SYRAH / SHIRAZ

On this evening, we will be tasting 6 fantastic expressions of Syrah/Shiraz with 2 examples from France and then 4 from further afield including South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Chile. 

When you taste Syrah from the NorthernRhône, you’ll be greeted with a punch of flavour that tapers off, followed by a spicy, peppery aftertaste. Versions from Italy and France tend to have more acidity and earthy, herbaceous aromas. Versions from Australia, the U.S., and South America usually have more fruit-driven characteristics and lots of spice. Yes, it's all down to the TERROIR.

Fun Facts About Syrah Wine

1. While called Syrah in most of the world, the grape is typically known as Shiraz in Australia.
2. DNA profiling confirmed that this grape originated along the Rhône in France.
3. The grape may well have been grown in the Rhône Valley since Roman times.
4. From the 1980s to the mid-2000s, Syrah increased in planted hectares from approximately 10,000 ha to over 450,000 ha.
5. Syrah makes some of the darkest red wines in the world.
6. If black pepper is the French trademark, dark chocolate is that of Shiraz produced from some of Australia's hotter vineyards, such as Barossa Valley.
7. Tannins are key components here.
8. If you like both steak and coffee, you will love a Syrah!!!