Brightest Young Things

Forgive me, but I am stealing the wine column this week. The resident wine girl, Danielle, has been busy with the Beaujolais event (HOPEFULLY EVERYONE WOKE UP HUGGING A BOTTLE-ed) and asked if we could trade columns. I promise she will not be writing about how to make something out of wine labels.

Last week, Best Cellars in Dupont Circle had their monthly "Tasty Tuesday" wine tasting. The theme for November was Sexy Syrah, and offered tastings of seven different Syrahs. The Tasty Tuesday classes (generally held the 2nd Tuesday of the month for $10) are an excellent opportunity to learn something new about wine, and get sauced at the same time. If you're a wine novice, don't fear, these classes are not intimidating in the least. I saw more than a few "unwitting" participants, who were dragged along by their significant others. So even if you don't know the difference between a tannin and the family from Full House, it's okay!

The event, and the range of Syrahs that were offered, inspired me to write an intro to Syrah.

Palin Syrah from Chile. I can see Argentina from my vineyard!

A little bit about Syrah, or Shiraz

If you're not familiar with the term Syrah, you may know it by the more common Shiraz. There are a number of myths surrounding the Syrah/Shiraz naming convention, and there's no agreement on anything. Syrah is the term used to describe the grape in the Rhône region of Southeastern France. Legend has it that the grape travelled from city of Shiraz in Persia (now Iran) to France, and that Syrah is a French synonym. A genetic study conducted by UC Davis in 1998 determined the grape is native to France, but the debate still continues. For the most part, Syrah is the term used in France and the United States, and Shiraz is used in Australia and South Africa. It's essentially all about marketing--the term Shiraz is more widely recognized, and it sells better. In the past 10-15 years, Syrah has become one of the most popular varieties of wine in the world.

Syrah's has always been a blending grape in French wines, generally you will not see a Rhône wine that is 100% Syrah. The grape really came into its own when it was planted in Australia. It has since spread to all corners of the world. Spain, Chile, South Africa, the U.S., so on and so forth.

But, enough with the history lesson. To me, Syrah is interesting because it is grown all over the world, in different styles--so a bottle from South Africa might be completely different than a bottle from Washington State. You can have so many different experiences, even though the labels might all say Syrah or Shiraz. It can be a complex and daunting wine, a lot of first time tasters are turned off by Syrah. It's not always an easy sipper, in the way a light Pinot Noir might be.

Australian Shiraz is often described as being very peppery and earthy. You'll also get some blueberry and blackberry flavors. A good pick is the 2005 Shoofly Shiraz, a really good deal at $15. This is a bold wine, that would pair well with a peppery food.

South African Syrah is interesting, and notable for its very smokey aroma. In my tasting notes for the 2006 Bradgate Syrah ($10) I scribbled "smells like a house fire." This is an interesting characteristic of South African wines, and no one is particularly sure why they have such a smokey smell. Some say it has to do with the soil, or it's a virus that plagues the grapes. In any event, it adds some character to the wine. These Syrahs often taste a bit smokey, and have notes of licorice and black cherry.

Spain also has Syrah, and a good offering is the 2005 Piqueras Valcanto Syrah ($13). This is a bit tannic and a little smokey. However, I challenge you to find a $13 wine that is this complex and delicious.

France does offer some 100% Syrah wines. However, generally Syrah makes up a small part of a blend. A big exception to that rule is Côte Rôtie, where Syrah was long blended with a bit of Viognier. Recently, though, more 100% Syrah offerings have been made. I must warn you though, these wines are very tannic. Often very "gamey" in that the smell and taste a bit like a freshly killed animal. Almost a blood and coffee mixture. These wines need to age, and are not really awesome for immediate consumption.

Looking for a good holiday gift? Maybe you know someone who collects wine, or is always trying something new. If you are willing to spend a little bit more, there are some really good Syrahs from the United States. A great gift for that wine nerd you know could be the 2006 Neyers Old Lakeville Syrah ($35).Yes, it's pricey, but this will age very well and is a great value. It has a beautiful aroma of cinnamon and spice, and has fruity notes that will only get better with age. If you want to impress a wine connoisseur, have them taste this and mention it scored a 93 in Wine Spectator. You don't have to tell them you didn't spend $100 on it. This Syrah does not taste anything like it's Australian cousin.

Bubbly Syrah

If you're looking for something sparkling, but want to try something different--consider a sparkling Syrah. Paringa's South Australian Sparkling Shiraz runs about $10 and makes for a good conversation piece at a party. Most people haven't tried a Sparkling Syrah, so it can be fun to experience together. This is a very fruity and smooth wine. It's not complex, or particularly fancy, but it will make a lasting impression. Sparkling red wine isn't very common.

FYI: The next tasting event at Best Cellars will be held on December 16 at 8:30. It's a tour of sparkling wine and Champagne, dubbed "A Sparkling Affair." For this event, tickets will be $20. According to Best Cellars Dupont Manager Amanda Weaver-Page, the tastings have been very popular and this is expected to sell out. Tickets can be purchased at the store (1643 Connecticut Ave NW) or online at localwineevents.com.

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