Alistair Cooper MW, a specialist in South American wine, urges Chilean wine producers to plant more of the northern Rhône grape, and tastes the evidence.
Syrah is one of the most enigmatic grape varieties. It’s also one of my favourites [see Ali’s friend Richard’s recent Syrah encomium – JR]. Capable of producing wines that are subtle and delicate – violet-laden and floral-tinged with electric acidity – as well as brooding, meaty, silky behemoths drenched in dark fruit. It doesn’t stop there, as it’s also a wonderful blending bedfellow for other grape varieties including the obvious Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon.
It...