Imagine sitting with a colleague or date, everything is going well, then being asked, “So, what do you think about the Syrah?”.
Nobody wants to be embarrassed by a lack of wine knowledge, and we want to empower you to have the details you need on the tip of your tongue. So, what is Syrah wine, where did it come from, and what are the best times to drink it?
By the end of this article, you should have a comprehensive knowledge of this drink, including why it is so popular. Read on, then, and ensure you never come up empty again.
What Is Syrah Wine?
Syrah, occasionally known as “Shiraz”, is a popular dark grape that appears in vineyards the world over. It has a special place in wine history, especially in the country of France. This is due to its nature as a staple product in many of the more famous regions in the nation.
As Syrah grapes can grow in many different climates, though, you can find wines made from this all across the world. You are likely to find they provide their own unique flavors, though, depending on the region in which the grapes grow.
The Origin of Syrah Wine
The exact source of the “Syrah” wine as we know it today is unclear. Despite this, we do know there are several significant periods in history when Syrah grapes spread through the world. These include the following:
Ancient Persia: Some of the more long-running legends about Syrah grapes link it to what is now modern-day Iran. Stories suggest the plant was brought to the region of modern France by Crusaders who later settled in the region.
Ancient Rome: Pliny the Elder talked about drinking wine made from a cold-resistant dark grape many believe to be today’s Syrah cultivar. He mentioned how the resulting wine was somewhat new in around 77AD, and discussed how it was well-regarded in the region.
Australia: While not an origin per se, these days, you can find a thriving Syrah industry in the area. It produces a blend of wine here that early documents call “Scyras”, but the word has since mutated into “Shiraz”.
France: This location is often considered the spiritual home of Syrah. Cultivators have produced the grape here for centuries, and the region of Rhône Valley is famed for its vineyards here.
United States: Vignerons in the U.S. have learned from the best of what both Australia and France have to offer in the modern day. As such, many connoisseurs agree that some of the best modern types of wine from Syrah grapes come from this country.
Syrah Wine’s Unique Flavor
Specific wine flavors may vary a little depending on the production method. This lends itself to different wine creators having their own unique variety. Though, a common thread through all of them is the boldness of its characters.
You can expect a strong taste of dark fruits, such as plum and blackberry, as well as black pepper and other spices. Sometimes, the wine will even have slight hints of a smoked meat flavor.
You should note, though, that some of these flavors end up offset by the earthy tones you tend to get from grapes from warmer climates. As such, it is important to understand the range of different experiences you can get, even with a single grape cultivar.
Syrah Wine’s Culinary Pairings
We could not get into the nature of a specific wine without mentioning its food pairings. To get the full sense of the best it can offer, you need to try combining Syrah wine and food from the following categories:
Grilled Lamb
Due to its pepper and spice notes, the Syrah complements the rich and savory flavor of grilled lamb to a T. The wine will enhance the natural taste of the lamb, creating a robust and powerful combination.
Aged Cheeses
Syrah has a high level of tannins in its structure. These then interact with the proteins and fats of aged cheeses, refreshing the palate with every bite. This will not work too well with younger cheeses, though, so make sure you pick the right ones, such as a Cheddar or Gouda.
Mushroom Risotto
The umami flavor of mushrooms blends into a distinct harmony with Syrah. With the wine’s earthy tones, you can expect the two items to enrich one another rather than take anything away. If you are not a fan of mushrooms, we would recommend miso-glazed meats or fish instead.
Why Syrah Is a Must-Try for Wine Lovers
Many people have enjoyed this wine for literal millennia. Due to the range of flavors you can expect when drinking wine from Syrah grapes, you can experience something like what those people did long ago.
Other benefits of wine that you can get from Syrah include the general health boost you can get from taking in red wine. With its rich antioxidants and tannins, it is very much a strong part of any diverse, balanced diet.
With so many wine options available, we would recommend Syrah due to its unique potential for getting better with age. While wine is known to hit a peak as you leave it, Syrah is especially good for this.
At the time of writing, if you find anything between 2014 and 2021, you are very much in luck. You could leave it for a little longer, and may even get better up to around twelve to fourteen years of age.
Selecting the Perfect Syrah Online
With the above knowledge, you will now have a much easier time answering questions like, “So, what is Syrah wine?”. As such, you can now blend in with the other connoisseurs. Still, there is so much more to learn, and trying a Syrah or two while you learn is not a bad idea.
We can provide both. With our delicious varieties of wine, as well as tasting sessions, you can get a real sense of what a wide variety of wines are. So, try buying wine online from our exclusive selection and start your journey to a more discerning palate today.
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