varietal character.
Grape variety
Syrah
Location of the vineyards
Alcamo (TP) Pattipiccolo
Alcohol
14%
Bottle size
750 ml /375 ml
Service temperature
16 ° C
Pairings
It pairs beautifully with flavorful cured meats, grilled red meats, game, and lamb. Among cheeses, smoked or aged varieties are the ideal match.
La Clarissa
SYRAH / DOP SICILIA BIO //
In Sicily, Syrah is the most widely planted non-native red grape. A variety with mysterious origins, Syrah—also known as Shiraz in some regions—has earned global recognition as an international grape of distinction. It boasts a stronghold in France, particularly in the prestigious Rhône Valley, while also flourishing in California, Australia, and South Africa, where it has given rise to unique and unmistakable expressions of its varietal character.
Grape variety
Syrah
Location of the vineyards
Alcamo (TP) Pattipiccolo
Alcohol
14%
Bottle size
750 ml / 375 ml
Service temperature
16 ° C
Pairings
It pairs beautifully with flavorful cured meats, grilled red meats, game, and lamb. Among cheeses, smoked or aged varieties are the ideal match.
The Origin of Syrah
The origins of Syrah remain shrouded in mystery, giving rise to fascinating—and often conflicting—theories. According to one hypothesis, the grape’s roots lie in the Middle East, specifically in the Persian city of Shiraz, from which it may have taken its name. An alternative theory, however, suggests an even more intriguing possibility: that the variety was originally cultivated in Sicily, in the area of Syracuse. Over the centuries, it is said to have vanished from the island, only to be reintroduced by France in modern times.
This hypothesis, as captivating as it may be, highlights how the historical roots of Syrah remain controversial and uncertain—an enigma that adds to the allure of this noble grape variety.
The first documented evidence of Syrah in Italy dates back to 1828, thanks to the studies of Acerbi from Mantua, one of the most prominent Italian ampelographers of the time. By the late 19th century, Syrah had already established a significant presence across nearly all Italian regions.
Today, Syrah finds its fullest expression in Sicily, where exceptional pedoclimatic conditions ensure optimal polyphenolic ripening. The island—particularly the province of Trapani—has proven to be the ideal habitat for this demanding grape, offering the perfect balance of warmth, ventilation, and soil minerality.
In Pattipiccolo, in the Alcamo area, conditions have revealed themselves particularly favorable for the grape’s finest expression, allowing Syrah to achieve a perfect balance between Mediterranean tradition and an international character.
At Rallo, we vinify Syrah in purity, giving life to La Clarissa, a wine that fully enhances the varietal’s character while showcasing the Alcamo terroir of Western Sicily. Vinification respects the natural rhythms of the grape, with controlled fermentations designed to preserve aromatic complexity and tannic structure.
With an intense ruby-red color enriched by violet reflections—evidence of its high concentration of anthocyanins—this wine reveals an expressive aromatic bouquet. Red forest fruits and blackcurrant harmonize with notes of blackberry, while refined hints of licorice emerge, accompanied by the distinctive aromas of sweet spices and black pepper, adding both complexity and olfactory depth.
On the palate, it is velvety and rounded, with well-integrated tannins supporting a robust yet balanced structure. The long aromatic persistence confirms the wine’s quality and personality, leaving a lasting and delightful impression.
In its pure form, Syrah La Clarissa powerfully conveys the character of the Sicilian terroir and a distinctive identity, clearly shaped by the unique environmental and climatic features of our land. Thanks to the richness of its polyphenolic compounds, this wine is particularly long-lived, evolving over time with greater complexity and refinement.
Syrah La Clarissa also demonstrates remarkable versatility in pairings: hearty meat-based sauces, game ragù, pasta with porcini mushrooms, grilled red meats, roasted lamb, braised dishes, and stews. It pairs beautifully as well with smoked ingredients and spiced cuisine.
A product of great elegance
The result is a Syrah that speaks Sicilian while retaining its international soul—a wine that tells the story of a traveling grape variety which has found its true home in our land, under the symbolic protection of Sister Clarissa.
The label
The genesis of the Clarissa label tells a story that blends fantasy with reality, inspired by the uncertain and mysterious origins of the Syrah grape. We imagined a small Clarissan nun, depicted on the label, walking through the historic vineyards of Pattipiccolo and being the first to encounter the unknown purple berries—thus discovering Syrah on Sicilian soil. This figure, symbolizing purity and devotion, represents the meticulous care with which we cultivate and vinify this precious grape.
The colors of the label recall the black habits of the nuns, symbols of humility and devotion, while the small red dots represent the precious Syrah berries. Its minimalist, elegant design reflects the simplicity of our winemaking approach: allowing the wine to speak for itself, without frills or artifices. The figure of the Clarissan nun becomes the guardian of a tradition that unites spirituality and terroir, passion and technique, achieving a perfect balance between innovation and respect for nature.
Jr la Clarissa
Syrah La Clarissa is also available in a 375 ml format.
