Syrah Deductive Tasting ClassDiscover the Global Spectrum of Syrah: France • Washington • Australia
Embark on an exhilarating journey through three of the world’s most celebrated Syrah regions—France’s Rhône Valley, Washington State, and Australia’s premium growing areas. This deductive tasting class will illuminate Syrah’s defining traits, regional personalities, and ideal pairings with food.
What to Expect
Guided Comparative TastingSample 8–10 Syrahs:
France – Classic Northern Rhône examples (e.g., Côte‑Rôtie, Hermitage)
Washington – Walla Walla and Columbia Valley interpretations
Australia – Bold Barossa and elegant McLaren Vale bottlings
Deductive Tasting MethodLearn a systematic approach to assess each wine’s appearance, aromas, and palate structure (acidity, tannin, body), empowering you to “reverse engineer” a wine’s origin and style.
Varietal Deep DiveExplore Syrah’s heritage, typical flavor spectrum (from black pepper to dark fruit), and the grape’s adaptation across climates and soils.
Regional InfluencesContrast cool‑climate precision in France with Washington’s fruit‑driven nuance and Australia’s rich, opulent expressions. Understand how soil, sun exposure, and winemaking shape each bottle.
No Prior Wine Knowledge RequiredPerfect for beginners and seasoned enthusiasts alike—whether you’re new to Syrah or looking to refine your tasting skills.
What to Bring
Your curiosity and palate
Optional notebook and pen for tasting notes
Provided
8–10 Syrah wines from the Rhône Valley, Washington State, and Australia
Tasting sheets, guided instruction, and expert insights
About Syrah
Syrah is renowned for its versatility—ranging from lean, peppery wines in the Northern Rhône to lush, fruit‑forward styles Down Under and elegant, balanced interpretations in the Pacific Northwest. Typical notes include black pepper, blackberry, smoked meat, violet, and dark chocolate. Its structure varies dramatically:
France (Rhône Valley): Cool nights preserve acidity and spice, yielding age-worthy, complex wines.
Washington State: Moderate summers and diverse soils produce Syrahs with pronounced red and black fruit framed by vibrant acidity.
Australia: Sun‑soaked vineyards in Barossa and McLaren Vale deliver full‑bodied, opulent wines with plush tannins and ripe dark‑fruit character.
Why Deductive Tasting?
Deductive tasting is a step-by-step framework that trains your senses to pinpoint a wine’s grape variety, region, and quality level. By systematically evaluating visual cues, aromatics, and structural elements, you’ll gain confidence and accuracy in your wine assessments—especially valuable for a versatile, terroir‑driven grape like Syrah.
