syrah/shiraz

Shiraz is simply the New World synonym for syrah, however with the movement of flying winemakers and modernising of labels, the two names are becoming inter-changeable throughout the world. It is one of the great noble black grape varieties capable of producing wines of immense power and character and longevity. Its spiritual home is the Northern Rhône where it produces the great Hermitage (arguably the greatest incarnation of syrah), Côte Rôtie, St Joseph and Cornas appellations. Typically cool climate syrah will have a distinctive spicy aroma with clear notes of cracked black pepper and capsicum. As it matures it becomes gamey developing leathery, meaty notes and it gains an incredible complexity in the right hands.

It has taken well all over the world, but it found immense popularity in Australia where it produces big, gutsy wines with plenty of ripe berry fruit and frequently a menthol aroma. It is also responsible for Australia's flagship wine, Penfold's Grange.

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