Syrah and Shiraz are different names, but the same grape. All world knows it as Syrah, except in some countries like Australia, South Africa or Canada where called it Shiraz. Available mostly as red variant, but sometime wineries make rose as well. General flavors: plum and blackberry, but U.S. and French wines has a hint of the chocolate too. High tannin wine, so pair with lamb, beef, veal or spicy foods.

Different Syrah wines are available on the market. Their style depend on the climate, where they were planted and on special cellar techniques. Syrah grape of California generally hand shorted and the process is based on gravity flow. Finally in the cellar winemakers do a longer period pre-fermentation phase with 5-ton stainless steel fermentors. A very unique purple color wine from this state the Smoking Loon Syrah with a touch of sage, wild strawberry and mocha. Try it with Lamb Vindaloo.

Many Australian Shiraz makers are proud to their wine as usually is very fruity. Australia has a special, warmer climate which brings out fruit flavors especially in Southern regions. An excellent choice from Victoria region is a Reserve Shiraz (2002). Vineyard use French and American oak to get extra vanilla over the black pepper aroma. A special matching for this wine is Rare Roast Beef.

Pepper is a unique attribute of Syrah. Regions with lots of sunshine are able to help to bring this special flavor from the grape and wine. Washington State is a sunny state. One of the most interesting wine palate region is Walla Walla valley. Reininger Winery has a great Syrah around there. Dark color wine with minerals and pepper. Our suggestion is Roasted Beef Sirloin.

As I mentioned South Africa is famous of Shiraz over on Chenin Blanc. As in Australia they use different oaks during the wine-making. Fermentation occurred in stainless steel tanks, with pump-overs of one hour performed twice daily. The wine was pressed after 5 days, and a portion was oak aged in a combination of French and American oak for 6 months. Indaba Shiraz is a great vintage from 2008 with juicy and lively flavors of ripe blackberry, blueberry and dark chocolate. Consume it with a half an hour Lemon Chicken.

We traveled through the world with Syrah and Shiraz. We found different tastes, that's why many great food are suggested next to it. As Syrah has higher tannin content usually recommended higher fat content foods. During your meal do not forget to serve it on the highest temperature of the wines which is 65 F.

Have a fine pairing!