Ok, I know – a really bad pun, but I couldn’t resist. I have already shared some thoughts on my favorite while varietal, Sauvignon Blanc, so I thought it time to move on to some musings on reds.
Syrah or Shiraz is the same grape. In France it Syrah and makes some of the big red Rhones that they are famous for. The Australians, just being cheeky by nature, call it Shiraz. Lately the U.S. producers seem to use the names interchangeably.
No matter what it is called, here is what you get. These are very big, full bodied wines. The color tends to be very dark and almost inky. The dark color supports the usual flavors of black fruit – cherries, plums, and berries. There is a very “jammy” quality that I find very attractive in reds. Often you get an undertone of spice – primarily clove and pepper. Although the tannins are usually described as firm, you do not think you are chewing on a tree trunk.
If you find Cabernet Sauvignon too much and Pinot Noir too little, Syrah/Shiraz is the wine for you. I will be posting my very personal reviews over the next few days on some of my value favorites, so be on the lookout.
Cheers!
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