Mike Tipping finds the only way is syrah (From York Press)

Mike Tipping finds the only way is syrah

10:58am Saturday 12th November 2011 in Tipping's Tipples

Fight off November’s traditional gloom with a steaming bowl of something meaty, paired with one of the following reds.

I’ve picked wines made with syrah, or ones with syrah in the blend, firstly, because the grape’s inherent pepperiness works brilliantly with casseroles. And secondly, because syrah is the best red grape in the world (probably).

The Mont Tauch cooperative is very reliable if you want well-made, authentic tasting wines from the Languedoc. I’m impressed with its latest offering, Chateau de Montmal 2009, a single vineyard example from the Fitou appellation. Made from syrah, grenache and carignan, it’s earthy, rich and ripe, with long flavours of berries, plums, mocha and pepper.

For less outlay, try the medium-bodied, quaffable, Bordière Nord Syrah Grenache 2010, which is the red in a duo of Rhône-inspired wines, from the Languedoc producer Alain Grignon. It’s good at the price, suggesting cherry, raspberry and strawberry fruit with fine tannins.

Vidal Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2008, from New Zealand’s Hawkes Bay region, is Rhône-esque too. Savoury, earthy and structured, with cherries, berries and a sprinkling of black pepper, this is one of my ‘go to’ reds, for special occasions.

Or you could plump for a genuine Rhône wine, Jean-Luc Colombo Bonne Roche 2009, Côtes du Rhônes Villages. This is a GSM, or grenache, syrah, mourvèdre blend, that’s big on peppery spices and quite rich, with brambles, raspberry and liquorice.

Do you fancy going back to school? No, I thought not, but what if I tell you it’s a wine school?

Former Oddbins manager Laura Kent, from Wakefield, launched the Yorkshire Wine School in September and has now confirmed a session in York. The five-hour Introduction To Wine will take place at the Hotel Du Vin, on Saturday, January 14.

Tickets for the event cost £75, which includes a two-course lunch. For more details and for booking, check out Laura’s website yorkshirewineschool.com or email info@yorkshirewineschool.com

Chateau de Montmal 2009, Fitou, £12.99 from M&S online (marksandspencer.com) 18/20

Bordière Nord Syrah Grenache 2010, £5.99 each, when you buy two, at Majestic 17/20

Jean-Luc Colombo Bonne Roche 2009, Côtes du Rhônes Villages, £9.99 at Rhythm & Booze 17/20

Vidal Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2008, Hawkes Bay, £13.99 at Waitrose 18/20