Three great reds tick the delicious box of Shiraz and Syrah for wine writer Joelle Thomson, says editor Trudi Brewer. Here she shares the very best wine if you like to a bit of spice.
According to wine writer Joelle Thomson, “The word Shiraz is only one of the well-known names for the smooth, dry, full-bodied reds made from the grape known as Syrah.” She claims, today this grape is the third most planted red grape in New Zealand, following Pinot Noir and Merlot.” Spectacular when served with savoury, spicy foods because of Mother Nature's chemical called rotundone the same chemical found in pepper. These seasoned reds are originally from the Rhone Valley in France, where it's best known as Syrah, and, despite its long history there, it’s way better known by most wine drinkers as Shiraz in Australia, the world's headquarters of Shiraz these days. For sipping by an open fire this autumn, these reds work wonders for your palette (and your mood) on cool nights after long, tough days, (which is the world we are living in right now during challenging times). “Thank goodness for Shiraz, right now,” says Thomson. Here she shares what she is drinking this autumn.
Wine Writer Joelle Thomson
Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels Syrah $40
This 2019 wine puts the capital 'S' in the words Seductive Syrah. This vegan wine is made with 100 per cent grapes grown on the Gimblett Gravels in Hawke's Bay, making it smooth, peppery, soft and fragrant; a divine wine to drink on its own or with smoky flavours. Go easy on the intensity of the food you serve with this red, let this wine shine on its own.
Graze with: antipasto platter with smoky flavours such as paté and mushrooms.
Serve with: smoked mushrooms and barbecued sausages; vegetarian or meat – the smoky flavours match the spicy taste of this wine.
Joelle’s rating: 19/20
Pirrimimma Sparkling Shiraz $25
This wine combines two of my favourite things; good Shiraz and bubbles. Big, dark, dry and smooth with flavours that remind me of ripe, black, fleshy plums with a lingering finish. Surprisingly tasty, this wine is also very affordable. If you haven't dived into the world of dark, delicious bubbly Shiraz, check out this lovely wine, which over-delivers on value for money and quality based on price.
Graze with: salted cashews and peanuts; keep it simple with sweet nuts and a salty bite.
Serve with: barbecued chicken thighs with sweet relish to match the light fruity sweetness in the wine.
Joelle’s rating: 19/20
Sons of Eden Zephyrus Shiraz $48.
Named after the Greek God of the West Wind, Zephyrus Shiraz is often depicted as a majestic horse, making the artwork on the label seem incredibly apt. Made from grapes grown in Eden (45 per cent) and Barossa valleys (55 per cent), combined, it gives this wine a lively acidity and full body. It was fermented using varying proportions of whole bunch clusters from 10 per cent to 60 per cent, over 20 to 25 days on skins followed by pressing into French oak barrels, 45 per cent new and 55 per cent seasoned. After 15 months, it was bottled without fining or filtration. It ticks the vegan-friendly box; it tastes way-too-delicious-to-be-that good for you. I love its deep purple colour, dryness and robust, ripe black fruit flavours. This 2017 red tastes great now and can also age for at least a decade in a cool, dark cellar.
Graze with: Aged cheddar with a smidgeon of plum jam, preferably concentrated and homemade.
Serve with: Venison cooked medium rare, or if you’re vegan, roasted carrots and kumara. Think rich flavours to suit this super intense, beautifully balanced red wine.
Joelle’s rating: 19/20