Shiraz and Syrah are both names for the same red wine grape. This grape is most definitely NOT the same as petit syrah, a different red wine grape grown mostly in California.
The Shiraz / Syrah grape is called Syrah in the US, France and many countries. In Australia it is called Shiraz, where it is considered the finest red wine grown there. Shiraz is certainly the most widely planted red grape in Australia. Now that Shiraz has become well known and popular, some wineries in the US who are making an "Austrlian style wine" with this grape are calling their wines Shiraz as well.
Shiraz is known for its spicy blackberry, plum, and peppery flavors. Often there are additional notes of licorice, bitter chocolate and mocha. Shiraz is even affected by growing temperature - warmer climates bring out the mellower flavors of plum, while cooler temperatures spice up the wine. Five selected Shiraz wines 2003 Red Bicyclette Syrah (France), $9.99 A French syrah done in the French style. We found hints of plum in this wine, but in general found it on the bitter side.
2002 Fat Bastard Shiraz (France), $9.99 The exact same grape grown in the same location (Vin de Pays d'oc, France), But Fat Bastard is done in the Aussie style. This was a fuller flavor, with a light peppery, plum flavor. The mouth feel was on the thin side, as if it was watered down. It was fine on its own, but didn't stand up well to food.
2001 Blackstone Syrah (California), $10.99 This French-style Syrah is rich and subtle, with medium body, medium tannins. There are lovely flavors of blackberry, plum, pepper, and gentle oak. Nice garnet color, nice finish.
2002 Rosemount Shiraz (Australia), $12.99 Nice aroma, full body with plum, blackberry, pepper flavors. Great mouth feel, lighting up the entire inside of our mouths. Nice rich color as well.
2002 Rosemount Hill of Gold Shiraz (Australia), $17.99 Very full aroma, very full flavor. Tingles the inside of your mouth. The typical plum, pepper, blackberry flavors plus cinnamon and clove hints as well. Lovely finish.
The Shiraz / Syrah grape is called Syrah in the US, France and many countries. In Australia it is called Shiraz, where it is considered the finest red wine grown there. Shiraz is certainly the most widely planted red grape in Australia. Now that Shiraz has become well known and popular, some wineries in the US who are making an "Austrlian style wine" with this grape are calling their wines Shiraz as well.
Shiraz is known for its spicy blackberry, plum, and peppery flavors. Often there are additional notes of licorice, bitter chocolate and mocha. Shiraz is even affected by growing temperature - warmer climates bring out the mellower flavors of plum, while cooler temperatures spice up the wine. Five selected Shiraz wines 2003 Red Bicyclette Syrah (France), $9.99 A French syrah done in the French style. We found hints of plum in this wine, but in general found it on the bitter side.
2002 Fat Bastard Shiraz (France), $9.99 The exact same grape grown in the same location (Vin de Pays d'oc, France), But Fat Bastard is done in the Aussie style. This was a fuller flavor, with a light peppery, plum flavor. The mouth feel was on the thin side, as if it was watered down. It was fine on its own, but didn't stand up well to food.
2001 Blackstone Syrah (California), $10.99 This French-style Syrah is rich and subtle, with medium body, medium tannins. There are lovely flavors of blackberry, plum, pepper, and gentle oak. Nice garnet color, nice finish.
2002 Rosemount Shiraz (Australia), $12.99 Nice aroma, full body with plum, blackberry, pepper flavors. Great mouth feel, lighting up the entire inside of our mouths. Nice rich color as well.
2002 Rosemount Hill of Gold Shiraz (Australia), $17.99 Very full aroma, very full flavor. Tingles the inside of your mouth. The typical plum, pepper, blackberry flavors plus cinnamon and clove hints as well. Lovely finish.
No comments:
Post a Comment