A Taste of Wine
Syrah versus Petite Sirah ! Is there a difference ? Is one better than the other ?
GRAPE INFO - “ Syrah ” and “ Petite Sirah ” are two completely different grapes . Both grapes make big , rich red wines , and both are considered Rhône varietals , but that ’ s where their similarity ends . These two names , because of the common name “ Syrah ,” have unsurprisingly been the source of confusion for wine lovers over many years . Adding to the confusion is that many producers label their Petite Sirah “ Petite Syrah ,” and that the Australians ’ Syrah is called “ Shiraz ,” and it ’ s a wonder anyone can find the wine they really want . By looking at the differences between these two wines , wine lovers may be in a better position to seek out the wine that suits their particular tastes .
Counter intuitively , Petite Sirah grapes make big , assertive red wines . Powerful tannins and dark , almost black color are characteristics that the diehard Petite Sirah fan seeks out . The flavors of pepper , nutmeg and clove spice dominate the fruit flavors of rich berry and boysenberry jam . Its large tannins , coupled with a rustic spiciness , make the wine unpalatable to many drinkers , and in the early 1970 ’ s winemakers like Paul Draper of Ridge Vineyards set out to create a more “ user friendly ” version of the wine . Today one can find Petite Sirah in both the older rustic version and in the newer , softer version .
In contrast to Petite Sirah ’ s rustic status , Syrah is the noble red grape of the Rhône Valley . Wines produced from the Syrah grape are big and rich with medium to big tannins . Compared with paler reds , such as Pinot Noir and Zinfandel , Syrah ’ s color is dark purple ; an “ inky Syrah ” is a common description evoking its bold nature . Syrah fits the bill as an alternative to Cabernet Sauvignon due to its sophistication without excessive tannins ; however , like Cabernet , 100-percent Syrah demands aging . The wine takes on a silky mouth-feel and loses tannins as it matures in the bottle . Plum and blackberry fruit , smoke and leather , and pepper and spice characterize the flavors and aromas of a Syrah .
Which is Better ? – I happen to be partial to Petite Sirah , but this question is best answered through tasting several bottles of each . Happy tasting ! -Nancy Biggs , Wine Aficionada
Tips for Reducing Stress
In today ’ s world all you have to do is turn on the television to increase stress and anxiety levels . Stress is a part of our lives but we do not need to let it get to levels where it makes us sick , depressed , or paralyzes us with anxiety . As a life coach and holistic health consultant , I have found that there are many simple things that we can do to lessen our stress and anxiety levels .
Get a good night ’ s sleep . Sleeping 7-9 hours a night reduces stress and anxiety . It gives us a good foundation to emotionally and mentally deal with whatever comes our way .
Go outside in nature . The act of being in nature and appreciating all the beauty around us diminishes stress . PCC has beautiful mountain views in every direction . The sky is amazing with the clouds lightly floating around . Go out , be a part of something so wonderful that stress melts away .
Pause and take five to 10 slow deep breaths . In the throes of mounting stress , panic or anxiety , deep breathing will interrupt your mind from increasing the stressful thoughts and will get more oxygen to the brain , which is always beneficial . Taking longer , slower breaths connects us with a profound part of ourselves and restores our mind and emotions into a more peaceful place of awareness .
Give up worry . Dr . Wayne Dwyer tells us to let go of worry in his book Your Erroneous Zones . After reading this , I questioned if I could do this since I had perfected the art of worrying . It is so easy after watching the news to create an immense worry mindset . Worry creates more stress , increasing anxiety . Most of what we worry about never happens . I slowly shifted out of the worry mode and my outlook on life improved greatly . Stress and anxiety diminished .
Create reminders . We all make choices on how we are going to respond to and be in life . Under my clear cellphone cover I have a list of words that are how I want to experience life – love , peace , kindness , compassion , humility , and gratitude . When I pick up my phone I see these and they remind me of how I really want to be . Post a word or words on your computer , television , phone , refrigerator , etc . to support your alignment out of stress and into a life that is centered in peace and delight .
Life is too short to be overtaken by the stress and anxiety virus . Practicing a few or all of these steps will help you debug your mind and emotions of stress and move you into a world of beauty and joy .— Dawn Fleming , Soul Life Coach and Reiki Master , www . energytransformations . org
SPRING CRAFT & BAKE SALE MAY 14 , 2016 from 9M-3PM Faith United Community Church 1061 Old Chisholm Trail , ( Prescott Country Club ) 40 + vendors with craft & gift items , sewn goods , candles , baked goods , purses , hats , wood products , yard art , yard items , jewelry , paintings , décorative plates , quilts , blankets , cards , books , & MUCH MORE ! For info ., call Andrea @ 775-6866
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