Wine: What's in a name?

The etymology of what we today call syrah grapes has its roots in the battles fought by the crusaders across Europe in the Middle Ages, writes Tomas Clancy.

Little Chapel on the Hill in Tain Hermitage, to the south of Lyon in France. Picture: Getty

From the 11th century onwards, in France and indeed across Europe, one of the most significant cultural icons was the crusader – the silent, contemplative soldier who had been deeply and profoundly moved by the battles in the Holy Land.

Their travels, and how they reacted to them, had a dramatic impact on the wine world, none more so than the Chevalier Gaspard de Sterimberg. He may not be a household name, but ...