And I’m not talking about a blend here, they are actually the same grape variety! The term Shiraz is mostly used in Australia, but it can be used in other parts of the world, typically if the winemaker is accenting the Australian style – fruitier, higher alcohol.  So how does one grape get two names?  There are a whole lot more occurrences than I realized now that I’m working on my CSW (Certified Specialist of Wine).  For example, Pinot Noir and Spätburgunder are one and the same, the later being the common name in Germany.  In France, Ugni Blanc is commonly used for cognac, but the very same grape is known as Trebbiano in Italy and is the most widely grown white!

So other than Australia, where else is Syrah grown? It is quite famous in the Rhône Valley of southern France (its original home), as well as in the Paso Robles region of California in the US.  Although less popular,  South Africa, Washington State, and Argentina are producing Syrah as well. These are mostly Continental and Mediterranean climates, so there is plenty of sun to ripen the grapes.  Depending on where it is grown, the style of the wine will be different; usually Old World regions (like the Rhône Valley of France) will be more subtle on the fruit, and have higher acidity and lower alcohol than the New World (Australia, Paso Robles). The flavors from the grape are tar, black pepper, chocolate, and earth; typically the tannins are very high.

I had a few girlfriends over to taste an example from 4 different regions, all were delicious!

The first was an example from Australia’s Barossa Valley, purchased at Publix for $13.00 and it earned 3 stars.

• Wine: 2015 Barossa Valley Estate Barossa Valley, Australia
• Look: Clear, Opaque, Purple, Pale Rim
• Smell: Clean, Medium Intensity, Cherry, Plum, Leather
• Taste: Dry, Medium Acidity, Medium Tannin, Full Body, Blackberry, Black Currant, Black Pepper
• Notes: Medium alcohol, Long finish, Good, Ready but could age, Balanced

Next up was my favorite of the bunch, a French one, surprise surprise. I’m still thinking about this wine. This was a Total Wine find, and it was $19.99, I think a great value! I gave it a rare 4 stars.

• Wine: 2015 Nobles Rives by Cave de Tain Croze-Hermitage, Northern Rhone Valley, France
• Look: Clear, Opaque, Purple, Pale Rim
• Smell: Clean, Medium intensity, Violet, Earth, a touch of vinegar (not enough to be offputting)
• Taste: Dry, Medium Acid, High Tannin, Bell Pepper, Black Pepper
• Notes: Medium alcohol, Medium Finish, Excellent, Ready to drink, Balanced

Third we tasted from Washington State. This one was big and what I would want for a Syrah. Unfortunately it is over my usual budget, but it was worth including for the comparison point. $35 from Total Wine, but totally earned 3 stars.

• Wine: 2015 MCK (Motor City Kitty) Washington State, USA
• Look: Clear, Opaque, Purple
• Smell: Clean, Medium Intensity, Cherry, Tar
• Taste: Dry, High Acid, High Tannin, Full bodied, Raspberry, Blackberry, Black Currant, Black Cherry, Forest, White pepper, Banana (we took ages to figure that last one out)
• Notes: Medium alcohol, Medium Finish, Good, Ready but could age, Balanced

Last wine was a blend from South Africa, also procured at Publix. Priced at $13, it was so full of flavors, but I think with age it would be really nice. Gave it 2 stars, but only because it needs more time.

• Wine: 2017 The Wolftrap Cape of Good Hope, South Africa
• Look: Clear, Deep, Purple
• Smell: Clean, Medium Intensity, Strawberry, Raspberry, Cherry, Jam, Chocolate
• Taste: Dry, High Acid, Medium Tannin, Full Bodied, Cherry, Black Pepper
• Notes: Medium alcohol, Medium Finish, Acceptable, Needs Aging, Balanced