American wine no longer has the second-class status it had years ago. California wineries are widely respected. The Washington Post and the New York Daily News have both declared Virginia to be the next "it" place for wine lovers.

So how does Texas wine match up against the world's best? That question will be settled at Texas Vs. the World, the Syrah edition, on December 9, a tasting that will allow the attendees to judge Texas Syrah (Shiraz, if you're a Yellow Tail drinker) against more prominent vintners. Gusto Tastings is hosting the showdown at Times Ten Cellar in East Dallas.

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In the featured Texas corner is Lost Oak Winery, based south of Fort Worth in Burleson. Syrah grapes flourish in warmer regions so the hot bosom of Texas treats them well. Attendees will get to try Lost Oak's 2011 Syrah called The Sheriff, made from flavorful grapes that were pea-sized because of the drought that year.

Texas has a "versus the world" mentality in a lot of arenas, as evidenced by Ted Cruz. But Texas is also tenacious, and if "the World" wins this round then another Texas wine will be up at the next varietal showdown.

Texas vs. The World Syrah, $35-40, 6234 Prospect Ave, 7:30p.m.-9:30p.m., December 9