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Shiraz and Syrah: Demystifying this complex red grape

By Anne Martin, Sommelier

Whether you call it Syrah or Shiraz, this bold, complex grape produces a multitude of wonderfully drinkable red wines in styles that suit every palate.
How to serve Syrah/Shiraz
Decanting: Yes or No?
There are two reasons to decant a wine: to open it up by exposing it to air (when young) or to separate it from its sediment (when older). Most people these days don’t drink older wines, so it’s usually the former. If your wine tastes "tight" – tannic and one-dimensional – it may benefit from decanting. Pour it into a glass jug or decanter and let stand for 20 to 30 minutes before serving. The wine will soften further in the glass.

Syrah/Shiraz profile
• Colour: Medium to deep purple
• Alcohol: Moderate to high
• Acidity: Moderate to lively
• Tannin: High, firm
• Aroma Profile: Expressive; takes well to aging in new oak barrels (sweet vanilla and clove), especially when fully ripe, as in Australian Shiraz

Cooler-Climate Syrah/Shiraz
From: Canada, France and New Zealand
Flavours: Red currant, raspberry, green olive, mint, white pepper

Warmer-Climate Syrah/Shiraz
From: Argentina, Australia, California, Chile, South Africa, South of France and Spain
Flavours: Riper fruit, black pepper, blackberry, black currant, licorice, smoke

How to serve Syrah/Shiraz
Stemware:
Large, slightly curved glasses, not old bowl-style red wine glasses
Temperature: 54°F to 64°F (12°C to 18°C)
Best Enjoyed: With food (particularly the cooler climate styles) or for after-dinner relaxing. Serve these big reds later in the evening; if you start with them, it’s hard to backtrack to lighter wine.
Food pairings: Strongly flavoured meat, especially lamb; game dishes; beef steaks; hearty stews; duck; goose; sausages; and hard cheeses.

Syrah/Shiraz pairing menus:
Rustic Syrah pairing menu
Savoury Shiraz pairing menu

Read more:
Discover Canada's local wines and brews
Recipe: Red wine marinated steak

This story was originally titled "The Wine Taster" in the April 2008 issue.

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