The Syrah wine grape variety is one of the most appreciated red wine stocks in the world. In 2004, it was ranked 7th among the most planted varieties. It is native to the north of the Rhône region in France. According to some DNA analysis, it comes from two less known French varieties, the Dureza and the Mondeuse Blanche varieties. The Syrah grape is grown in almost every wine producing region in the world. However, some say that it is native to the Iranian city of Shiraz, where the famous Shirazi wine is produced. We can find Syrah plantations in France –it is the main variety of the Hermitage, Cornas and Côte-Rôtie appellations in the north area of the Rhône–, in Spain, in Italy, in the United States, in Chile, in Argentina, in New Zealand or in Australia, where it is the most popular variety –and it is known with the name of Shiraz. It is both used for producing monovarietal wines and assemblage wines. Actually, in Argentina it is usually blended with the country’s star grape variety, the Malbec. By means of Argento’s blog, The Real Argentina, discover the qualities that define Syrah wines, which vary depending on the climate conditions and the terroir. They are in general characterised by being full-bodied wines and by having a high amount of tannins and plenty of flavour. They have fruity aromas with black pepper and spices notes. When vineyards are located in hot climates, Syrah wines are more consistent than when those are located in mild climates. The optimal temperature for a Syrah wine to be served is 16 degrees. Our simple guide will help you find the dishes that are better paired with this red wine. They are generally paired with red meat, game, seasoned meals and goat and sheep cheese, such as the Roquefort or the Parmiggiano. The Syrah grapevine must not be mistaken with the Petite Sirah.
As the second biggest wine region in Argentina, San Juan is the source of one in five bottles of Argentine wine and has around 50,000 hectares (120,000 acres) of vineyards. The first plantings were made by the Spanish soon after the city of San Juan de la Frontera was founded in 1562, and probably a few decades before vines spread further south. Its longest surviving winery…
Where do you stand on the cork versus screw cap debate? Perhaps, like several of the recent dinner guests around my kitchen table, you really don’t care, so long as the wines taste good and keep on flowing. Or maybe you are more in tune with the “natural is best” camp. So what are the facts lying behind both points of view?