# Roasted Slope Syrah (2019)

- **Producer:** Andrew Murray Vineyards
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Syrah, Viognier
- **Region:** California, United States
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.1%
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackcurrant, spice, blackberry, black pepper, eucalyptus, black cherry, black plum, cloves, butter, vanilla, cedar, smoke, leather, dried fruit, tobacco, earth

## About this wine

The Andrew Murray Roasted Slope Syrah 2019 is a red wine from Santa Barbara County, California. Its name is a direct translation of Côte Rôtie, a renowned appellation in France's Northern Rhône Valley. The wine's unique character stems from a vineyard planting in 1996 where Syrah was inter-planted with Viognier, leading to the practice of co-fermenting these two grapes. Andrew Murray Vineyards, founded in 1990, specializes in Rhône varietals and is recognized for its commitment to sustainable farming and innovative practices, including the early adoption of screw-cap closures.

## Interesting facts

- The 'Roasted Slope' name is a literal translation of Côte Rôtie.
- A vineyard planting error led to the co-fermentation of Syrah and Viognier.
- The winery has used screw-caps for all wines since the 2006 vintage.

## Food pairing

The wine's structure and fruit profile complement rich, savory dishes. The tannins in the Syrah pair well with the proteins in red meats and game, while the fruit notes can harmonize with sauces and accompaniments like cherry or mushroom. The wine's complexity can stand up to robust flavors.

## Wine making process

The Andrew Murray Roasted Slope Syrah is vinified using a blend of whole cluster and destemmed Syrah, with Viognier added as whole clusters for co-fermentation. This process takes place in small, open-top vats with manual punchdowns and lasts up to two weeks. Following fermentation, the wine undergoes malolactic conversion naturally in barrels. It is then aged for 18 months in French Oak. Vineyard practices emphasize sustainable, organic, and biodynamic principles, with manual harvesting ensuring grape quality. The winery is also known for its early adoption of screw-cap closures.