There are many factors that contribute to the flavour of a wine, including the winemaking process, but the single most important is the grape variety. Our Taste the Grape Half Dozen offers the opportunity to sample six different styles from across the world, all made from the same grape variety, providing insight into its unique character and versatility.

SYRAH AROUND THE WORLD

Possibly the most successful variety worldwide, Syrah/Shiraz produces world-class wines in many corners of the globe. Recent DNA mapping shows it almost certainly originates in France, rather than Shiraz in ancient Persia or Syracuse in Sicily, both popular misconceptions. Usually dark, muscular stuff with a streak of black pepper character and a damson-fruited core, it’s a grape that lasts well too, taking on complexity with age.