Wine of Choice: Syrah/Shiraz

I have been known to enjoy a good Shiraz. No, it is not the high alcohol content (although it doesn't hurt), but the spicy plumpness of the wine.

Syrah/Shiraz (pronounced just like they’re spelled) are Red Wines.

Where it’s from:

The Syrah originated in the Rhone Valley of France. The grapes are called Syrah in the US, France and just about every country other than Australia. Shiraz is the name for the same grape in Australia. It’s the most popular grape down under. The Petite Syrah is a wine from an entirely different grape.

The different soil conditions and climate in Australia produce a somewhat different character from the French version.

Australian winemakers often blend Shiraz with Cabernet Sauvignon.

What it tastes like:

Shiraz can be described as spicy blackberry, plum, and peppery, as well as a big, fat, juicy, in-your-face, modern wine. Shiraz can range from medium-bodied wines with strawberry flavors to darker wines.

Syrah is more spicy than fruity, also peppery with roasty, smokey, jammy and/or blackberry flavors.

Both tend to be high in alcohol.

What to eat it with:

Hearty or spicy foods.

New Wine Terminology:

Varietal - A wine made mostly from one type of grape. So when they say, “Syrah can lose varietal character when even slightly overripe”, they mean that the characters that define that grape can be lost when they are overripe. Ie don’t let those delicious Syrah grapes go to waste!