On February 16, 2011, Rhône varietal fans will crack open their favorite bottles of Syrah varietal wines to celebrate International Syrah Day. Hospice du Rhône is helping to organize Syrah lovers across California and throughout the country in celebration of this heralded Rhône grape varietal.
While there has been some intense focus on the grape varietal in recent years, particularly the overplanting of this varietal in California and its modest sales, Syrah has gained a solid following among dedicated wine drinkers, as well as high scores and positive tasting notes from renowned wine reviewers and amateur wine bloggers. The versatility of this grape varietal in cool and warm climates defines its complexity, seductiveness and intense aromas and flavors as a full-bodied wine. As a blending varietal, Syrah provides the backbone for GSM wines. Some winemakers are blending Syrah with non-Rhône varietals, such as Zinfandel.
While there is no shortage of superbly crafted, award-winning Syrah-based GSM blends, I wanted to take this opportunity to highlight but a few single-varietal Syrah wines from Paso Robles and Santa Barbara County. Happy International Syrah Day!
Central Coast Syrah Recommendations:
Herman Story, 2008 "Nuts & Bolts" Syrah
Dragonette Cellars, 2007 Syrah
Blair Fox Cellars, 2007 Syrah, Purisima Mountain Vineyard
Caliza, 2007 Syrah
Barrel 27 Wine Co., 2007 Head Honcho Syrah
Melville, 2008 Syrah
Kenneth-Crawford, 2006 "Four Play" Syrah
Foxen, 2008 Toasted Rope Syrah
Jaffurs, 2007 Syrah, Verna's Vineyard
Alta Colina, 2007 Syrah
Adelaida Cellars, 2008 Syrah
What: International Syrah Day
When: Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Time: All Day
Where: Home, office, local wine store, restaurant, or via Twitter and Facebook
Why: Because you love Syrah!
Twitter Hashtag: #Syrah, #SyrahDay
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