New World syrahs

Whether you call it syrah or shiraz, this grape variety has been given a new lease of life in recent years, says David Williams in The Observer, – especially among New World makers (where the “syrah” styling is generally preferred).

A great-value place to start is Tesco Finest Hawkes Bay Syrah, New Zealand 2016 (£10), full of refreshing, black pepper-seasoned dark berries. From Chile, the “vivid, perfumed, polished” Viñedos Alcohuaz Tococo Syrah 2015 (£30.95; Berry Bros & Rudd) is pricier, but worth the extra, while Falernia’s meaty, liquoricey example, Viña Falernia Syrah, Elqui Valley, Chile 2013 (£9.95; Great Western Wine) is “always stunning value”.

Three Cape wines all capture the “moreish, elusive syrah mix of dark savoury spicy meatiness and elegance”: Reyneke Organic Syrah, Stellenbosch 2015 (£16.99; Waitrose), Mullineux Syrah, Swartland 2015 (£27.25; Berry Bros & Rudd) and Lismore Syrah, Western Cape 2016 (£29; Oddbins). And last, Kunin Santa Barbara County Syrah, California 2015 (£25.20; Roberson Wine) is smokily succulent. For our latest offers, visit theweekwines.co.uk