From: Santa Ynez Valley, CA
Varietal: Syrah
Taste: This gorgeous Syrah displays aromas of rich blackberry, plum skin, dark chocolate, and subtle, well-integrated notes of earth, black pepper, and a hint of smokiness. On the palate, the wine is beautifully structured and rich without being jammy, finishing long and elegant, with firm, polished tannins. As the wine opens, layers of fruit, spice, and earth unfold and unfurl. Extremely well-made and balanced, this Syrah is made for the dinner table.
Pairing: This wines bold, full-bodied and complex flavors pair well with a wide range of foods. Here’s some food pairing suggestions for your dinner inspirations!
Barbecue: The smoky and spicy notes in many Syrah wines can complement the flavors of barbecue dishes, including ribs, brisket, and pulled pork.
Spice: The pepper and spice notes in Syrah can also pair well with foods rich with flavor, such those found in Indian or Moroccan cuisine. For example, Lamb tagine: A lamb tagine is a Moroccan stew made with lamb, vegetables, and spices such as cinnamon, cumin, and coriander. The rich, meaty flavors in the lamb work well with the bold flavors and tannins in Syrah, while the warm spices in the dish can complement the wine's peppery and spicy notes (see below for recipe).
Grilled or roasted meats: The bold flavors and tannic structure of Syrah can stand up well to rich, meaty dishes such as grilled or roasted beef, lamb, or venison. For example, Grilled lamb chops: Grilled lamb chops can be a great pairing with Syrah, particularly if they are seasoned with herbs such as rosemary and thyme. The charred, smoky flavors from the grill can complement the wirevealene's subtle hint of smokiness, while the herbs can enhance the wine's earthy notes.
Harissa-spiced lamb kebabs: Harissa is a North African spice blend that typically includes chili peppers, cumin, and coriander, among other spices. Marinating lamb kebabs in harissa can create a dish with bold, spicy flavors that can pair well with the peppery and spicy notes in Syrah.
Lamb Tagine
By Melissa Clark
From the Wine Institute Harvest Report released in November 2021.
“Winemakers across California predict that the 2021 vintage will be one of the best in recent memory, while the Golden State’s winegrowers enjoyed a smooth harvest following a moderate and consistent growing season.
Picking began early in many regions, including the North Coast — ranging from a week to several weeks ahead of average. Central Coast appellations experienced a cool year that prompted a later-than-average start.”
The region. Santa Ynez Valley is a wine region located in Santa Barbara County, California. This region is known for its cool climate and diverse topography, which allows for the cultivation of a variety of grape varietals. The area is particularly known for its Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah wines.
Syrah is a signature grape varietal of Santa Ynez Valley, and the region is known for producing some exceptional examples of this wine. Syrah from Santa Ynez Valley tends to be full-bodied with bold fruit flavors of blackberry and plum, as well as spicy notes of black pepper and tobacco. It often has a firm tannic structure and can age well over time.
