01/30/08 Syrah

Welcome to Vine to Wine this is your host Linda Moran and it seems that there is a buzz about Syrah everywhere I go and in many of the publications I read. I think Syrah has captured the interest of the consumer especially since the Aussie invasion into the wine market with the big juicy oaky styles of Shiraz. So is Syrah the next big thing? The vinifera grape best known as Syrah we believe hailed originally from Persia where it was known as Shiraz. The Romans brought the cultivation of the vinifera grapes to many regions of the world and the Shiraz grape in France, the French translation being Syrah. Predominantly grown in the Rhone Valley Syrah is blended with other grapes from the region to create many sought after and admired wines. However, in recent years Syrah going by the name of Shiraz from Australia has captured the general consumers' interest big time. The increase in plantings of Syrah in many of the world's major wine regions has shown that winemakers are also having a bit of a love affair with grape varietal. Domestically both California and Washington state have been producing some world class Syrah in varying styles. The marketing folks are projecting that after we get tired of Pinot Noir we will be redirecting our fancy to Syrah and Shiraz. Will it ever surpass Cabernet Sauvignon? Who can tell? But, for now try tasting a few Syrahs from the different wine growing regions of the world. Both styles and prices will vary  be conscious of the blends - as they will be different from those made predominantly of Syrah. Remember to send your wine questions to Linda at vine to wine dot net and thanks for joining me on today's Vine to Wine.