You say Syrah, I say Shiraz

The name of the grape is itself a colorful marker of its origin and history, and the wine it produces is probably one of the most popular reds in the world.

The Shiraz varietal is grown in its native France, Australia, Napa-Sonoma in the States, and also in many of the New World estates of South Africa, Chile and Argentina. I have even seen its successful cultivation in the New Latitude plantations of the Khao Yai Valley in Thailand.

What make it so popular are its friendly flavors. It's a good wine to drink on its own, having nice fruity and spicy tones, variously described as those of violets, dark berries, coffee, chocolate and of course, characteristic pepper. Even an older vintage aged in oak barrels, which develops stronger, more robust flavors, seldom becomes too tannic or pucker-inducing.