Sips & Snacks in August

Josie Hough
Aug 1, 2024
3 min read

Updated: Feb 18

Wine

Shiraz/Syrah

-The history of Syrah/Shiraz-

Serve at 60-68°

There's one thing Syrah (Sih-RAH) and Shiraz (Shi-RAZ) have in common; they are both made from the Syrah grape.

Syrah is from France (original home of the Syrah grape)
Shiraz is from Australia

Whether it’s Syrah or Shiraz, you can expect your wine to have this basic flavor profile: dark fruits (think black or blueberries) medium to high tannins, and a peppery/spicy, dry finish. Fun fact: this black pepper flavor is due to a naturally occurring chemical in the Syrah grape called rotundone. It’s also found in a few herbs like rosemary, thyme, and also in black peppercorns.

Serve your favorite Syrah or Shiraz with a dark meat to compliment the richness of the fruit and pepper notes. This one also goes well with exotic spices like your favorite Indian food. My favorite way to enjoy an everyday Syrah is with a cheeseburger, fresh off the grill, on a summer night. The fruity notes balance with the grilled burger and when you throw on some bacon and you HAVE A WINNER!

I'm excited for you to try my two wine suggestions this month.

My Sweet Spot choice was new to me and instantly has become a must grab when I see it in the wine isle. It's a win win because at $13.99 it's a great one!

My Special Day choice is my dear friend Sonia's favorite. I have enjoyed this one together with friends celebrating all things good. :)

Sweet Spot Shiraz/Syrah -

Luc Pirlet Syrah - Mourvedre - $13.99

This French Syrah is blended with Mourvedre to make a perfect combination of the berries and plums you'd expect in a Syrah yet a touch of smoke and spice. It's perfect with a meal to complement bacon! YUM!

Special Day Shiraz/Syrah -

Mollydooker Shiraz Blue Eyed Boy 2021- $62.99

Named after the son of award-winning Australian winemakers Sarah and Sparky Marquis, this wine will impress you on all counts. It is a full-bodied dark fruit taste with just a touch of chocolate. It is the perfect wine to share for a celebration!

Food Pairing

If a lovely glass of your favorite Shiraz/Syrah was searching for the perfect mate, here is what should be on that list.

Meats: grilled steak, beef stew, roasted turkey

Seafood: salmon, tuna

Veggies/Fruits: figs, blueberries, mushrooms

Spices/Herbs: mint, rosemary, clove

Cheeses : parmesan, smoked gouda, feta

Sauces: whole grain mustard sauce, reduced fruit sauce

Dessert: anything chocolate

The perfect accompaniment to this month's Syrah is a cheeseburger!

Try my "Cheeseburger Bake" for an easy weeknight meal (and pour yourself a glass of Syrah, you've earned it). This is a variation on a recipe from my friend Jenny. She shared with me about 10 years ago. It's in our family "favorite" rotation.

Cocktail

The New Spritz in Town:

The Hugo Spritz

A spritz cocktail is composed of a liqueur, Prosecco, and club soda typically in a 3-2-1 ratio. The result is a light, bubbly, and refreshing cocktail sure to quench your thirst. The Hugo Spritz features an elderflower liqueur, like St-Germain.

I like to say this is the new spritz of the summer and has gained popularity thanks to the trendy Aperol Spritz.

It is a refreshing, slightly bubbly summer drink, yet one that I could enjoy all year.