Grape Of The Week: Syrah
A cross between two minor Rhone varietals, Syrah originates from the Rhone Valley in France. Also known as Shiraz, Syrah is the most widely planted grape in Australia and the fifth most planted grape in the world. A deep purple in color, Syrah offers notes of blueberry, black plum, milk chocolate, tobacco, and pepper spice. Syrah’s fruit notes shine when paired with lamb shawarma, eggplant lasagna, and spicy Indian food.
With thick skins that create high tannins, Syrah is a fantastic blending grape that also helps stabilize the wine's hue. It plays an important role in Grenache-Syrah-Mourvedre (GSM) blends which results in French wines like Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Côte du Rhône, where Syrah brings structure and black fruit notes to the wines. An unlikely partnership, Syrah-Viognier wines are commonly found in Côte-Rôtie, France, as well as Southern Australia and California. The Viognier lightens the color and livens the wine's perfume, while adding notes of apricot and white peach in warmer climates.
Scope out all things Syrah:
