Cabernet Franc Syrah 2011 (60% CF, 40% Syrah unoaked). Tannat Cabernet Franc (50/50) 2011. Filgueira winery … Alan and Sebastian show us around the winery and introduce their wine, which is now owned by a Brazilian company. liked all the wines, especially the high end reds. Great property and quality across the line.

You will find Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and Vigonier here along with Tannat. Have you ever considered moving to what some people think is the 'end of the world?" The landscape in this remote part of Uruguay is somewhat luner, yet it's the special terroir that makes the wines of Alto de la Ballena so good.

On his trip through France in 1787 Thomas Jefferson visited Vidal-Fleury, today considered one of the most consistent producers in the Rhone Valley. It's a traditional blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre and 5% Carignan fermented separately with indigenous yeasts. What a great price and value?!? and shipping was free.

We had a quick tour de France I was looking for an example of a Rhone that would fit within our budget. “La Ferrande” is a tiny anomaly from the area known for blending since it is 100% syrah. To poll at 90 percent is unheard of in a democracy. wine picks

had already tasted and reviewed their 2007 Cabernet Franc and found that to be one of the best Finger Lakes '07 Cab Francs from what was a very good FLX vintage. Along with the Cab Franc, I tasted a couple of blends that I thought were remarkable. Entrance sign off W. Lake Rd. On this day, I tasted only a few whites.

The Languedoc, located in the south of France, borders the Mediterranean between the Pyrenees and the Rhone Valley. Grapes planted include Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, and Carignan. Christian Seely just posted a video of blending at Mas Belles Eaux. you can see it here. You can read about my visit below. Visiting Mas Belles Eaux.

The focus is on international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah. Flagship Ca' Marcanda is a blend of 50 percent Merlot, 40 percent Cabernet Sauvigon, and 10 percent Cabernet Franc. Promis is 55 percent Merlot, 35 percent Syrah, and 10 percent Sangiovese (all planted on darker soils).

Like many of the most prestigious brands in Argentina, the family is based in Bordeaux, France. The entry level Perlita is a new brand, and is labeled Malbec-Syrah (2010) because it is 80 percent Malbec and 20 percent Syrah. In 1996, Jean-Jacques's  parents Alfred?Alexandre Lagravière, Grand Cru Classé de Graves in 1996.

Some preferred the very elegant Syrah with steak, others the Petite Syrah or Full-bodied Chardonnay with pasta. The reds, I sense, he really puts his energy into: the Cabernet Franc was pulsating with vivacity, the Cabernet cleanly structured, and the Petite Sirah concentrated with black ruit -- all is well.

Today was the first day of the Languedoc Roussillon Study & Certificate Program offered by the French Wine Society with support from Sud de France. This is a Syrah/Grenach blend  with lots of garrigue, black and white pepper, and an intense minerality. Syrah Grenache once again, a deep intensity of stones, lots of concentration.

Outside Burgundy, Pinot Noir can be found in Alsace, where it is one of the few red varieties grown, and in certain vineyards in the centre of France. The wine is a blend of Syrah, Carignan, and Grenache from Corbieres!" Quick! Wine, of course. Well done!" Le Nez du Vin ," she whispered. What is Le Nez du Vin , you ask? I asked.

For 'old world' wines I have always enjoyed those from Italy and Spain and paid little attention to wines from France. Tonight I decided to open up and sip on my lone bottle of French wine, the Gigondas, a blend of Grenache (60%), Mourvèdre (30%), and Syrah (10%). I very rarely buy, order or drink French wines. Aromas were awesome.

delightful blend of Merlot and Cab Franc. There were also some very nice Cabernet Francs from the Finger Lakes and surprisingly my pick for Best Red Wine is from the Finger Lakes. blend of 40% Grenache, 25% Cinsault, 15% Carignan, 10% Syrah, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. should be back on track after the holiday season. So, here goes.

Afterwards, we walked a short distance along the canal to a room where Christine, Stephane, and Stephanie Egenolf of Sud de France gave presentations about Minevois and the Languedoc in general. Pierre is a lively, funny guy who makes fabulous wines, mostly various blends of syrah, grenache, mouvedre, and some carignan. Voila!

Africa instead of having them delivered from France. At their winery the host what seems to be lovely wine pairing events with hors d’oeurves and produce several varieties of wine: Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Chardonnay, Semillon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon/Petit Verdot, Syrah and Grenache. African winemaking world.

Today the French insurance company AXA owns several wineries which produce the world’s most exquisite wine, such as Chateau Pichon Longueville, Chateau Suduiraut, Chateau Petit-Village, Chateau Belles Eaux, and two other properties outside France, Disznoko in Tokai and Quinta do Noval in Portugal. “A French insurance company owns a Chateau?”

The wines were from California, Italy, France and New Zealand. Maison Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages, 2009 France The grapes (Gamay) are gently crushed, an extended maceration of 12-20 days gets you the extraction of color and tannins, then aged in French oak for 8 to 10 months. Great deal at $10. Nice long layered finish. SRP $40.

Free, Christobal (a trained enologist) left his homeland to learn about winemaking in some of the most famousvineyards in the world, including Bordeaux, France (at Chateau Margaux in 2002),Barossa Valley, Australia (Rosemont Estates, also in 2002) and Napa Valley, California(Franciscan Estates in 2001). Kolye Reserve Syrah.

Founded in 1781, Vidal Fleury is the Rhône Valley’s oldest continuously operating winery, and actually hosted President Thomas Jefferson in 1787 when visited France to learn about winemaking. Just what is it about Rosé wine that brings out the joy of summer? Rosé wine is just what you need to bring a little St. Great with salads and fish.

Does the above picture effectively showcase the "dream" of Southern France? Now frankly, the first reason is that it is a blend of syrah and carignan from 100 year old vines and I absolutely love old vine carignan. That blue sky, with the white puffs of clouds, is real. Today at a Per Se launch of his 2010 Gris Blanc Rosé in the U.S.

Jean-Roger Calvet from Domaine Thunevin-Calvet in Mary, France is next. He grows Carignan, Syrah, Mouvedre and Grenache. 80%grenach and 20% syrah from shale. The last wine is 2007 Les Trois Maries with 80% grenache, and 20% syrah from granite soil. The pair showed gorgeous pictures of their winery overlooking the sea.

note: from my travels in France, this is actually a familiar story!). Michel also brought a "GSM" - grenache, syrah, mouvedre (Chateau de Nages 2009 Costieres de Nimes, Chaeau de Nage Vielles Vignes, Rouge) with minimum oak yet a spicey nose of concentrated red grapes. 100% Syrah.

From the Chateauneuf-du-Pape appellation of the Rhone Valley, France, made from a blend of 50% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 20% Mourvedre and 10% Cinsault. Deep ruby in color, on the nose red cherries, leather and funk, and animal notes. Dry with medium acidity and tannins and supported by flavors of red fruits, pepper and sour cherry.

have three Ravenscroft glasses, for example, that I use for Cabernet Franc and Syrah. I have a lot of wine glasses, but they are mismatched, as I have broken many over the years. had four but I broke one. had two of those enormous Riedel Burgundy glasses - BrooklynLady and I were given them as a gift for our wedding.

One, the Carmenere, has been disappointing, but the Zinfandel, Syrah and the Peitie Sirah have joined the list of my favorites. also have become more interested in the wines of France. My best Rosé - Heron Hill Cabernet Franc Dry Rosé 2006. Here at home, I guess eventful would be saying it a tad mildly. Now for my best of 2010.

Domain de Mourchon Seguret Loubie (Rose) 2007 Having a Cote du Rhone designation, this Loubie Rose blend of Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah comes from 40 year old estate grown vines. Flavor: broad and fresh; the characteristic fruity aromas of the bouquet come through with complexity and end with a clean finish.

The Languedoc, located in the south of France, borders the Mediterranean between the Pyrenees and the Rhone Valley. Grapes planted include Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, and Carignan. Visiting Mas Belles Eaux. love the Languedoc and was very eager to visit the AXA property Mas Belles Eaux. The Winery. The Vineyards. mas grapes. The Lunch.

Today the French insurance company AXA owns several wineries which produce the world’s most exquisite wine, such as Chateau Pichon Longueville, Chateau Suduiraut, Chateau Petit-Village, Chateau Belles Eaux, and two other properties outside France, Disznoko in Tokai and Quinta do Noval in Portugal. Sunday: Dinner in a Chateau. The Lunch.

blend of Finger Lakes Cabernet Franc, Long Island Merlot and Hudson Valley Baco Noir delivered pleasant aromas, a very nice mouth and a long, dry, fruit filled and smooth finish. finished Regional Wine Week with one of my favorites, an Atwater Estate Vineyard Syrah. Syrah is one grape I would like to see more of in the Finger Lakes.

The first meetup of The Wine Society of Queens was held this weekend at The Wine Room of Forest Hills , where we sampled over a dozen new wines from California, France, Argentina, Italy, Spain and even Georgia (Russia). At the tail end hints of tea leaves, bits of cedar, milk chocolate and roasted marshmallow finish of nicely.

Getting time to clean out the old wine fridge. After two months of laying around, drinking coffee, tea, water and gatorade and laying off the good stuff I am beginning to feel the need for a long day of wine shopping, but the fridge is full and I will just have to do my part in making room for more. Here the grapes for Frascati are grown.

I love it when Shirley decides to experiment in the kitchen. It either means we end up going out to dinner or I am in for a special treat. don't always know where she gets her inspiration and last night I did not see any of her cookbooks on the counter, so that means she thought about this recipe while trimming her herb garden.

Winemakers notes: A classic Bordeaux style blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon. 61% Cabernet Franc, 28% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon. I don't often go with Shirley and Pam to the Saturday morning Central New York Regional Farmer's Market, but I made an exception today. King Ferry Winery was founded in 1984.

I've been holding out on the wine reviews until everything gets back to normal after my surgery. At present, my Cardiologist has OK'd 3-4 oz. of wine per day and, for me, that just don't cut it. do cheat a bit and I also skip some evenings. That is what happened with the first bottles I opened. little lighter bodied than what I'm used to in Zin.

It is actually one of the oldest wine estates of France and in 1953, the Ministry of Agriculture awarded the property with the “Cru Classé” title, a prestigious vintage wines award. One of my favorites was the red Cuvee Prestige 2006, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, which is paired with the lamb. Well, this is that scene.

He came to France as runaway from the Czech army in the late 80's. Calek has vagabondism in his blood. He wanted to stay but his mother reported him as a bum, and he had to go back east. Thanks mom. When he did return, he found wine. All roads lead to them. beautiful whore) and then onto Gerald's

Last March I posted a press release on a new collection of artisan wines in an innovative attractive new package. An international wine collection with six brands and ten items packaged in a new exciting premium 3L wine cask from the Octavin Home Wine Bar ™. The Chardonnay was not impressive. Definitely a good party wine.

A blend of Mourvedre, Grenache and Syrah make up this subtle and simple everyday red wine from the Cotes du Ventoux region of France. Tags: France Syrah Andre Goichot Grenache Mourvedre Cotes Du Ventoux Medium to light weight with cloudy rose colors and aromas of cherries and stone.

With May and New York Riesling month coming to close soon, it is safe to say that I tasted more Riesling this month than any one year in my life. The hard part was deciding which ones I would post on the blog. After this article I will post once more on a NY Riesling and may list all those I have had. Both were opened with a BBQ chicken dinner.

From Chile's Rapel Valley, comes this blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Syrah, 5% Carmenere, and 2% Cabernet Franc, 68% of which was aged for 7 months in French oak barrels, while 32% was aged in stainless steel tanks, before bottle aging. Aromas of red berries, spices, licorice, dried figs and cassis.

This past Monday evening was a first for me on-line. Because of my work schedule and Shirley's extra long 'honey-do' list I never have the chance to do a tweet up on Twitter or follow a wine party on Facebook. You can add comments or photos or just sit back, relax, read what others are having and just sip away on your own wine.

This past weeks edition of the Syracuse New Times, a weekly alternative newspaper published in Syracuse, New York, contained an interesting article on Finger Lakes Riesling. Gary noted four wineries, one of which I vaguely remember from an article written by Evan Dawson for the New York Cork Report. Sipping later was delightful.

Now this is a relatively new region producing quality wines, among them Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and "Yarden Rom" which is a blend of Syrah, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot (percentages depending on the vintage), aged in French oak barrels for roughly 21 months and bottled without filtration.

think he liked the Chateau de Cabezac La Garrigue the best from Minervois and it was very good, yet I liked Le Petit Arthur, which was a GSM (grenache, syrah, mourvedre) with carignan. Tags: News arnaud moynier gontran dondain Maison de la Région Languedoc-Roussillon sud de france Arnaud Moynier.

To continue Riesling month here in New York, I wanted to find something other than my favorites from the Finger Lakes region. Doing so seemed almost impossible. Other than ordering on line, it is very difficult to find New York wines other than Finger Lakes and Adirondack wineries in the local shops. Enough history.

Vin de table lies at the bottom of the administrative heap in France: it’s derided, dirt cheap and sold in supermarkets by the flagon. The wine is nothing like shiraz, cabernet, merlot blends of Australia, but it’s not really very Margaux either since it is fuller and richer and showing more of the syrah character now.

Just finished watching the movie "Avatar" while sipping on my first Riesling of the summer. Finger Lakes Riesling of course. This month is Riesling month in New York and this will be the first of many I'll enjoy over the next 30 days. The 2008 Red Tail Ridge semi-dry Riesling was suggested by my sister-in-law. This is now one of her favorites.

Certainly a light-bodied Loire Cabernet Franc would be beautiful (I was thinking specifically of the lightly chilled and delicious 2007 Filliatreau Saumur-Champigny , $15, Louis/Dressner Selections, but I didn't have any in the house because I am a fool). prefer an actual spring, but when life gives you summer weather, grill. Why would it be?

We was supposed to have flown from New Orleans to France, but he said something about a Volcano and he couldn't fly. When I asked why Syrah would work if a Bordeaux wouldn't, Peter said that Syrah is very similar to Cabernet in structure, but far more versatile with food. The other night my friend Peter came over for dinner.

He’ll shop around the world’s best wine regions, including France, Italy, Spain, Australia, Argentina, South Africa, and California to find some very good juice in bulk that a vineyard might sell for $55 per bottle and sell it for $15. Lot 135 Central Coast Syrah 2007 $12 Animal, bright fruits, dark berries, strawberries, red licorice.

Recently, the wife and I have been discussing a possible trip to California next year. few of the issues are for how long and where. Of course my choice would be Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley or Russian River Valley, the home of some of the best wines in the world. Oh, I'm sorry, did I leave out Paso Robles, Lodi, Central Coast or Livermore Valley.

I'm leaving Chile(till later) and heading over to California to try a few more Zin's. I'm starting to surprise myself with what I am finding with Zinfandel and also a bit disappointed that I wasted so many years with such a limited selection or narrow palate. Deep dark fruit aromas with some cherry. Hey, you're never too old to learn.

Jamesport Vineyards 2005 Melange de Trois Bordeaux blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot and 26% Cabernet Franc. Wölffer Estates 2006 Fatalis Fatum 42% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Franc, 27.5% Clovis Point 2007 Archaeology 56% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot, 6% Syrah, whew!

This is the third of the Carmenere wines I tasted this month. As I stated in my previous two articles, Carmenere is one of the wines I've pushed aside in the past, but have placed on a list to re-examine in 2010. The first two left me with mixed feelings about the wine. did enjoy this with some Muenster and Dubliner cheese. It'll be fun!!!

One of his friends Andrew had spent some time in France and brought with him a bottle from Languedoc, France. It's a blend of Syrah with Grenache and Mourvedre. Tags: France Syrah Grenache Mourvedre Languedoc Keith Beavers This was a standout for me.

It's been a few years since I tasted Carmenere. If I remember right, it was a take it or leave it, nothing special, too many other fine wines, don't shop for wine. My last review confirmed that feeling, but in a very serious attempt to expand a lazy palate I purchased a few different labels to compare. The first was disappointing.

Wish I had a nice Canadian wine tonight so I could toast the Canadian Olympic Hockey Team on their winning of the Gold medal. am not an avid hockey fan, but I do watch occasionally and tonight enjoyed one of the best ever games. Instead, I uncorked an Arboleda Carmenère 2006 from the Colchagua Valley of Chile. Bring on the steaks!!! Wine Acidity: 5.31

BTW, they are Zinfandel, Syrah, Pitite Sirah and Carmenere. The Zins are coming along better than expected and Syrah is rapidly becoming one of my faves. Tags: California red wine Petite Syrah Think my taste buds are back. I've been having a few problems with red wines since finishing some prescribed meds a few weeks ago.

Decanter reports that French authorities have brought charges against 13 defendants in the the south of France for stretching pinot more than that, selling the equivalent of 16 million bottles worth of cheaper merlot and syrah to E & J Gallo for their $9 Red Bicylcette pinot noir. SPIT: “pinot noir&#. Pinot or dunno?

Cashmere is a silky and wonderful blend of Mourvèdre, Grenache, and Syrah. One of the great things about social networking is that you often get in contact with friends and classmates from a time when all was great, life was fun and we were all going to live forever. This disease is not reserved for just women. Here's what I learned.

Welcome to tasting season in France, and there are plenty of Italians and Spanish here as well. Andrea Calek, sporting a new coiffure and looking very punk meets Prague grunge, and maybe a little bit Danvers State told me some wine secrets, showed a secret syrah (Grands Arnaque--the label would never fly with the BATF and she drove me.

So much so, at half time of game, I got on-line and ordered more Atwater Cab-Merlot and Syrah. Sometimes when you least expect it, you open what may becomes your new favorite bottle of wine. Tonight I opened one of my remaining bottles of Finger Lakes wine purchased at my last tour in December. blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon and 47% Merlot.

I'd come to France to work on several wine stories. The one in the Northern Rhone was about syrah. How did this happen without me seeing it? But out of nostalgia I thought I'd repost my very first before this grew into something else, bigger than myself. That's me this summer in Tain Hermitage.

Big break in weather today here in Central New York. Temperatures will reach about 30F. Must be the annual January thaw! To celebrate I figured to open one of my usually reserved for warm weather whites. My choice is one that was recently purchased at Lakewood Vineyards on Seneca Lake at the December 'Deck the Halls" event. 2007 Riesling.

Somewhere among my 50 New Year's resolutions (99.9% failure rate) was to leave my wine comfort zone more often as I continue to expand my trapped palate. To do so, I will have to taste, I mean drink, more wines that I never tried or wines I just never liked. So, to start off the new year I opened one of my least favorite wines, Zinfandel.

Punica Montessu 2007 Varietal: Carignan Blend Region: Sardegna From Giacomo Tachis of Sassicaia fame comes this Super-Sardegnian blend of 60% Carignano, with 10% each of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Syrah. Loaded with ripe fruits, showing a dry minerality, citrus notes, a hint of fresh bread and heady floral aromas.

One of the highlights of this year was barrel tasting, at Amy Cheatles persistence, the Damiani Syrah. Tried to convince her that I am not a Syrah fan. That vintage was not bottled, but I started buying and tasting quite a few Syrah and did my first Syrah review this month. was afraid to open them.

Syrah has always been one to those wines I could take or leave it. While visiting Damiani Wine Cellars on Seneca Lake this past spring I tasted an excellent Syrah and I was sold. found that the Syrah's produced here in the US were smoother and not as bold as the full bodied Shiraz I had become accustomed to.

The wine is 85% Cab/Sauv, 10% Merlot and 5% Syrah which gives it a nice fruity and peppery finish. ** Disclaimer: I received these wines from Martellotto Wine s One of the benefits of writing a wine blog is the occasional UPS delivery of wine to taste and review on the blog. The first one I opened was the Martellotto 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon.

It was at Atwater that I found the best wine of the day, the 2007 Syrah. Cab/Sauv, Cab/Franc, Merlot and Gewurztraminer produced a very elegant semi-sweet red wine with lots of very dark plum and black cherry and a velvety smooth finish. This time it was our first visit to the "Deck the Halls" event on Seneca Lake. 14 (the west side).

From the Columbia and Walla Walla Valley in Oregon comes this tasty blend made from 35% Cabernet Franc, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 14% Syrah. Select Cuvees of Cabernet, Merlot, and Syrah from top sites in the Walla Walla Valley were blended with choice lots from the Columbia Valley to produce this unique wine.

This was my favorite from the first flight at the Snooth Cabernet tasting last week. Initially, beautiful dark ripe blackberry aromas assault together with wafts of berries, and hints of vanilla, spices and cassis. 15% alcohol and $16.99

Accepting an invite, I attended an event named “Do the French Give the Best O.R.G.S.M?&# , sponsored by the NYC Festival Sud de France at divine bar, last week. ’s (blends of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre) of Southern France with those of the “Rest of the World,&# it was an event without [.].

To my knowledge, chenin blanc reaches its greatest expressions in France’s long, meandering Loire Valley. John Gilman, author of the newsletter The View from the Cellar , joins us again for a Q&A. asked him six questions; he replied with over 10,000 words! Natural wines are growing in popularity. Are these wines forcibly better?

From All Recipes; Syrah, Zin or Riesling were suggested with the different submitted recipes. Alright, here's my dilemma or at least one of them. Tonight Shirley and daughter Pam are making 'halupkies' for dinner. The dilemma, I have no clue as to what wine to open. That only added to the dilemma. Color was a nice light greenish gold.

From the South of France sails this 50/50 blend of Syrah and Grenache, made by 2 brothers who sailed around the world for 2 years and decided on their return they would fulfill their lifelong dream and make wine together. land ho

Glycerine aromas mark this smooth Grenche and Syrah blend from Cotes-Du-Ventoux, super balnced with a slight pepper edge. The grapes are Grenache (80%) and Syrah (20%). On the other hand, Syrah is fermented by only the vintage wine in order to fully bring out the fruity aromatic power of this type of vine.

We got to meet Amy Cheatle and the staff and tasted some of my favorites and some new reds along with a surprisingly nice Sauvignon Blanc and I must admit a real nice Syrah. Amy talked me into trying the Syrah, a wine not very high on my list of favorites. was impressed with the Cabernet Sauvignon and the Cabernet Franc.

Bonterra adds a little Merlot and Syrah to expand it's flavor and texture. I have a daughter that is living at home right now while she fixes up a house she bought a few months ago. She is very much into eating healthy and buys only organic veggies and fruits and free range meats, eggs and cheeses. Great Buy!

2006 Clarendon Hills Astralis Vineyard Shiraz (Syrah), McLaren Vale. 1996 Clarendon Hills Astralis Vineyard Shiraz (Syrah), McLaren Vale. 2005 Howard Park Abercrombie Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Cabernet Franc, Great. 2005 Château Mouton Rothschild Cabernet/Merlot/Cabernet Franc/Petit Verdot, Pauillac. Day One. Day Two.

Difficult to compare to recent vintages (which have all included at least some cabernet franc or petit verdot) this is less flamboyant than the 2006 and 2007, and will benefit from extended cellaring. The 2007 Lytton Estate Syrah/Grenache ** is also tight, almost light, almost too searing, with blue fruits and tons of tannin.

This wine is 80% old vines Grenache and 20% Syrah from gravel and yellow sandstone soils that Milan is fond of comparing to that of Château Rayas. But last week I participated in a Wine and Spirits tasting of wines from the South of France. In October I went to the Domaine Select Wine Estates Grand Portfolio Tasting. Remy de Provence.

But here are three reds from the South of France! This blend of 50% Grenache - 30% Syrah - 20% Cinsault comes from a couple in the Southern Rhone who make their wines biodynamically. Everybody always wants a good wine under $10. And that’s never been more true than now. This particular cuvee is fermented in cement (!) tanks.

It is a beautiful area of France and the wines have this wonderful, laid-back character that perfectly matches the bucolic settings and the people that live there. But what you do get with all this syrah being incorporated into the traditional blends in the south is dark color- black-purple wines. German Riesling. just don’t get it.

This big blend of grenache, syrah and carignan, has that ripe, juicy quality from many of the wines of the region. Darling Hills, Ovation, South Africa (about $20 for 3L; find this wine ): a 50-50 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cinsault, the workhorse grape originally from the South of France. “Merry Christmas!&# Standing tall.

They are all pretty much blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cab Franc and Petit Verdot. These wines are some of the most affordable wine in all of France and are delicious blends with all kinds of comfy flavors that all kinds of people are going to like. Ah, the Holidays. Speaking of the perfect gift what about wine. promise.

From France's Rhône region comes this red wine, Vin de Pays de la Principauté d'Orange from winemaker Corinne Couturier made from the grapes of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsaut, Mourvèdre and Carignan. The finish is spicy with the lingering of pepper and currants and a satisfying earthiness that I really enjoyed

From France we have an Ermitage du Pic St Loup * from the Coteaux du Languedoc.    " A standard Pic St. Loup blend of Syrah (55%), Grenache (35%) and Mourvedre (10%), it's produced by the firm Ravaille Freres." I have two Italian and two French reds on the table tonight. The Belpoggio "Stupor Mundi" Rosso Piceno 2006 ** is a 12.5%

This wine helped us two on our goal to the Wine Century Club since it has 40% Kékfrankos, 30% cabernet franc, 15% syrah, 5% Kekoporto, 5% pinot noir, 5% cabernet sauvignon. The most recent session of my six-week introductory wine class at NYU wrapped up last week. It is an assignment! Good times! Any vegetarians in the house?

It is one of the most popular wines in France, normally made from Gamay grapes and fermented for just a few weeks then officially released for sale on the third Wednesday of November. Chamarre slightly twists the concept with a blend of 55% Merlot and 45% Syrah from different regions of France. Wednesday, November 12, 2008, NYC.

After tasting the OLIVIER RIVERE Rioja barrel samples for two years in France I got to taste it in bottle right on Lafayette Street. Les Champs Libres VdT Lard, des Choix Rouge 2007 This is what you get when the teacher (Dard & Ribo( team up with their past student, (Hervé Souhaut)-in a syrah/gamay mix. FINALLY! Great little wine.

According to fellow blogger Dave Treiger , this Lirac was, "Made from 45% Grenache , 45% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre." Deep color, almost opaque. Tightly wound nose of wild flowers and wood. This is a very good, wintery bistro wine from an outstanding vintage. Dave liked its, "deep ruby color with initial aromas of black pepper and ripe plum."

of Syrah was very interesting.  A Sangiovese/Syrah/Cab Franc blend was intriguing and determined to be a great food wine.  While I went away (within Israel) for the sabbath to a friend of the family.  A wonderful woman and great cook it is always a nice shabbat when spent with her and her family.  Emillion Grand Cru. 

This blend from France is made from 45% Grenache , 45% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre , it has a deep ruby color with initial aromas of black pepper and ripe plum. Cru Des Cotes Du Rhone. It's big on the palate combining a fragrant spice with a nice barnyard kick and a fairly high alcohol content of 14.5%. At $14.99

Staying with the theme of uncommon varietals is the Recanati Reserve Cabernet Franc.  A very well made yet restrained wine, the Cab Franc is much lighter in body than most Cabs, Merlots, or Syrahs, and is a great choice for your lighter holiday meals as the wine will not overpower the food as might be the case with the bigger bodied wines.

This, in my opinion, is the strongest part of the portfolio - the selections from southern France, country wines from the Rhône, Languedoc-Roussillan, and Provence. 2) 2006 Gilles Azzoni VdP Le Raisin et L'Ange Fable (100% Ard è che Syrah for acid freaks). Sadly, this Champagne seems now to have broken the $50 barrier. ll take it.

Coeur D'Alene Cellars focuses mostly on the Rhone varietals Syrah and Viognier along with Cabernet Franc and the of course the usual suspects Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. We have the 2004 Coeur d' Alene Washington syrah. must confess that syrah is probably one of my favorite varietals on the planet. Idaho? Cheers

Also of note, as long as we are discussing Carignan, is that it is the most widely planted grape in France today ( according to winepros.org - bet you didn't know that - I sure didn't). The 2006 Vina Alarba Red, made with 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah saw no oak aging and showed very nice pure fruit. But I found out today. It is in Spain.

Washington State, is known to produce some exceptional reds, in particular Merlot, Syrah and yes, of course, Cabernet Sauvignon (and blends including all or some of the aforementioned varietals). So instead, I want to bring up wines from another not-too-discussed wine region - Washington state. Happy lesser known wine region wine tasting!

They grow indigenous grapes such as Moschofilero and Agiorgitiko, and also grow Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, and other varieties - how they can do that successfully without an incredible diversity of soil and many micro-climates is beyond me. NV Domaine Spiropoulos Ode Panos , $15, Athenee Importers of New York. It's 11.5%