Foods to Pair with Sol De Luz 2017 Syrah (Bite Me)

Syrah, also known as Shiraz (depending on where its produced), is the offspring of two ancient varietals. This dark-skinned grape variety is grown worldwide, including Temecula Valley, Southern California’s wine country. This region offers excellent growing conditions, allowing wineries like Sweet Oaks to produce exquisite wines. 

Sweet Oaks Sol De Luz 2017 Syrah is one such wine, which pairs perfectly with a wide selection of dishes. You can expect spice, sweetness and earthiness all in one, making this Syrah an excellent choice for your next dinner party or at-home date night.

Sol De Luz 2017 Syrah (Bite Me) — Tasting Notes 

When you first pour a glass of Sol De Luz 2017 Syrah, you’ll notice its deep ruby red color. This color develops from the thick skin of the Syrah grape, which is rich in tannins. 

On the nose, you’ll discover hints of black plums, red fruits, blackberries and blueberries, as well as spicy notes like tobacco leaf, clove and peppercorns. With a touch of French oak thrown into the mix, you’ll appreciate the added level of sophistication. This unique and welcoming combination gives way to a complex tasting experience. 

The flavor profile of this wine is bursting with loads of sweet red fruits. These dominating flavors are followed by the same earthiness and spice you experience in the wine’s aroma. 

The medium acidity of this wine is just enough that there’s a freshness to it. But overall, this wine finishes soft and is more on the velvety side. 

With all of those tasting notes at play, you can have fun with your pairings. The key is to find ingredients and dishes that create a sense of balance. Stick with some basic pairing suggestions to start and as you become more familiar with Syrah, as well as wine and food pairings in general, you can get a little more creative. 

Pairing Food with Sol De Luz 2017 Syrah (Bite Me)

Being a bold and fairly full-bodied wine, Syrah goes well with many foods. 

Sol De Luz 2017 Syrah offers many powerful flavors, which is why one of the most common pairings is meat, particularly red meat. For example, when grilling beef ribs or braising a brisket, leverage some of the spiciness found in this wine to create the perfect pairing. This Braised Beef with a Peppercorn Sauce recipe is a hearty meal that can be served to your friends on a “wine Wednesday” night or for your family’s Sunday meal. 

Beef is the go-to choice, especially steak. However, since this wine is so rich, it can also stand up to stronger flavors, like game meat. If you’re looking for a little something different, check out this Bison Meatloaf recipe — or wow your guests with this Rabbit Braised in Red Wine dish. 

Syrah from California is often more reminiscent of ripe fruit than, say, an Australian Shiraz. That is why Sol De Luz 2017 Syrah pairs well with bold dishes on the spicy side — and it doesn’t get much better than this Dwaeji Bulgogi (Korean-Style Spicy Grilled Pork) recipe. 

Prefer Vegetarian?

Vegetarian food can be tricky at first, but once you become more familiar with Syrah and what it pairs well with, the options are nearly endless. 

To start, stick with hearty dishes that feature lentils, tofu, beans or mushrooms. Earthy flavors pair beautifully with a glass of Sol De Luz 2017 Syrah. You’ll want to modify these ingredients, creating a dish that matches the intensity of Syrah. Don’t be shy to elevate your dish, whether you’re adding a rich broth, smoked paprika or roasted shallots. 

For example, you could grill black bean burgers made with anything from soy sauce and shitake mushrooms to cumin and roasted red pepper. This Portobello Burger with Muffuletta Topping is a sure win. The meatiness of the mushroom and the olive topping is a no-brainer. 

What About Cheese?

There are also many cheese options for both meat and veggie lovers. 

Regardless of the occasion, nothing beats a cheese tray when sipping on wine — and that includes Syrah. 

Thanks to the fruity profile of Syrah, this wine goes with salty blue cheeses, like Gorgonzola. It also pairs well with savory cheeses, such as aged cheddar or smoked gouda.

If you want to switch things up, serve your guests a grilled halloumi dish. It’s a simple but memorable cheese. 

If you’re adding cheese to a charcuterie board for the ultimate tasting experience, you can select bold pairings while sipping Syrah. From black truffle salami to Spanish chorizo, when these cured meats are paired with Syrah, you’ll experience a serious increase in spice, flavor and complexity!

Finish with Dessert 

If you love dark chocolate, Syrah is a wine to have on hand at all times. Whether you’re treating your friends, your partner or yourself, you can’t go wrong with these Dark Chocolate Ganache Truffles. 

Dark berry desserts are also a perfect pick and it doesn’t get much better than this Cherry Plum Slab Pie with Walnut Streusel.

Now that your mouth is watering, it’s time to plan the ultimate food and wine pairing experience. Explore all that Sweet Oaks has to offer if you want to enhance your wine collection.