Que Syrah Shiraz

Wine Connoissaurus Rex

With it being Shiraz (Syrah) Day, it seemed perfect to actually kick off the new series from Wine C-Rex/Somm for the Day that is all about grapes.
In this episode, we'll dive into the world of Shiraz and Syrah – two names for the same grape that bring their own charm to the wine glass. We'll explore the origins of this bold and expressive grape, unraveling the stories that have captivated wine lovers for centuries.

Starting with its origin, legend has it that we can trace the
roots of Shiraz back to the ancient city of Shiraz in Iran, where this grape
was cherished for its depth and richness. Fast forward and, we uncover how
Shiraz found a new home in the Rhône Valley of France, transforming into Syrah
and gaining fame for its elegance and versatility.

From France to Australia, South Africa to the Americas – Shiraz and
Syrah have conquered the world of wine, winning hearts with their intense fruit
flavors and characteristic peppery spice. Together, we'll explore the
captivating tales of how this grape became beloved in the wine world.

As always, I have wine. And of COURSE it is a Syrah. Qupe 2012
Syrah. I’ve had this one for awhile and have always enjoyed it...
Also, as divisive as it is (I’ll get to that shortly), it is quietly one of the top 10 grapes grow in the world. Incredibly diverse, it can be a single variety wine, part of some of the most famous blends in the world, can be grow in cooler climates as well as some of the hottest wine climates globally, has great success when paired with white grapes, even sparkling and rose bottlings exist in great abundance! But for what’s in my glass today, it is a nice still red.

So let’s talk about where it is from and then we can get a little into its divisive nature.

It’s most well known vineyards are planted in the Rhône Valley and Australia – specifically Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale. However it has had great success all over the world including South Africa, California (Central Coast & Paso Robles), Oregon, Washington, and some surprising regions and countries like New Zealand, Colchagua Valley Chile, and even Tuscany.

The beauty of Syrah and Shiraz is that it is a thick skinned, less finicky grape. Its skins and juice create incredibly dark musts and wines with pretty solid tannins and a very full body. It is known for its intensity on the palate with a peppery finish. It also doesn’t compete in a blend as its aromas are often complementary to the aromas that are present in grenache, cabernet, and viognier. Almost always oaked, this wine is also a great wine for food pairing.

So we have pairings and we have regions. So how do you shop for a Syrah or Shiraz?

France: Jaboulet, Chapoutier, JL Chave, Guigal, Beaucastel, Domaine du Pegau, Clos Saint Jean
California: Pax Mahle, Bedrock, Melville, Andremily, Tensley, Stolpman, Saldo, Piedrasassi.
Oregon: Penner-Ash, Tyrus Evan, Martin Woods, and Abicela
Washington:K Vintners, Charles Smith, Gramercy Cellars, and Hedges
Australia: Penfolds, Mollydooker, Henschke, The Standish, Clarendon Hills, and anything by Ben Glaetzer
South Africa: De Toren, Saxenburg, Hartenburg, Luddite, Paul Wallace.

What's in my glass? Qupe Estate Bottled Bien Nacido Syrah 2012
What glass did I use? Riedel Vinum Syrah / Tempranillo

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