Wine of the Day for January 8, 2010
Syrah
I met some new friends last night at Carmella’s in Appleton: Mary Clare, Laura, Susan and many others. Such a a good time with this networking group. What a great group of women!
Carmella’s (had an awesome antipasto appetizer) is an Italian Bistro, and so obviously, there was much wine to be had (my kind of place)! Some of my new friends enjoy Syrah (although they all had different wines last night) and so I thought I would write about Syrah today in honor of my new friends.
Syrah’s origin is likely the Rhône Valley in France, and is today widely grown in many premium wine regions including one of my favorites, California. Syrah and Shiraz are the same grape, Syrah more commonly referred to in America and Europe, and Shiraz in Australia and South Africa.
Syrah is a beautiful, big, bold, hardy wine, made from grapes that enjoy sun and is full of sugars and tannins, meaning this wine tends to age well.
With common notes blackberry, plum, spice, leather, this wine reminds me a bit of Zinfandel with its spicy finish. I think that’s why I enjoy it so much. Syrah pairs very nicely with grilled foods, Edam or Gouda cheese and I have included a recipe for your enjoyment as well.
I look forward to enjoying a glass or two of Syrah with my new friends. Please visit their websites:
Mary Clare at marketamerica.com/customconcepts
Susan Volkman at rrdonnelley.com
Laura Manley-Mispagel at northwesternmutual.com
