Celebrate International Syrah Day on 16th February - Make the Most of this beautiful red wine grape!

Are you looking for a way to celebrate one of the world's most beloved red wines? Look no further, International Syrah Day is here! On February 16th, join fellow oenophiles, wine aficionados and the casual connoisseur in celebrating the best of this red wine grape, Syrah. In this blog post, we will show you how to make the most of International Syrah Day by offering knowledge, insight and ideas along with how to host a fabulous Syrah wine tasting.

 

1. What is International Syrah Day?

 

International Syrah Day is one of the fastest-growing international wine holidays. Furthermore, it is celebrated with enthusiasm by winemakers, vintners and novice wine lovers from around the world. The day is dedicated to the appreciation of the Syrah grape. The red wine, purple grape, is a dark and flavorful grape often used to make red wine.

 

Syrah is renowned for its bold flavor, deep color, and powerful aroma. In fact, its popularity is growing worldwide and it has earned the distinction of being the eighth-most planted grape variety in the world. Winemakers and wineries from as far away as South Africa, Argentina, and New Zealand are embracing Syrah in their vineyards and vintner cellars.

 

The purpose of International Syrah Day is to bring awareness to this remarkable grape to a larger audience. The holiday encompasses different events around the globe—from wine tastings and pairings to vintner street fairs. Whether small or large, these events celebrate the unique flavors, aroma, and characteristics that make the Syrah grape sought-after.

 

2. History of the red wine Syrah grape

 

The rich and complex history of the Syrah—affectionately known as Shiraz to Australians—can be traced to the Rhône region of France. It is believed that Syrah has been in existence since at least 600 B.C. Indeed, some historians hypothesize the Romans were the first to cultivate the grape. Although written evidence of its existence were not recorded until the early 18th century.

 

Most wine experts agree that the Syrah, red wine grape is a cross between Mondeuse Blanche and Dureza wine grapes. Moreover, these two ancient French varieties were originally brought to the region by the Phocaeans, a group of Greek colonists. Through careful, precise selection, winemakers were able to create a distinct grape that produced bold, intense and tannic wines.

 

With its origins seemingly rooted in antiquity, Syrah spent the better part of the 19th and 20th centuries mainly in the Rhône, gaining a dedicated following among wine enthusiasts. The wine grape’s influence would eventually extend far beyond France’s borders. However, it wasn’t until the early 1960s when Australia began to embrace the grape variety.

 

Today, Syrah is one of the most widely cultivated grape varieties and is grown throughout the world. The red wine grape’s versatility is perhaps its greatest strength as it produces a variety of styles, from light and fruity to big and tannic red wines. Much of the wine grape’s diversity can be attributed to the different winemaking techniques winemakers use to bring out the best in the grapes.

 

Though many great Syrahs can still be found in France, Australia has become the largest producer. Here, the grape has been blended with other varieties to create unique, flavor-packed wines, such as Shiraz-Viognier and GSM blends. Of course, let’s not forget the valuable contributions of other countries such as California, Spain and South Africa, who have all made a significant impression on Syrah.

 

This complex and varied history proves that Syrah—or Shiraz, as it’s widely known—is truly an international grape variety, capable of producing wines that are as unique and varied as the countries in which it is produced. So, if you’re looking for a grape variety that has stood the test of time, then look no further than Syrah.

 

3. How to Host a Fabulous Syrah Wine Tasting Event

 

Throwing a successful wine tasting party or event can be a challenge. However, if you are an avid wine connoisseur, you know that hosting a fabulous Syrah wine tasting party or event can be intimidating. With the right knowledge, planning, and ingredients, however, even new wine drinkers can have an incredible experience. 

To learn more about hosting a wine tasting event read our previous blog here

 

When it comes to hosting a fabulous Syrah wine tasting party, preparation is key. From choosing the right vintages (year that the wine was made) to carefully curating the menu. You will need to do your homework. We recommend that you begin by selecting the focus of your theme. Whether you are looking for classic bottles from a specific region or exploring lesser-known wine labels, select your wines carefully. 

 

When creating a wine tasting menu, pay attention to classic pairings and flavor profiles. Decide on appetizers that highlight the wines’ qualities, such as salty cheeses and charcuterie. Furthermore, don’t forget to provide an array of breads, fruits and vegetables to cleanse the palate between each taste. Do you want to receive exclusive food and wine pairings curated by celebrity chefs and Level 3 Sommeliers? Click HERE and receive your first 12 Food and Wine Pairings as a gift from us to you!

 

Your guests are the heart of your party, so choose an atmosphere that puts everyone at ease. Make sure your space sets the tone for a relaxed, but sophisticated environment.  Additional comfort is created through furniture, cozy lighting, and music. Ask your guests thoughtful questions as they sip and sample, and encourage them to do the same. Get inspired to ask questions through our latest article on 'How to appreciate wine'

 

Educating your guests on the nuances of the red wine, Syrah grape, can be overwhelming. Therefore, keep it simple. Some basic tips can help you guide the conversation (you can look at our infographic below). Encourage guests to assess the wine’s smell, taste, and mouthfeel. Remind them to get rid of any preconceived notions and let the flavors and memories guide their experience. Provide helpful resources, like handy cards and tasting sheets, to help them document their tasting notes.

 

 

Finally, don’t forget to bring the festivities to an end with an extravagant sweet treat. Whether you bring it in or bake it yourself, a decadent dessert is the perfect way to end a wine-tasting party. If you'd like to order something custom and fabulous for your event, contact us directly at events@humanitywineco.com. 

 

With a little bit of preparation, planning, and creativity, you can host a fabulous  Syrah wine tasting party or event that your guests will love and remember. So, raise a glass and get ready to share the experience of exploring the world of Syrah.

 

4. Syrah Pairing Ideas

 

Food and wine pairing ideas from some of our expert partners. These wine pairings are approved for the beautiful red wine Syrah grape. Read on for some ideas that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. For the adventurous foodie, why not try mixing Syrah wine with a traditional Spanish paella? (Contact us at  events@humanitywineco.com to host a paella virtual cooking class with a celebrity chef!). This classic dish features a fantastically complex flavor palate, full of rich saffron, sweet paprika, and smoky chorizo. The sharp, earthy flavors of Syrah are the perfect foil to this intense mix of spices, providing a contrast in your mouth that will leave you wanting more. Here are two recommendations from our Level 3 Sommelier.

 

For those who prefer something a little lighter, we recommend pairing your Syrah wine with a roasted veggie salad. Together, the sweet and earthy flavors of the Syrah red wine grape will bring out the natural sweetness of the roasted veggies while balancing out the earthy flavor of the mushrooms. The acidity of the wine will also help bring out the zesty zing of the dressing, making this a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.

 

And of course, no Syrah wine pairing would be complete without something sweet. For a decadent dessert, try a Syrah-poached pear with a dollop of crème fraîche. This indulgent combination of flavors and textures plays with the tastes and aromas of the wine beautifully, making it a stunning end to the perfect meal. For more food and wine pairings, click HERE.

 

5. The Perfect Syrah Wine Themed Gift

 

Wine gifts are a perfect way to show your appreciation. Furthermore, the Syrah wine grape makes for a great themed gift.  But beyond the classic go-to option of a bottle of premium red wine Syrah, we suggest pairing options as gifts, that will give your loved ones a jaw dropping and memorable experience.

 

Our picks for great gifting encompass something classic, stylish, unexpected, and customized. A customized label or an engraved, handcrafted wooden crate from a local winery are perfect ideas to personalize your Syrah wine themed gift. You can also choose unique glasses to pair with the bottle, or a decanter to properly aerate and present the wine. Look at our Gifting Catalog HERE or reach out to one of our Gifting Specialists HERE.

 

Further, if you’re looking for a more experiential gift, consider booking a sommelier virtual tasting. It’s a chance to spend time with your loved ones, in the comfort of your own home while discovering more of what the Syrah wine grapes have to offer. To book with our certified Winethropists™, please contact us at events@humanitywineco.com and we will be happy to help!

 

Overall, the perfect Syrah-themed gift is a beautiful way to commemorate a special moment or simply show your appreciation for a beloved friend, family member, client or team member. Whether you’re picking out a bottle of Syrah wine, creating a customized label, or a unique experience, your gift will be sure to make their day. Contact a Winethropist™ specialist today to walk you through any needs you may have HERE.

International Syrah Day is the perfect excuse to get your friends together and celebrate one of the world's most beloved red wines. It's a great way to learn more about its history, tasting notes and pairings. So why not make the most of this special day and have a Syrah wine tasting party or event. Life is too short to not celebrate.

 

Celebrate International Syrah Day on February 16th by hosting a fabulous Syrah wine tasting party or event.