Syrah
Syrah (or Shiraz in Australia) is easy to grow and produces wines which are
highly aromatic with full body and intense fruit. It is known as the
"King of Grapes" in Australia. It has several different names related
to the grapes origin.
The grape grows quite
vigorously and develops a deep color. It requires mild winters and warm
summers to fully ripen. The traditional flavors of the final wine is
of dense red and dark berry, tar, pepper and spice. It is also commonly
blended with cabernet sauvignon for a rich,
full-bodied
spicy red.
Syrah Wine Regions:
It is widely planted around the world, but seems most at home in Australia, Washington State and in the Rhone Valley of France.
Northern Rhone Valley of France
- the home of this grape variety. It is the principal grape grown in
this area. The wines here can vary from fresh, acidic and spicy to
incredibly complex, dense tannic reds. Wines produced in this region
are the Hermitage and Cornas.
Australia - produces the most popular form of this wine called Shiraz.
It is the most planted red grape in this area. Australia has many
older vines that produce grapes that are much fuller and riper. The
final wine can be much more intense with the possibility of a chocolaty
character and heavy spice. With additional oak
aging
the wines can produce a more exotic taste and expensive product.
California - also produces grapes from this variety and the largest number of vines are found in the Central Coast and Napa Valley.
Washington State - has produced some top notch wines with intense fruit and complexity in the Columbia Valley.
Other areas that grow the syrah grape are Argentina, Chili, Italy, and South Africa
.
Food and Wine Pairing:
*This wine pairs well with many foods as it can be
light and fruity and high in acidity when produced in Northern France.
The Crozes-Hermitage varietal pairs well with veal and pork chops.
*The
fuller-bodied variety produced in Australia and California can easily
handle being paired with lamb chops, leg of lamb, steaks and grilled
meats.
*As with any wine, to truly
appreciate it's taste and wine pairing ability you'e got to try it for
yourself. Only then can you be sure that you have found your favorite
type of red wine.
