Here I take a look at New Zealand Syrah, tasting two top-notch examples on camera. Will it be the next big thing from Kiwiland? Too soon to say, with less than 300 hectares of Syrah planted in the whole country. But I’m a big fan – I’m excited by the wines that I’ve tried so far.
Hi Jamie; I’m glad you have compared these 2 grapes with some similar characteristics as I have been thinking that for a while now! I think some people consider Syrah to be a big “Cab Sauv” type varietal (maybe the Shiraz thing has caused this) but I have found the best Syrah’s I have drunk to be very elegant and floral in their approach. I’m surprised not many people have blended these grapes together before.
I wonder; how about Merlot in New Zealand? They seem to be producing quite a bit of it – and the cool climate may be suited to it very nicely. What are your thoughts on Merlot in NZ? A bright future like Syrah?