Attributes:

Strathewen Hills

Australia, Australia/New Zealand

Syrah / Shiraz

750 ML

2005: WineSpectator Rating: 90

plum

2004: WineSpectator Rating: 88

lively acidity

*-scented

cherry, licorice

ripe

2004: Tanzer Rating: 93

bright

rich

powerful

black cherry, blackberry, boysenberry, meat, oak, rose, spices, violet

concentrated, ripe, sweet

smooth

2002: WineAdvocate Rating: 89

soft

complex

elegant

licorice, oak

2002: Tanzer Rating: 90

focused

blackberry, cassis, espresso, lavender, mineral, raspberry, tea, vanilla

juicy

delicate, dense

2001: WineAdvocate Rating: (90-93)

white flowers

full-bodied

deep, layered

tasty

blackberries, creme de cassis, minerals, oak

concentrated

Food Matches:

In the past few decades Australia’s wine industry has transformed itself into one of the most technologically advanced in the world. A combination of a generally warm, dry climate and a cultural affinity for creating, rather than following, tradition has resulted in wines that are soft and pleasant to drink from an early age. They are the epitome of user-friendliness. Australia’s wine regions are mainly in the southern, cooler part of the country, clustered mainly in the state of Victoria, the southern part of South Australia and the cooler parts of New South Wales. Syrah, or Shiraz as it is known there, is the top grape, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Semillon. The wines are generally listed with the name of their grape variety, which must constitute at least 85 percent of the wine. Although Australia’s winemaking region is vast, most labels indicate only that their contents come from South Eastern Australia. Flavor is indicated by the variety of grape used to make the wine. Australia’s classification system is generally lax when it comes to quality and labeling. Some bottles indicate a specific state of origin (New South Wales, Victoria, or South Australia), or a region within a state, but these smaller zones are still being decided.

Originally grown in France’s Northern Rhône Valley (where it is a noble variety) this grape has spread to Australia, California, Washington, Italy and Spain. In the Rhone region this grape produces deeply colored wines with full body and firm tannin, however in Australia, where it is known as Shiraz, the wines are lighter and fruitier. Aromas and flavors for these wines vary as much as their geographical breadth suggests: berries, smoked meat, bell peppers, even tar.

Australian name for the grape known as Syrah in France.

Attributes:

Domaine Pontifical

Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France

Rhone Blend - Red

750 ML

Food Matches:

(shah toe nuf doo pahp)—Situated on the sun-baked southern reaches of the Rhone Valley, this appellation grows a great number of grape varieties, but is best known for its full-bodied dry reds. As many as thirteen different kinds of grape can end up in one bottle, although most vintners use only three or four, especially Syrah, Mourvédre, and Grenache.

Attributes:

Produttori del Barbaresco

Piedmont, Italy

Nebbiolo

750 ML

1999: WineSpectator Rating: 90

full-bodied

rich

plum, spicy

1997: WineSpectator Rating: 90

full-bodied

complex

a beauty

cinnamon

1996: WineSpectator Rating: 86

soft

medium- to full-bodied

coffee, herbs, plum

Food Matches:

This noble variety from Italy is used primarily in Barolo and Barbaresco, two Piedmontese wines. It is a powerful, lusty grape, high in both tannin and acidity but balanced by an ample alcoholic content. Its color can be deep when the wine is young, but orangey tinges can develop within a few years. Its complex aroma is fruity, earthy, woodsy, herbal and floral.

Located in the northwest cuff of the “boot,” Piedmont is home to the famous Nebbiolo grape. Barolo and Barbaresco, two of the world’s great red wines, are made from Nebbiolo grapes in the Langhe hills around Alba. Both are DOCG wines named after the village in which it is produced. Less expensive red wines include Dolcetta, Barbera, and softer versions of Nebbiolo. White wines are less well known in Piedmont, but two interesting whites are Gavi, which is dry and fairly acidic, and Arneis, a medium-dry wine with a rich texture.