First, to be clear, Syrah and Shiraz are the very same grape variety. So the actual issue at hand is the pronunciation of "Shiraz" - some say sh-RAHZ while others say sh-RAZZ. The second is correct, much to the chagrin of anyone that deems those hard "A" sounds are just due to my being from the Midwest. It's okay, I've got the entire nation of Australia to back me up.
The grape variety in question has disputed origination, however is notably grown in France's Rhône Valley regions. Here the grape is known as Syrah (see-RAH) and is responsible for the famous varietals of Hermitage as well as blended with other varieties in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and surrounding Côtes-du-Rhône appellations.
In 1832 vine clippings found their way from Europe to Australia given the help of James Busby, a Scottish immigrant to the land down under. Through whatever means the grape came to be called Shiraz (sh-RAZZ) and is now perhaps the most notable, and certainly the most widely planted grape in the country.
The major difference between the wines of Syrah and Shiraz is stylistic. Both wines are full bodied and display a wide range of fruit characteristics. Berries, black pepper, and spice are common in either style. In France, Syrah seems to have more of an earthy, sometimes leathery quality. Shiraz in Australia on the other hand is often fruit-driven with jammy, ripe berry flavors that can sometimes edge out the more subtle earthy notes.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Elk Creek Vineyards Offers Creepy Cuvées for Halloween
Ghostly White (2007)I recently received some wines from Elk Creek Vineyards in Kentucky. With the upcoming holiday these wines have been crafted to be welcome additions to a costume party. I'd like to share my notes on two of the wines released - a Chardonnay and a Cabernet Sauvignon.
Chardonnay
Bone Dry Red (2007)
Cabernet Sauvignon
Elk Creek Vineyards
Kentucky
*Wines received as samples
Monday, October 12, 2009
Quick-Sip: One year blogging and a well deserved Syrah
Coast View Vineyards, Monterey County Syrah (2004)
Savannah Chanelle Winery
Syrah
Coast View Vineyard, Monterey County, CA
1 Year Anniversary - and not a bottle of bubbles in sight
So today will be one year that I started writing oe•no•phile, and here I am busy with some other work and I've not even thought about having some wine today.
For shame - I shall see what is in stock post haste and take some notes.
Thank you to all of you who have supported and followed the blog over the past year. I hope you'll find what the future holds both entertaining and edifying enough to stick around.
Cheers!
For shame - I shall see what is in stock post haste and take some notes.
Thank you to all of you who have supported and followed the blog over the past year. I hope you'll find what the future holds both entertaining and edifying enough to stick around.
Cheers!
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Quick-Sip: Traminer makes a fruitier Silvaner
Trautberg Silvaner und Traminer trocken (2008)
Castell Winery
Silvaner 80% | Traminer 20%
Franken, Germany
Friday, October 9, 2009
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Spanish Wine Education Update
Just a quick note to let everyone know I'm still alive... and I got word that I passed my Spanish Wine Education class! While I don't think I'll be in the top 15 students headed to Spain, I am now officially a "Spanish Wine Educator!"
I'm delighted to have had the opportunity to take the course, and am looking forward to continue learning all about Spain and their wines.
Cheers!
I'm delighted to have had the opportunity to take the course, and am looking forward to continue learning all about Spain and their wines.
Cheers!
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