Shiraz / Syrah
Syrah or Shiraz are the same grape; the Australian name, Shiraz, is generally better known than the French name, Syrah, and yet France grows the most Syrah or Shiraz in the world. For more information read my Syrah blogpost
Shiraz is versatile: look at the different styles of 100% Shiraz wines such as the smooth classics of the Northern Rhône, the often full-bodied spicy Barossa Valley Shiraz and increasingly fine examples from South Africa which generally sit somewhere between the two. Syrah also blends well with other varieties; it is often paired with the more austere and tannic grape, Cabernet Sauvignon, with Grenache and Mourvèdre in the classic Côtes du Rhône blends of the Southern Rhône and increasingly with a splash of Viognier which adds perfume and silkiness.

Domaine des Escaravailles 'Les Hautes Granges' Côtes du Rhône Villages Roaix 2018
£28.50 / bottle
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