Syrah is one of those varieties that belong to the world. What I mean is that it flourishes in quite a few places and the expression of it can be wildly different and yet quite valid. Syrah gown in California, France and Australia often has very little in common, flavor profile wise. Italy isn’t the first, or even the second place I think of when this grape comes to mind, but there are some pretty interesting examples of this varietal emerging from there. Today I’ll look at a release from Antinori, one of the classic Italian producers.
The Antinori Agricola Bramasole La Braccesca 2006 Syrah Cortona DOC was produced using fruit sourced at La Braccesca estate vineyards. This offering is 100% Syrah. After fermentation it was aged in new barrique for 14 months followed by 12 months of bottle aging prior to release. This wine has a suggested retail price of around $44 but is currently on sale at WineChateau.com for just under $26.
Black cherry, blueberry, nutmeg, clove and allspice aromas are joined by hints of herbs on the nose of this 2006 Italian Syrah. A combination of fresh ripe fruit flavors intermingles with more prominent dry fruit characteristics throughout the palate of this wine. Blackberry and black raspberry flavors are particularly prominent along continuing cherry elements. Minerals, black tea, spice, smoked meats and rhubarb all emerge along with copious quantities of chocolate covered cherries on the velvety and persistent finish. This wine is balanced by firm acidity.
This is a nice Syrah that will pair well with a pretty wide array of foods. Full flavored dishes will be a particularly good match. That said this wine drinks well on its own. If you like Syrah, this is a good value and an interesting wine, give it a shot.