Welcome to our new series, Wine Pairing Quick Tips. Here you’ll find an easy to read and easy to reference list of which foods pair best with certain varietals. This week we’re focusing on Syrah.
It is hard to pinpoint Syrah. As one of the world’s more popular varietals, it is made throughout the globe and in many, many different styles. Although hard to generalize, overall, it’s a big wine that often exudes pepper on the finish. It is great with herbs, and often has enough fruit to balance a bit of spice.
Cheese/nuts: sharp cheddar, Roquefort/bleu-veined cheeses; hazelnuts, walnuts
Meat/poultry: roasted game, pepperoni, spicy sausage, braised pork shoulder
Seafood: ahi tuna, salmon
Fruits and Veggies: currants, stewed tomatoes, beets
Herbs and Spices: oregano, sage
Sauces: BBQ, heavy red sauces
Desserts: black forest cake, rhubarb pie, coffee-based desserts
Avoid lighter dishes when drinking Syrah. No white fish, no oysters, no shrimp.
The Grape Geeks 