Thursday Virtual Happy Hour: Syrah

While Syrah/Shiraz is adaptable, and grown in numerous regions, it is primarily found in the temperate to warm viticultural areas. As of 2016, approximately 35 percent of the world's Syrah was found in France, followed by Australia with 20 percent and Spain with 10 percent.

Syrah has proved successful in multiple viticultural areas around the world; wines are produced in many styles and display myriad of dark-fruit flavors. Varietal Syrah can be quite floral in its youth, developing white and black pepper aromas and herbaceous notes as it ages. Some examples show tanned leather and smoky scents, while the fruit in these wines tends towards the very dark flavors of blackcurrant and licorice. Old World styles of Syrah are generally produced in a more earthy and savory style in comparison to the New World where fruit-forward notes are more common.

The medium to full-bodied styles of Rhône-style Syrah go well with charcuterie, and pork sausages. It is a particularly good match with the Scottish delicacy Haggis, Neeps and Tatties, if not drinking a decent Single Malt. Well-seasoned dishes do seem to pair well with the slightly peppery versions of the grape. Grilled vegetables match well, as do root vegetables. Syrah is a decent option for Thanksgiving and Christmas (both the main event and the next few day's leftovers) though very sweet sauces should be avoided if splashing out on a Côte-Rôtie.

We have a choice of videos to watch including:

1. https://youtu.be/no-5pXZc014?si=nMkTo2GVAm28alE9 - Understanding the Basics: A Beginner's Guide to SYRAH - Fill of Pinot (13:29)
2. https://youtu.be/b5-4EL1RWYI?si=UD8AvAxDT42gPckL - Syrah - The Unknown Winecaster (6:23)
3. https://youtu.be/vgsTBXzwgqE?si=UM5JXOEDXSQTQ4ye - HERMITAGE: JL CHAVE & LEGENDARY SYRAH - Our Pour Decisions (19:43)

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So, pick up a bottle and watch a couple of videos. Let us know what you’re drinking and eating, and, if possible, the region from which your wine comes. Do you have any comments (positive or negative) about the videos? And, as always, tell us what’s going on in your life - what's happening with you, how you're feeling about things, updates, successes, challenges - as much or as little as you’re willing to disclose. We are in this together. And - thank goodness - we have wine!

Cheers!!