Syrah-based Blends: Tasting Notes

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Syrah-based Blends: Tasting Notes I love Syrah; it seems to be one of the most distinctive, characterful grapes out there. Now while that may seem a stretch, consider how extensively planted the variety is and the myriad expressions of Syrah we are fortunate to have at our disposal. While it may not be the easiest grape to appreciate, it certainly does express its terroir well. Unlike, say, Cabernet, for the most part producers seem intent on creating their own regional styles for Syrah, and Syrah is for the most part taking up the challenge. From rich and spicy with black fruit, to mineral and edgy red-fruited examples, great Syrah keeps on rolling in from around the world.

One of the traditional and common uses for Syrah though is as a blending grape. Think Cotes du Rhone and all the great GSM (Grenache-Syrah-Mourvedre) blends from Australia, for example. These deliver wonderful complex and rich wines, imbued with the character of Syrah, but generally available at a friendlier price than many of the varietal bottlings. It's a great way to get an introduction to spicy Syrah, as well as the styles of wines this wonderfully expressive grape is capable of!

Photo courtesy LexnGer via Flickr/CC

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Founding Member Hand of Snooth Voice of Snooth

2 6,017

Really enjoyed the Langmeil. Complex is dead on.

Aug 31, 2011 at 3:51 PM
steve666

392767 136

I really wish Snooth would have an option to have all the wines on one page .... I hate clicking, clicking, clicking.

Aug 31, 2011 at 5:29 PM
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Founding Member Hand of Snooth Voice of Snooth

2 6,017

Hey Steve - there's a View as One Page link under the slides on the right. Hope that helps.

Aug 31, 2011 at 5:31 PM
steve666

392767 136

Wow, am I a lunkhead..... makes reading Snooth so much better!

Aug 31, 2011 at 6:32 PM
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Founding Member Hand of Snooth Voice of Snooth

2 6,017

Haha - not a lunkhead at all. Glad it's helpful!

Aug 31, 2011 at 6:47 PM