It has been often said, March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.   Now, you may be asking yourself, what does that have to do with wine?  Well, one of the most exceptional things to pair with wine is lamb.

One of our favorite varietals of wine to pair with lamb is syrah.  As syrah made it’s way to the new world it picked up another name that most people recognize: shiraz.  Shiraz is most commonly used in Australia but some American wineries have also taken to calling syrah by shiraz.

Syrah grapes have a thick dark skin, which creates a beautiful dark purple wine that is full bodied and has a wide range of flavor profiles. Syrah can be very peppery, herbaceous, and earthy.  It can also be fruity like blueberries or blackberries with a range from under-ripe to very ripe.   This versatility makes syrah a great option to pair with multiple dishes from gamey meats to sweet bbq sauces.

For now we suggest you take a trip around the globe, starting in the Rhone Valley of France, then hopping across the pond to California, taking the bus northward to Washington (our favorite region for Syrah!) then catch a flight to Australia to find what style of syrah most satisfies your palette.

Cheers!

Chris & Becky