By Amy Simmons
Enquirer contributor

Que syrah syrah!

The wine adventure offers so many questions to be explored, some of them concern geography or a winemaker's style, even something as seemingly simple as what's in a name on a label.

Case in point: syrah and shiraz. And, what exactly is petite sirah?

Syrah is typically found in the French section of your wine store. The syrah grape has its roots in France, originating in the acclaimed Rhone Valley area, in southeastern France. Syrah is often used to create full-bodied red wines of the same name or to blend with other grapes such as grenache to make wines such as Chateauneuf-du-Pape.

Syrah also shows up in wines from California. Several years ago, winemakers in California discovered the joys and challenges in creating French-style and Italian-style wines. Among those that have taken hold are syrah and sangiovese, both of which offer quality wines at solid prices.

Next time you're grilling steak, try a California syrah such as the Jepson 2000 Estate Select Syrah ($23.99) or R.H. Phillips' EXP 2000 Estate Bottled Syrah ($14.99). Of two, the Jepson is the far bigger and might actually overpower lesser meats. The ESP is the more subtle wine and offers more food versatility.

Ironically, most people have experienced French-born syrah when they enjoy Australian shiraz, which is the name used for syrah in the vineyards Down Under. A zesty, beefy wine, shiraz (and its more expensive cousin, Grange Hermitage) represents the largest red varietal coming from Australian winemakers, especially from the southern regions of McLaren Vale and Barossa. The larger, long-time makers of shiraz such as Rosemount Estate and Penfolds are being joined by Yellowtail and other new players.

The wines are distinguishable by the bottle shape. Syrah generally takes a softer, longer bottle style (longer neck with a smoother line from the body of the bottle), while shiraz is found in bottles with a short neck with a harder line.

Not to be forgotten, petite sirah is actually not related to shiraz or syrah. Stocked in fairly small quantities in area stores, petite sirah is the name used for a red wine created from the durif grape, a French grape primarily used for blending. Petite sirah is generally produced in California .

Contact Amy Simmons by e-mail: asimmons@deskey.com or send questions and comments c/o the Enquirer, 312 Elm St., Cincinnati 45202.