I know we’re all going crazy getting ready for Christmas, and barely have time to think about anything else. But let me just put this one little idea in your head.
Syrah for solstice.
The winter solstice, the longest day of the year, is Saturday. Doesn’t that just make it the perfect time to cozy up to the most inky, dark, wonderfully wintry wine there is?
Of course it does. Even amidst the Christmas craziness. Give yourself the gift of an evening with Syrah.
While I’d always liked it fine before, when I was working on my “100 Perfect Pairings” cookbooks, spending concentrated time with each wine variety, I came to truly adore Syrah.
It’s darkly fruity. It’s earthy and funky. It’s kind of like a great blues bar or a perfectly worn-in pair of jeans—two of my favorite things.
Plus, almost every Syrah pairing is improved by the addition of salami, bacon, rosemary, or balsamic vinegar. How can you not like a wine like that?
I love Syrah with lamb, braised dishes like brisket, sausages, and of course, steak. Believe it or not, it’s also great with a meaty swordfish steak. Or try it with these recipes from my books—Chunky Beef and Syrah Chili or Pizza with Salami, Mozzarella, and Fresh Herbs (pictured).
A toast to solstice with Syrah!
Christmas is around the corner, and things are getting brighter every day.
