03/27/07 Rhone Style Syrah

Welcome to Vine to Wine this is your host Linda Moran. Today let's discuss what is meant by the reference a "Rhone style" Syrah. Very often wines are described to me as being made in the style or typical way of a wine from someplace else. On a recent wine tasting trip with friends, I realized the term Rhone style was used to describe a Syrah being poured for us. Everyone nodded their heads as though they were awed  but when I pressed them to describe to me what that meant, I was met by a blank stare and realized they had no idea what that meant. You see, the wine we tasted, although labeled Syrah, was blended with some Grenache and a splash of the white grape Viognier. These are grapes typically used in blended wines from the Rhone region of France. With the growing popularity of Syrah among consumers and wine makers this was bound to happen. I personally think the trend towards more blended wines here in the United States is going to lead to a need for us to ask more questions. When the person pouring for you in the tasting room makes the mention that a wine resembles or is made in the style of some place other than where you are, you really don't have to pretend you know . Just ask what that means and realize that most likely there are others present who are also wanting to know, but were afraid to ask. Remember to send your wine questions to Linda at vine to wine dot net and thank you for joining me on today's Vine to Wine.