Alice King's wine course
Part 3: red wines

Syrah
Known as Shiraz in Australia, this grape produces strong, full-bodied, intensely coloured wines.

Flavour. Syrah’s aroma and flavour is distinctly ‘gamey’ (coincidentally, these wines are excellent with game, such as venison, pheasant, or anything that has been hung). The flavour is like a combination of blackberries, loganberries and bilberries mixed together with a dash of spice – this also makes Shiraz an excellent choice for Indian and Thai dishes. Australian, Californian and South American examples tend to have an added attractive touch of sweetness.

Where in the world? The famous wines of the northern Rhône region, such as Hermitage and Côte Rotie, are made from this grape. Syrah is also popular in the Languedoc Roussillon area of southern France, and is one of the prominent varieties behind the New World wine renaissance.

Part 1: getting started
Part 2: white wines
Part 4: champagne and sparkling wine
Part 5: port

For more information about Alice King and her wine-tasting courses, check out www.alicekingwineschool.co.uk