The Friday Files: News & Notes From Canada's Wine Scene

Is Syrah gaining global popularity? In The Globe and Mail, Beppi Crosariol discusses: Syrah, the wild, sweaty grape is having a moment in the sun. He also mentions the rise of BC Syrah - including one from MWC partner winery Laughing Stock Vineyards. For a list of BC Syrahs and Syrah blends available on My Wine Canada click here.

Why wine will taste different from year to year. The Business Insider gives basics on what factors affect the subtleties in wine, and why the 2014 isn't quite the same as the 2013 you loved so much.

Are BC wineries getting more comfortable making blends? In The Vancouver Sun's article Blending In, Anthony Gismondi lists some of his favourite blends including two wines that you can find right here, Clos du Soleil 2012 Signature and Painted Rock 2012 Red Icon, as well as others from Laughing Stock Vineyards and Road 13 Vineyards.

In The Chronicle Herald, Moira Peters discusses some of the best food partners for Nova Scotian wine, local seafood and Asian fare, and why they work so well.

In an excellent article in Punch, Jon Bonné gives us insight into the sommelier favourite region of Jura: Will the Real Jura Please Stand Up?

How much wine are Canadians drinking these days, and where do they stack up against other countries in the world? The Ottawa Citizen takes a look at the statistics: Wine drinking hits new heights in Canada.

Burger King patrons in Spain can now sip a glass of Whopper Wine with their burgers. To commemorate Burger King's 40th anniversary there, Burger King has launched a Tempranillo from Valencia, aged in flame-grilled barrels (I think that probably means regular toasted barrels)...the label is great too.

Jake Skakun is a writer and sommelier from Vancouver, currently living in Toronto. He can be found most days pulling corks and twisting caps at the Black Hoof. He Tweets and Instagrams @jakeskakun.