2023 Luca Syrah Laborde Double Select

Argentina, located in South America, is a long stretched country, which means that many different climate types occur. Most wine-growing areas are located in western Argentina. Here you will find the Andes Mountains that lie between Argentina and Chile. This Andes mountain range stops a lot of rain, so you will find many warm and dry areas in the west of Argentina. The vineyards in Argentina are often in the higher mountain section. The reason for this is that it is much cooler in the higher mountain section, which keeps the aromas of the grapes more intact.

Argentina used to produce bulk wines for its own population. Cereza and Criolla are the commonly used varieties for these bulk wines, because they yield a lot of grapes with a light pink colored skin. A white sweet wine was often produced from these grapes. Nowadays Argentina exports more wine abroad. The reason for this turnaround is the change in the quality of the wines. Where many bulk wines used to be produced, Argentina now mainly produces quality wines.

In Argentina you will now find many good types of wine, using well-known grape varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay. The region with the largest area of wine-growing land is the Mendoza region. This region itself is also divided into different areas. In the north of Mendoza, for example, you will mainly find a fruity white wine and the red young wine. In the middle part of Mendoza you will find many quality wines, this is because the soil here contains many minerals. The reason that this soil contains so many minerals is the big difference in temperature between day and night. In this area you will find, for example, a very good quality Malbec, originally a French grape. This is by now the grape most cultivated in Argentina.

In addition to the Mendoza region, you will find Patagonia, a wine region located towards the South Pole, with the most famous regions being the Neuquen and the Rio Negro. Neuquen has a warm and dry climate. The soil in this wine region is ideal for producing a Pinot Noir or a Cabernet Sauvignon. Catena Zapata belongs to the absolute top from Mendoza and we have the honor to carry the range of them.

Red wine is made from blue grapes. The wines get their dark colour from the skin of the grape, which ferments with the grape juice. The intensity of the colour is determined by how long the juice has matured; a young red wine will have a somewhat purple colour, while older wines tend to be more orange or brown-red.

With around 10,000 varieties of grapes worldwide, you can go in all directions.

The most well-known blue grapes are Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Syrah / Shiraz.

Types of red wine

There are many different types of grapes with different characteristics and aromas. The differences within grape varieties are due to the difference in climate, the soil where the vines are planted, and the amount of sun.

The end result is in the hands of the winemaker. During the process from juice to wine, the winemaker still has a lot of options to change the final product into what he wants to put on the market.

The upbringing of the wine plays a major role in this. After fermentation, the process of raising and maturing the wine begins. There are many options for influencing the wine, but the most well-known concerns the ageing in wood.

If the winemaker chooses to raise the wine on wood, many things come into play. The first choice is whether new or older barrels will be used. Older, used barrels release less or no more aromas and tannins, but they still have an oxidative function. New wood barrels let in dosed oxygen and ensure that the wine has aromas and tannins. This is more intense with smaller barrels than with large wooden barrels.

Dry red wine

The most famous red wine is a dry red wine. The number of grape varieties and different taste profiles are enormous. There is a nice glass of red for every moment.

Sweet red wine

Just like sweet white wine, there is sweet red wine too! They are a lot rarer than dry red wines. If you want to try something different, it's definitely worth a try.

Alcohol-free red wine

Non-alcoholic wine is becoming more and more popular. Whether it is red non-alcoholic wine, white non-alcoholic wine, or sparkling non-alcoholic wine, more and more attention is being paid to it. Perfect for a cosy drink during pregnancy, or during a non-alcoholic month!

Red wine Gift

Red wine is fun to give, and even more fun to receive! Grandcruwijnen has ready-made wine gifts to make your gift recipient happy ;)

If you have your eye on a bottle of wine, at Grandcruwijnen we also have gift packaging to complete your gift! If you've found something you like, you can easily add a gift card during checkout.

Buy red wine online

At Grandcruwijnen you can easily buy red wine online. In our range, you will find products from the well-known grape varieties. If you want to buy a nice red wine, you have come to the right place at Grandcruwijnen. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact us!

Syrah, also called Shiraz, is a dark-skinned red wine grape variety known for producing bold, full-bodied wines with intense flavors. Here's what you need to know about this grape:

Origin

Syrah's origins date back to the Rhône Valley in France, especially in regions such as Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie. It is one of the most important grapes in the renowned wines of the Northern Rhône. The exact origins of the grape are still debated, but it is believed to have ancient roots in the Middle East. However, genetic research shows that the grape originates from two grape varieties from southeastern France - Dureza and Mondeuse blanche

The taste of Syrah

The wines are known for their rich, dark fruit flavors such as blackberry, black cherry and plum. They often have notes of black pepper, smoked meat, violet and sometimes earthy undertones. The flavor profile can vary depending on factors such as climate, soil and winemaking techniques. In cooler climates this grape produces wines with more pepper and floral notes while in warmer climates it produces richer and fruitier notes, sometimes with coffee and chocolate notes. It pairs well with grilled meat, especially lamb and beef, in dishes such as stews or on the barbecue. It also goes well with cheeses such as aged cheddar or blue cheese.

Characteristics of Syrah

Syrah is known for its adaptability to various soil types and climates, making it a sustainable choice for vineyard cultivation. Additionally, many wine producers are adopting sustainable and organic practices in both vineyard management and winemaking.

Many Syrah wines have excellent aging potential, particularly those from the Northern Rhône. With proper cellaring, they can develop more complexity and soften over time, while retaining their fruitiness and structure.