What to Drink Now: Syrah

BY LAURIE DANIEL

Photos by Tad Ware & Company
food styled by cindy syme

Syrah is ideal for a big holiday meal with a range of flavors. It is an extremely versatile red that cries out for food with substantial flavor, so don’t opt for dishes that are too delicate because the food will simply be overwhelmed by the wine. Here are a few food-pairing guidelines for selecting a Syrah:

 

> > When pairing with beef, venison, lamb, or wild game, select a substantial, structured Syrah from the northern Rhône, Australia, Washington, or California.
 

> > With grilled or barbecued meats and poultry, or sausage, select a jammy, ripe Australian or California wine.
 

> > With poultry or full-flavored fish like salmon or ahi tuna, select a lighter, less-expensive version.
 

> > When selecting cheeses to pair with Syrah, choose a semi-hard or hard cheese like Cheddar, dry Jack, Manchego, or Asiago.