If you live in France or California, you know this grape as Syrah. If you live in Australia or South Africa, you know it as Shiraz, but it is the same grape.
Syrah is a dark skinned grape that is used to produce big powerful red wines and is also used as a blending grape. Syrah was made famous in the Northern Rhône region of France known as Hermitage (the hill above the town has a “hermitage” or chapel sitting on top) where it is the main grape. In the Southern Rhône, it is used as a seconday blending grape in Châteauneuf du Pape, Cotes du Rhône and Gigondas along with the primary varietal Grenache.
Syrah wines are medium to full bodied and powerful making them the perfect cold weather wine. These wines are often a deep violet, nearly black color with a chewy texture and richness. Aromas of dark berries, chocolate, espresso and the signature black pepper are prevelent. Black cherry, blackberry, plum, licorice, dark chocolate, black pepper and bell pepper are the primary flavors of this big, bold wine, but are followed by firm, smooth tannins making them easier to drink when young as compared to other young reds. However, there are many premium Syrahs that contain concentrated flavors and heavy tannins that will allow them to age for 15 years or longer.
One exception to this full bodied profile is Sparkling Shiraz from Australia. This wine traditionally has a touch of sweetness making it the ideal holiday wine.
Wines made from Syrah are often powerfully flavoured and full-bodied.
The variety produces wines with a wide range of flavor notes, depending
on the climate and soils where it is grown, as well as other viticultural
practices chosen. Aroma characters can range from violets to berries
(usually dark as opposed to red), chocolate, espresso and black pepper.
No one aroma can be called "typical" though blackberry and pepper are
often noticed. With time in the bottle these "primary" notes are
moderated and then supplemented with earthy or savory "tertiary" notes
such as leather and truffle. "Secondary" flavor and aroma notes are
those associated with several things, generally winemakers' practices
(such as oak barrel and yeast regimes).
The Wine List Recommends these fine Syrahs
Peter Lehman Shiraz
A previous Wine Spectator Top 100 Wine, this Shiraz from Australia has a deep center with a dark red rim. The bouquet shows lashings of classical Barossa Shiraz chocolate and dark plum aromas, given a gentle lift from the well seasoned French oak notes. It is a robustly structured wine, with mouth-filling generous fruit clothing its firm muscularity. It finishes firm with powdery tannins. It is a fine example of Barossa Shiraz and a great price.
Southern Belle Shiraz
This Australian Shiraz is big and bold with a deceptive 17.6% alcohol content. Deep crimson color with complex aromas of black currant, leather and molasses. Rich, dark berry fruit palate of cassis and fruitcake, finishing with soft oak spice. Always hit at our tastings, this is a must try wine. 90 points – The Wine Advocate
Fess Parker The Big Easy Syrah
This consistently, highly rated Syrah comes from California. It features notes of blueberry, blackberry, smoked meat, lavender and vanilla on the nose along with flavors of black cherry, blackberry compote, cinnamon and vanilla on the palate. Enjoy this meaty, well structured Syrah with a long lengthy finish with dense chocolaty tannins. 92 points – Wine Spectator and Wine Advocate.
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