Shiraz--also known as Syrah--is a wine made from the French Shiraz grape. While often used as a blending grape, Shiraz is gaining popularity among wineries as a primary grape in wine. This grape produces a wine with bold flavors, ranging from blackberries to dark chocolate. Its popularity has brought upon a sparkling variety which tends to be lighter, yet still retains its bold, dark flavors. As with any wine, the proper serving technique will bring out best in a sparkling Shiraz.
Instructions
1. Place the unopened bottle in the refrigerator for 10 to 20 minutes before serving it, just enough to bring the temperature down slightly below room temperature. An ideal temperature is between 60 and 64 degrees.
2. Pour the chilled wine in a Shiraz glass. The glass should be about half-full. Alternatively, pour the sparkling Shiraz in a champagne flute.
3. Serve the sparkling Shiraz with grilled red meat, barbecue or spicy food. The bold flavor of Shiraz grapes may overpower any other types of food. The wine can also be served on its own after a meal.
Tags: sparkling Shiraz