In the video “Syrah Surprises – Unexpected Discoveries and Disappointments” by Konstantin Baum, a Master of Wine, you’ll delve into the world of Syrah and its diverse range of wines. Konstantin Baum, who has a Patreon and social media accounts, uses the Forge de Laguiole Ebony wine key and the Nude Stem Zero Powerful Reds glass in the video. Throughout the video, he tastes an array of Syrah wines from different regions, including Chile, Italy, USA, Australia, and France. The video also touches upon the 100-point scoring system from www.robertparker.com, the history of Syrah, and its association with Hermitage in the northern Rhône. Overall, this captivating video provides insights into the characteristics of the lesser-known grape variety Sura and offers recommendations for exploring Syrah wines.
In addition to discussing the origins and characteristics of Syrah, the video showcases various wines and their taste profiles. From the 2020 Vinedos de Alcohuaz ‘Tococo de Alcohuaz’ Syrah in Chile, to the 2010 Penfolds St. Henri Shiraz in Australia, each wine brings its unique flavors to the table. Baum also mentions the ageability of Syrah wines, highlighting certain wines that age well while others may not reach the same level of success. The video concludes with Baum’s personal favorites, leaving viewers with a suggestion to experience the world of Syrah wines for themselves. With Baum’s expertise and passion, this video is sure to provide an enjoyable and educational journey through “Syrah Surprises – Unexpected Discoveries and Disappointments”.
Syrah Surprises – Unexpected Discoveries and Disappointments
Introduction to Konstantin Baum and the Video
Welcome to an exciting journey through the world of Syrah wines! In this video titled “Syrah Surprises – Unexpected Discoveries and Disappointments,” we will be guided by Konstantin Baum, a Master of Wine, as he explores the diverse and intriguing aspects of Syrah.
Konstantin Baum has an extensive background and expertise in the world of wine. You can support him on his Patreon account and follow him on various social media platforms to stay updated on his latest wine adventures.
Throughout the video, Baum showcases two wine accessories that he personally uses and recommends. The Forge de Laguiole Ebony Wine Key, known for its exceptional quality, is a must-have tool for every wine enthusiast. Additionally, Baum uses the Nude Stem Zero Powerful Reds Glass, which enhances the tasting experience for robust red wines like Syrah.
Featured Wine Accessories
Baum introduces and highlights two wine accessories that he finds essential for anyone who appreciates wine. The Forge de Laguiole Ebony Wine Key is a beautifully crafted corkscrew that combines elegance with functionality. Its ebony handle provides a comfortable grip, while the precision engineering ensures a smooth and effortless cork removal experience.
The Nude Stem Zero Powerful Reds Glass is an exquisite glassware option for those who prefer big, bold red wines like Syrah. Its unique shape and design allows for optimal aeration, enhancing the wine’s aromas and flavors. The glass is also durable and dishwasher-safe, making it perfect for everyday use or special occasions.
The Tasted Wines
In this video, Baum takes us on a tasting journey through several Syrah wines from around the world. The wines featured include:
- 2020 Vinedos de Alcohuaz ‘Tococo de Alcohuaz’ Syrah, Elqui Valley, Chile
- 2020 Stefano Amerighi Syrah, Cortona, Tuscany, Italy
- 2017 Gramercy Cellars Les Collines Block 50 Syrah, Walla Walla Valley, USA
- 2010 Penfolds St. Henri Shiraz, South Australia
- 2008 The Ojai Vineyard Syrah, Santa Barbara County, USA
- 2001 Domaine Rene Rostaing Cote Rotie Cote Blonde, Rhone, France
Baum carefully selects these wines to showcase the diverse expressions of Syrah from different regions and vintages. Each wine brings its unique character and offers a delightful tasting experience.
The 100-Point Scoring System
During the video, Baum references the 100-point scoring system from www.robertparker.com. This scoring system provides a standardized way to evaluate and compare wines objectively. Here is a brief introduction to the scoring system:
- 96-100 points: An extraordinary wine of profound and complex character, representing the pinnacle of quality.
- 90-95 points: An outstanding wine of exceptional complexity and character, deserving high praise.
- 80-89 points: A wine of above-average to very good quality, displaying finesse and flavor without major flaws.
- 70-79 points: An average wine with no significant distinguishing characteristics, but soundly made.
- 60-69 points: A below-average wine with noticeable deficiencies, such as excessive acidity or lack of flavor.
- 50-59 points: A wine deemed to be unacceptable or flawed.
Baum utilizes these scores to provide his expert opinion on the wines he tastes, allowing viewers to understand the quality and characteristics of each wine.
The History and Origins of Syrah
Syrah, a grape variety synonymous with rich, full-bodied red wines, has a long and fascinating history. The most well-known association of Syrah is with Hermitage in the northern Rhône region of France. The wines from Hermitage are renowned for their exceptional quality and were highly regarded in the past, often used to enhance Bordeaux wines.
Contrary to popular belief, the name “Syrah” does not come from the Persian town Shiraz or Syracuse in Sicily. Syrah is actually the great-grandchild of Pinot and the offspring of two lesser-known grape varieties, Mondeuse Blanche and Dureza. This lineage contributes to the unique characteristics and flavors found in Syrah wines.
Sura: The Underrated Grape Variety
One of the highlights of Baum’s exploration of Syrah is his introduction of the grape variety “Sura.” Despite its exceptional qualities, Sura often lives in the shadow of more popular grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir. Sura wines are frequently undervalued and not given the recognition they deserve.
Baum sheds light on the characteristics of Sura that make it a grape variety worth exploring. Sura exhibits complexity, contradictions, and a range of flavors that can surprise even the most seasoned wine enthusiasts. Its unique profile sets it apart from other grape varieties and offers a truly unforgettable tasting experience.
Wine Regions Producing Sura
Baum highlights the wine regions around the world that produce exceptional Sura wines. Armitage, located in the northern Rhône region of France, is the most prominent and famous region associated with Syrah. The wines from Armitage are highly regarded for their quality and have a long-standing history.
In addition to Armitage, there are other notable wine regions that produce Sura wines. Baum encourages viewers to explore wines from these regions and suggests that they share their recommendations in the comments section of the video.
Taste Profiles of Sura Wines
Baum dives into the tasting experience of each Sura wine featured in the video, providing detailed descriptions of their flavors, aromas, and overall profiles. He analyzes wines from different regions, allowing viewers to understand the unique characteristics that each terroir imparts on the wine.
Throughout the tasting, Baum describes the flavors of blueberries, plums, cherries, and hints of pepper in the Sura wines. He notes the balance, freshness, concentration, and grippy tannins present in each wine, providing a comprehensive understanding of the various taste profiles that Sura wines can offer.
Ageability of Sura Wines
A topic often discussed in the wine world is the ageability of different wines. Baum touches on this aspect when exploring Sura wines. Some Sura wines have the potential to age gracefully, developing complexity and new flavors over time. However, not all Sura wines are suitable for long-term aging, as some may lose their vibrancy and freshness over the years. Baum guides viewers on which Sura wines are more likely to age well and which are best enjoyed in their youth.
Conclusion: Konstantin Baum’s Favorites and Recommendations
As the video comes to a close, Baum shares his personal favorites among the Sura wines tasted and offers recommendations for viewers to try for themselves. His expertise and passion for wine shine through as he expresses his enthusiasm for the diverse expressions of Sura from around the world.
Baum encourages viewers to embrace the world of Sura wines, challenge their preconceptions, and explore the incredible range of flavors and experiences that this grape variety has to offer. By following his recommendations and delving into Sura wines, viewers can discover their own unexpected surprises and disappointments while expanding their wine knowledge and appreciation.
Franco Deville, an esteemed wine connoisseur and author, is the visionary behind “Wines of Madeira.” His extensive background in viticulture and wine tasting enriches his detailed guide on Madeira wines. Franco’s dedication to traditional winemaking and innovative approaches has established him as an influential voice in the wine community.