Syrah: Tis the season for grilled meats and veggies

“What am I tasting” is a fun, blind tasting game from Wine Spectator that doesn’t require actually drinking any wine. Please be advised, take the test as a prequel to enjoying your wine better. While catching up on my reading, I came across an article mixed in with other leads named: Wine IQ; Know your Grapes; Wine Savvy and Wine Quiz. I think most winos will find the article informative. I certainly learned several interesting facts. Go here, after reading the entire paper: www.winespectator.com/whatamitasting.

Tis the season for grilled meats and veggies. I enjoy firing up the grill, and after grilling the meat or seafood, move the coals to one corner, tossing in some wet wood chips, soak at least one hour, to provide a good smoke. Next, layer various peppers, onions, eggplant and summer squash, maybe some DelMarValous tomatoes or white sweet corn all cut into appropriate shapes and gently tossed with some salt and olive oil, then covering the 250-300 degree grill for a gentle smoke. I like to cut veggies about one inch thick except squash and onions about a half inch, and smoke about 10 minutes. Don’t worry about allowing the grilled meat to stand. That is actually preferred to allow the juices to distribute.

I have found that well chosen Syrah are perfect accompaniments with this type fare. Long timers will remember that these varietal wines gained prominence in the Rhone region of France. Over the past 75 years they have become ubiquitous. The primary reasons, they are adaptable and thrive in many micro climates. They can grow in rocky, sandy or even fertile soils. They thrive in slightly cooler but, sun-drenched locations. In fact, one of the more famous regions in the Cote du Rhone is named Cote Rotie (Roasted slope). Located in the northernmost reach of the Rhone Valley, proximate to Burgundy, the vintners learned to plant Syrah on very steep, roughly 60-inch slopes facing south to capture the most sun. This configuration also blocks out the Bise, a cooling wind that arises in the north, similar to those that enter Delaware from Canada. The result is the perfect ripening combination for Syrah and Viognier. These are the only two varietal wines allowed by law in the region and the max blend can only include 20 percent Viognier, which is added for its redolent bouquet. 

Paso Robles to San Luis Obispo is the place to look for top notch domestic Syrah. Although many writers and wino experts attribute the blossoming of Rhone varietal wine here to Robert Hass and Rhone’s Perrin Family’s Tablas Creek, RRs know it was put on the map by Randall Graham and the Rhone Rangers. From 1983 to date, the number Paso wineries has risen from $17-$250. If price is not an issue, Saxum, which can only be had from their long waiting list or at auction, produces a bunch of single vineyard selections all good to terrific. Go a bit lower in price but maintaining mid 90s McD, Epoch Block B $90-$100, 2014 and 2016, 95 McD are both in their window and can be found. Jordan Fiorentini is a brilliant winemaker with a Dartmouth BS Engineering and an MS viticulture from Davis Her pedigree began at the family winery in Georgia to Araujo, Antinori in Italy to winemaker at Chalk Hill.

If you want high score value without budget deficit sized prices, look in Mendocino. look for these names: 2017 or 2018 both 93 McD, $45 Jolie-Laide, Halcon Vineyard; Drew Family Perli Vineyard; Copain Baker Ranch, 2017, new release 93 McD under $50 or better their Hawks Butte, 2017, 95 McD, $50. Hawks Butte shows blackberry, cherry bouquet with hints of licorice, black pepper and blueberry. On the round balanced palate proper tannin/acidity supports plum, blueberry, cigar box and cumin flavors through a long clean finish. I was surprised at its flavors and long finish due a medium purple color which suggested a less complex wine. You are safe with all Hawks Butte since 2011 the low score, at 90 McD. Two good tips with Mendocino Syrah are: look for wineries along the Yorkville Highlands. Its reputation is growing and be careful with the 2017s because of the fires and flooding in low lying areas.