The Wine Profile

1 How would you describe the body of a typical red wine made from Syrah?

A Light and delicate, almost like water B Medium-bodied and silky smooth C Very light with almost no weight at all D Full-bodied and powerful

2 What is the typical color appearance of a young Syrah wine?

A Deep purple-black with violet rim B Light salmon pink C Transparent and colorless D Pale straw yellow

3 What is the key difference in winemaking style between a traditional northern Rhône Syrah and a Barossa Valley Shiraz?

A They are made identically B Barossa uses more new American oak and longer maceration C Northern Rhône uses more new oak than Barossa D Barossa never uses any oak aging

4 What is the typical tannin level in Syrah wines?

A Very low, almost imperceptible tannins B No tannins whatsoever C Medium to high tannins with a firm, grippy structure D Identical tannin levels to Pinot Noir

5 How long can a well-made Syrah from the Northern Rhône or Australia be aged?

A Exactly ten years – no more, no less B Decades, thanks to its strong structure C Only a couple of years before it starts losing its fruit D It should be drunk young to preserve its color

6 Which type of wood dominates the aging of Syrah/Shiraz in France?

A Stainless steel, which preserves the freshness and purity of fruit B French oak, which gives subtle and elegant flavors C Slovenian oak, known for its neutral and gentle character D American oak, which gives bold vanilla and coconut aromas