Le Jaja De Jau Syrah 2011 750ml

Winery: Le Jaja De Jau

Varietal: Syrah

Whilst there remains plenty of debate over which is the 'correct' name for the Shiraz/Syrah grape varietal, nobody is in any doubt about the influence and popularity this grape has had over recent decades. For centuries, this varietal has been used in single variety and blended wines in the regions of France it is most closely associated with, yet the 20th century saw it become one of the definitive grape varietals of New World red wines, where its big, robust character and spicy, berry-rich flavors proved to be a hit with international audiences. Today, Shiraz/Syrah is said to be the seventh most widely planted grape varietal in the world, and is used for a remarkably wide variety of quality red wines – including still, sparkling and fortified varieties.

Region: Languedoc Roussillon

The southern French region of Languedoc Roussillon is one of the most important wine regions on earth, being responsible for over a third of France's annual output – a vast quantity of wine which exceeds even the annual output of the United States. Despite the fact that Languedoc Roussillon produces such enormous quantities of wine, the quality of the region's output remains a priority for the wineries which operate there. Languedoc Roussillon takes great pride in the fact that could be considered one of the oldest wine regions in the world, with a history which stretches back thousands of years to the ancient Greeks, and remains highly important to this day. Vintners in Languedoc Roussillon work with a wide range of grape varietals, and the region produces a wide variety of wines, from still red and white table wines, to blended and aged wines, dessert and sparkling wines.

Country: France

Year in, year out, France enjoys its prestigious reputation as the producer of the finest wines in the world. With a wine making history which spans several thousand years and owes its expertise to the Romans, it comes as little surprise that this most highly esteemed of the Old World wine countries continues to impress and enchant both novices and experts to this day. Despite the rise in quality of wines from neighboring European countries, not to mention the New World, the French wine industry continues to boom, with up to eight billion bottles being produced in recent years. However, France prides itself on always putting quality before quantity, and the wide range in fine produce is a testament to the dedication and knowledge of the wineries across the country. Indeed, from rich and complex reds to light and aromatic white wines, French wines are as varied and interesting as they are enjoyable to drink, making this country a firm favorite for wine lovers across the globe.