After what has seemed like the Indian summer to end all Indian summers, with the warm, dry days extending all the way to the end of autumn, winter is finally upon us, rearing its frosty old head and spitting a few raindrops our way. As we slide on down the barometer and assume our plaid flannel wardrobes, it seems only appropriate that we lean into the rich warmth of red wine for a bit of comfort;
and to that end, we delve into the dark-skinned and mysterious grape that is Syrah. This languidly smoky, peppery, full-bodied wine is an ideal companion to bold winter foods, and it has made rapid inroads into the New Zealand palate as more and more of our best winemakers learn how to harness its unique qualities.
