Flight Savor Fare

As cooler weather and heartier meals appear, my wine favorites turn to the Rhone varietals, Syrah/Shiraz, Grenache and the lesser known eleven other grapes allowed by law in the Rhone Valley. Syrah and Shiraz are the same grape, with France preferring Syrah, the Southern Hemisphere preferring Shiraz, and California using both terms. Syrah/Shiraz is named for the Persian town Shiraz in present day Iran, a wine making site for over 7,000 years. California devotes much of its warmer weather wine-growing regions to these varietals, with the vintners calling themselves Rhone Rangers.

In France, red Rhone blends can range from light and pinot-like from the South to intense, dry, leathery wine from the North, while the Australian Shiraz are often big, jammy fruitbombs. California makes many styles, depending upon the fruit, the terroir, and the winemaker.

This group of wines goes particularly well with Flight’s menu, its peppery-spiciness complementing the apple wood-grilled flavor.

From Australia, try the Hewitson “Miss Harry” GSM (a blend of Grenache, Shiraz, Mouvedre) or Maverick – Above the Law Shiraz. Maverick is made by Jayson Woodbridge, who is the owner/winemaker of Hundred Acre, a Napa cult Cab. During the off season, he heads for Australia to make Shiraz, both this one and Layer Cake, which we carried until the vintage sold out. Or if you’re splurging, the Turkey Flat Shiraz is a real winner (94 points from Robert Parker).