Ahhhh, Spring is in the air. April brings the promise of summer, yet it brings us lots of rainy days and nights. If you’re on the East Coast, you might be Jonesin’ for some sunshine and warmer temps; if you’re in sunny California, you might have already pulled out your flip-flops for the season.
No matter where you live, we’ve all gotten caught in the rain once or twice, but it’s all about how you handle the unexpected. Does it make you moody and anxious? Or do you shrug it off with a “que sera, sera” attitude?
Que Syrah/Shiraz
Speaking of Syrah, a rainy weekend in April is the perfect opportunity to throw a surprise “Que Syrah, Shiraz” wine-themed party for your friends or family.
Fun fact: In Australia, the grape is called Shiraz, but it’s really the same thing as Syrah.
Syrah is a red grape that produces absolutely gorgeous wines all around the world. This grape gives an inky purple color in the glass, and when you taste Syrah, close your eyes and let your mind look for notes of cracked black pepper and dried meats, like salami.
Get the party started by picking up two great examples of Syrah:
- McPrice Myers Right Hand Man Syrah 2022 $20 (Paso Robles, CA)
- Mount Langi Ghiran Cliff Edge Shiraz 2021 $27 (Victoria, Australia)
Syrah Grazing Board
This brings me to the perfect pairing: a meat and charcuterie-focused grazing board. Here, meat is the star, cheese is nominated best supporting actor or actress.
- Start with a peppered salami, something cured or smoked (e.g., prosciutto), and mortadella because, let’s face it, mortadella is having a moment.
- With all the meat action, the cheese offerings can be a little simpler. A simple gouda (smoked if you’re feeling frisky), Manchego, and a soft cheese like Brie or Camembert will do the trick.
- Round out the platter with sliced baguette, fresh fruit, and your favorite Tipsy Mix flavor. Our Bold, Full-Bodied Reds pack will go superbly with a Syrah. The assortment features dark dried fruits, sweet toasted nuts, and dark chocolate.
A grazing board for a Syrah/Shiraz f focus is on salami, prosciutto, & mortadella; for cheese offer Gouda, Manchego, Brie, Camembert; add a sliced baguette, fresh fruit, and our Bold, Full-Bodied Reds Tipsy Mix.