A friendly wine that hails from down under or from France.
In the past several years the Syrah grape, long grown and enjoyed in France, has taken on a new identity. Just as many immigrants did in the past, when it immigrated to the New World it changed its name. If the wine hails from Australia or South Africa it is called Shiraz.
In France this great varietal is found in the great unblended wines of the northern Rhône, such as Hermitage, Côte Rotie, St. Joseph, and Cornas. Australia has been responsible for introducing many Americans to unblended Shiraz as well as Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon blends.
The exact origins of the Syrah grape are unknown. Some believe that it originated in ancient Persia, modern day Iran. It's name comes from the city of Shiraz in the foothills of the Zagros Mountains in Iran. It may have been brought back to Europe along with other exotic fruits and spices. It's journey has continued on to California and Australia.
Syrah wines are known for their subtle spiciness in aroma. Close your eyes and you can smell the cinnamon, oranges, and rose petals. The flavors compliment this impression with flavors of raspberry and black pepper. This subtle richness is one reason Syrah is considered an age worthy wine. Young Syrahs are more powerful in their approach, but are still an easy to drink wine.
California is best known for the Petite Sirah (in reality the Duriff grape), with true Syrahs still being new in the California wine scene. Australia has a 100 year head start in the production of Shiraz. This is the reason for the great bargains found in Austrailian Shiraz. The Australian version has more fruit apparant in the flavors.
The French version is higher in acid and pairs better with food. This is due to the difference in climate. The warmer weather of Australia allows for a more thorough ripening of the grapes, which in turns leads to more fruitiness and a lower acidity. Many think of raisins when smelling the Australian Shriazes. The French Syrahs tend to display raspberry-like fruit aromas.
California has produced some worthy Syrahs in the past few years. The Villa Rica Syrah (1999) is affordable at about $9, and a good introduction to California Syrah, having earned a silver medal at the 2001 New World International Wine Competition. "This full, dense Syrah displays loads of black fruit, boysenberry and pepper aromas and flavors."
The whimsically named Que Sera Sirah Syrah is a French version that lives up to its name. It is a blend of fruit from three different terroirs. This wine earned a seal of approval at the 2001 International Wine Challenge. For under $10 a bottle you can purchase a wine worth cellaring for up to 10 years.
The Crescendo Shiraz, from Western Australia, is an excellent wine for $10. The scents are of cherry, raspberry, white pepper, cinnamon and clove. "A very attractive palate of vivid, sweet fruit is balanced by a soft lingering tannin structure from oak aging." While this wine can age for a few years, it it designed to drink now.
The Kogara Canyon Mudgee Shiraz is known as a rich, full flavored wine. You will find dense aromas of juicy blackcurrant and spice blend with vanillin oak. The supple finish is marvelous. A great wine to serve with grilled meats. It is available for about $10.
All these wines may be purchased from Geerlings and Wade online.
