Trendy Red Wine...it's time to be a trend setter!

Syrah, Sirah, Shiraz, no matter how you spell it, this grape is hot and getting hotter!

We wine consumers often look for the latest greatest wine trend to latch on to and that’s not a bad thing.  Winemakers plant grapes that produce wines that “we” want.  Ten years ago California Syrah was the red-headed-step-child that was occasionally used as a blending wine.  There were a few passionate producers who bottled Syrah; I have found memories of Joseph Phelps Vin du Mistral. This was one of the first Rhone style wines produced in California, and one of the first Syrah based wines I enjoyed.  A few of the other “Rhone Rangers” that made an impact; John Alban of Alban Vineyards, Bob Lindquist of Qupe, and Randall Graham of Bonny Doon all contributed to the present notoriety of Syrah.

Ten years may not seem like that long ago, but lets put it in vitacultural terms.  In 1990 California crushed a measly 580 tons of Syrah from just 344 cultivated acres.  By the end of the century, Syrah acreage was climbing past 10,000 acres with a hefty 72,000 tons crushed.  Washington State had virtually no Syrah 10 years ago, now more than 3000 acres are under cultivation. Why the increase, great wines, getting great reviews at a fair price, that are flying off wine merchant’s shelves.  US wine sales of Syrah are up 85% this past year, compared to a 5% increase in overall red wine sales!

A little Syrah history is in order.  The grape, with roots in the Rhone valley, is notorious for producing Hermitage and Cote-Rotie.  Further south, it’s Cote du Rhone and Chateauneuf Du Pape.  The Australians call it Shiraz where it continues to be the dominant red grape with 40% of total production.  Max Schubert of Penfolds created the buzz years ago with Grange Hermitage and the Aussies contributed to the popularity in this county with many inexpensive great wines made from Syrah. 

Back to California – where the grape grows well in most all of the popular growing regions, and in the full spectrum of climatic influence, let’s talk about style.  Of all red wines, Syrah has a broad array of aromas, flavors and textures.  From the big bold high tannin wines with descriptors of dark berry, earth, leather, spice, smoke, black pepper and an almost indescribable meaty animal element, to the lighter more fruit forward style with elements of cherry, blackberry, and plums, often smooth and silky with hints of violets and rose petals.  Either of these styles can develop complex layers of flavor with bottle age.  The price range is equally diverse, but don’t feel like you have to spend a lot to get good quality.

I’d be remise if I didn’t mention Petite Syrah.  A “Rhone” style indeed, but from a grape peculiar to California with lineage traced to Durif, a little used grape grown in small quantities in the Midi of southeastern France.  Try these wines and you are sure to find a favorite, look for labels from Parducci, Zaca Mesa, and Foppiano.

I have listed a few Syrah choices that I like, but as with any wine, experiment, talk to your wine friends and your local merchant to help you decide what style may meet your personal likes.  Go Craze-e, gather a bunch of friends and have each bring a different Syrah, what a perfect way to enjoy this wine that is the current trendsetter from California!

Good Life Guy’s picks:

Shooting Star Syrah $15

Cline Los Carneros $23

Renwood Sierra Series $14

Zaca Mesa Syrah $

Echlon California Syrah $23

Delicato Shiraz $8