What’s the difference between Syrah and Shiraz? Absolutely nothing, it’s the same grape. If it comes from the Northern Hemisphere (United States, France), most producers will label it Syrah, although there are some exceptions. Alternately, if it comes from the Southern Hemisphere, most notably those in Australia, South Africa, and South America, producers call their wines Shiraz after the long held belief that the grape came from Shiraz, Iran. Wrong! It has now been discovered through DNA research that the grape’s genetic birthplace is the Northern Rhone region of France, but these days, the grape is planted in a variety of spots throughout the world.
Like any grape, the style of wine produced is heavily dictated by the place it is grown, and we’re going to give you the chance to experience this firsthand at our wine tasting this Friday, February 6th from 4 to 7 p.m. You’ll get to try a few different Syrah and Shiraz-based wines for just $5 (free for Grape Nuts), and you’ll taste the difference. Even better, all of the tasting wines will be on sale at 10% off by the bottle, 15% off if you mix and 6-11 of them, and 20% off if you mix any 12 or more of them. Stop by, taste, learn, and save every Friday at Table Wine.
The Wines
Prices range from $12 to $40
1. 2011 Hyatt Vineyards Syrah (Rattlesnake Hills, Washington) – This family owned and operated winery makes one of the best Syrah/Shiraz values we stock. Washington State has developed a tremendous reputation for Syrah production, and the wines tend to bridge the styles of France and Australia. This one offers up Syrah’s classic spice and smoke characteristics (more French) with ripe blueberry, blackberry, and raspberry fruit (more Aussie) to create a harmonious wine perfect for sipping with a burger or without.
2. 2011 Monier-Perréol Saint-Joseph (Northern Rhone, France) – Jean-Pierre Monier makes one our favorite Syrahs in the entire store. This is Syrah from its genetic birthplace made by a producer that knows what they’re doing. Good Northern Rhone Syrah is powerful and assertive, but elegant and pretty at the same time, and that combination of brawn and beauty is what we love about this wine. Sensual, earthy, spicy, and beautifully textured, this one is for true lovers of European wines.
3. 2012 Shinas Estate Shiraz “The Guilty” (Victoria, Australia) – If you like big, luscious, flamboyant reds, you might just love this one. George Shinas is a magistrate judge and a winemaker/tender of vines, and his wines are firmly rooted in the Australian style. From very old, low yielding vines harvested extremely late, Shinas ages this intensely flavored red in French oak for 24 months. The resulting wine is super ripe, rich, and decadent.