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From the Pyrenees with Love: Why Our Syrah Stands Out

Northern Hope - bottle of Syrah in hand with black label

Though we call the Macedon Ranges home and proudly grow our own vines here, when it came to crafting our Syrah, we couldn’t resist the allure of the Landsborough region in the Pyrenees. This exceptional cool-climate area has a reputation for producing some of the most nuanced and expressive Syrah in Australia, and it’s easy to see why. The Pyrenees offer the perfect balance of elements to create Syrah that’s both elegant and full of character. From the ancient soils to the unique microclimates, every detail works together to shape the wine. Here’s what makes this region so special—and why we’re so proud to bring a piece of it to your glass. 

The Climate: Where Cool Meets Complexity


Landsborough, tucked into the Pyrenees ranges, is a cool-climate haven with just the right amount of warmth. The days are filled with gentle sunshine, giving the grapes time to ripen slowly, developing vibrant flavours of blackberry, plum, and cherry. But it’s the cool nights that seal the deal, preserving the natural acidity and creating that trademark freshness that cool-climate Syrah is known for.

These significant diurnal temperature shifts—the difference between warm days and cool nights—mean the grapes can achieve a balance of ripeness and structure. The slower ripening process also allows the development of those savoury, spicy notes we love in Syrah: think cracked white pepper, dark chocolate, and a hint of earthy herbs. If you want to understand more about the difference of Syrah and Pinot Noir, click here.

Ancient Soils, Timeless Flavour


The foundation of great wine is always in the soil, and Landsborough’s is as unique as it comes. The ancient, mineral-rich soils here are well-draining, which forces the vines to dig deep for nutrients. This struggle results in smaller, more concentrated berries with incredible depth of flavour. 

From rocky outcrops to patches of clay, the soil diversity adds complexity to the wine, imparting subtle layers of minerality and a distinct sense of place. It’s a soil story that’s millions of years in the making—and it shines through in every sip of our Syrah.

Microclimates and the Pyrenees Influence


The Pyrenees region is a tapestry of microclimates, thanks to its rolling hills, varied elevations, and proximity to the ranges. These subtle differences in temperature, wind, and sunlight exposure add even more character to the fruit. It’s why Syrah from this region feels so alive, with vibrant fruit flavours complemented by those savoury, spicy, and even floral notes like violets. 

The Perfect Syrah, From a Perfect Region


Our decision to work with fruit from Landsborough in the Pyrenees wasn’t just about finding great grapes—it was about telling the story of a truly remarkable region. This Syrah captures the essence of Landsborough’s cool climate and ancient terroir, giving you a wine that’s layered, expressive, and utterly delicious. 

We invite you to taste the magic of the Pyrenees in every glass. It’s a wine that reflects the land it came from and the care we’ve put into bringing it to life. Cheers to the journey from the Pyrenees to your table! You can try our Northern Hope Syrah, purchase here.

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