Pair These Dishes with a Bold Syrah
By Antoine Chaya
An experienced financial services executive and current senior director of strategic accounts with the Oracle Corporation in Redwood Shores, California, Antoine Chaya is also a wine enthusiast. Antoine Chaya especially enjoys wines from the Napa Valley region, which produces some of the most soughtafter vintages in the world. While many wine drinkers favor the subtle notes of a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Noir, bold varietals such as the Syrah are an indispensable part of many food pairings. Food & Wine explains that American wineries tend to produce less tannic wines than their French counterparts, often with intense blackberry flavors. As such, American Syrahs tend to pair best with barbecued foods and other rich-tasting dishes. Deep-flavored Syrahs can be used to complement the strong flavors of braised lamb with pickled onions, as well as hickory-smoked hanger steak and certain glazed chicken dishes. Fruitier Syrahs pair well with Indian-style lamb and beef dishes and smoky steaks, while spicier vintages complement the earthy flavors of lamb prepared with fennel or paprika.