Three Great Syrah Blend Wines from Australia, South Africa and Portugal.

Syrah is a very storied grape. Wine aficionados will fervently debate its origins.

 As the legend goes "From Syracuse in Sicily? Perhaps, since the name "syrac" is also a synonym for this grape. From Shiraz in Iran? Legend supports this possibility, recounting that the grape was brought back from the Persian Gulf in the 13th century during the Crusades by the Chevalier de Sterimberg who retired to the hillside of the Hermitage. In any case, this is the origin of another synonym for the syrah grape: Hermitage rouge. A final hypothesis: the grape was introduced into France in the 3rd century when the Emperor Probus authorized the planting of vines in Gaul. But that still wouldn't rule out a Sicilian or Persian origin! Whatever the true story, no one denies that syrah has southern origins, borne out by its extraordinary development in all the warm wine-producing regions of the world. " Eric Cullen, Decanting the Mysteries of Syrah and Petite Sirah.  

Tonight these wines went perfectly with this delicious Southern dish called Country Captain with Cauliflower and Pea. It has an Indian influence

In 1998 DNA tests debunked the legends and established that Syrah is a grape that originated in the Rhône region of Southeastern France where it is made into very fine wines.  It has found a happy home in many other parts for the world and here are three fine examples.

The first is called Ciconia a  Touriga Nacional-Syrah - Aragones  blend by  Herdade of S. Miguel, produced in the beautiful Alentejo region of Portugal 

"With the purpose of satisfying all type of consumers, the Herdade of S. Miguel has been developing different types of wine, during the years." 

'Ciconia' is the Latin name for the white stork that has, as it main habitat in Portugal, the forests and woods of Alentejo. Most of the storks migrate during autumn to Africa, and return to Alentejo in December to make their nests."  Wine-maker

We loved this wine, but I turn to Wendy Hopkins description of the wine posted on Cork'd to tell you about it.

"Ah, Portuguese wine how I love thee... I have rarely found the Portuguese wine I didn't like. However, I don't much like Port, so there's that.

When you take in the aroma you are filled with the wondrous scents of warm cedar lightly sprinkled with sweet plums.

The taste in your mouth is well rounded while the flavors of wood and berries baptized with spices sashay across your tongue with the canter of a debutante.

Creamy on the back end gives you a cozy feel like a chocolate was left on your pillow."

Doesn't that sound wonderful.  At $8.99 a bottle this is a great value. We bought half a case and are now scouring our cook books for some great Portuguese recipes.  

Although, tonight this wine went perfectly with this delicious Southern dish called Country Captain with Cauliflower and Pea. It has an Indian influence...

This delicious dish, known through Georgia, dates to the early 1800s. It is thought that this dish was brought to Georgia by a British sea captain who had been stationed in Bengali, India and shared the recipe with some friends in the port city of Savannah, Georgia. Savannah was then a major shipping port for the spice trade. The dish was named for the officers in India called "Country Captains."

Linda Stradley, History of Poultry Dishes, What's Cooking America

We made the version of this wonderful dish found this month in Bon Appetit. 

To be Continued.... Boekenhoutskloof, The Wolftrapp  Syrah, Mourvedre and Viognier from South Africa and D'arenberg, The Stump Jump, Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre from Mclaren Vale, Australia.

Comments

[Wendy Hopkins]

Thanks for the shout out. Ciconia is one of my favorites. Very nice blog. I'll be back.

[Hampers]

Nice blog. Being a wine lover, I enjoyed going through your blog. Keep it up the good work.