SHIRAZ WINE

Shiraz, also known as Syrah, is a popular red grape variety that makes delicious red wines worldwide. These wines range from easy-drinking, fruit-packed styles to rich, complex wines that age well.

What makes the Shiraz grape special is its toughness as a vine and its ability to adapt to different climates across the globe. The type of wine it produces can change based on where it’s grown. For example, it can even produce a sweet dessert wine with hints of blackberry and chocolate in some areas.

While it stands proudly as a single varietal, it can blend harmoniously with grape varieties such as Grenache, Mourvèdre, Viognier and Cabernet Sauvignon. The result is typically bold wines with rich aromas and deep fruit flavours.

Enjoy exploring Shiraz with our handpicked selection of premium Australian wines.

Shiraz is a versatile grape that thrives particularly well in the warm climates of Australia. It is the most commonly grown grape variety and is planted in virtually every wine region nationwide.

However, certain regions are particularly well-known for their exceptional Shiraz wines, including:

• Barossa Valley, South Australia: Barossa Shiraz is globally renowned for its bold, full-bodied style with ripe plum and blackberry flavours and spicy and chocolatey notes. It is home to the world’s oldest continuously producing Shiraz vines, some of which were planted as far back as the 1840s.
• McLaren Vale, South Australia: McLaren Vale Shiraz is known for its rich and opulent style, often with pronounced dark fruit and chocolate flavours and softer tannins than Barossa Shiraz.
• Hunter Valley, New South Wales: Hunter Valley Shiraz is often medium-bodied with earthy and spicy characteristics and softer dark fruit flavours.
• Yarra Valley, Victoria: Yarra Valley produces more cool-climate styles of Shiraz, typically more medium-bodied with red fruit flavours and peppery notes.
• Clare Valley, South Australia: Known for its elegant and refined Shiraz with dark fruit flavours, often layered with mint and eucalyptus notes.
• Margaret River, Western Australia: This region’s Shiraz often combines rich fruit flavours and a strong savoury character.

While these regions are perhaps the most famous, excellent Shiraz wines can be found in other Australian areas thanks to the grape’s adaptability.

The grape is known as Syrah in Old-World wine countries such as France. In France, this grape produces well-known wines in France’s Northern Rhône Valley, such as Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, Cornas and Saint-Joseph. It’s also used in the full-bodied red blends of Southern Rhône Valley’s Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Some regions, such as California’s Sonoma Coast, our very own Yarra Valley, and New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay, make wines more in the style of French Syrah.

The style and character of Shiraz wines vary greatly depending on the region in which they are grown.

Shiraz is typically full-bodied and deeply coloured, with medium-high levels of tannins and acidity. Shiraz is also known for being far more fruit-forward, blackberry-packed and jammy than Syrah, having sweeter notes of liquorice and raisins and a punchier alcohol content.

Shiraz wines also have great ageing potential. As the wine matures, it evolves and develops more complex flavours, often revealing richer and spicier notes. They can be stored for over a decade, making them an excellent addition to any wine collection.

Shiraz, also known as Syrah, is known for its robust, full-bodied profile. However, the specific taste can significantly vary depending on where it’s grown and how it’s made.

Generally, Shiraz wines are characterised by their intense dark fruit flavours. Here are some typical tasting notes:

• Fruit flavours: Shiraz often displays flavours of blackberry, plum and blueberry. You might also taste red fruit flavours such as raspberry or tart cherry in cooler climates or more elegant styles.
• Spice notes: Shiraz is often associated with black pepper, but you might also get notes of clove, anise or even chocolate in some bottles.
• Oak influence: When aged in oak, you’ll likely enjoy flavours such as vanilla and anise, as well as savoury, earthy flavours, including old leather, tobacco and wet leaves.
• Secondary flavours: Over time, well-aged Shiraz can develop complex secondary flavours, including leather, truffle, smoke or meaty notes.

While these are typical characteristics, Shiraz wines can vary greatly, from bold and full-bodied to more elegant and medium-bodied styles. The best way to understand the taste of Shiraz is to try wines from different regions and producers.

Choosing a Shiraz that fits your taste can depend on where it’s from and how it’s aged.

If you’re looking for high-quality Shiraz, wines from the Barossa region are an excellent choice. Other notable Australian regions to consider include McLaren Vale and Eden Valley, both known for producing rich, dark Shiraz wines with abundant blackberry flavours.

Shiraz wines that list Viognier on the label are made like the high-quality wines from Côco-Rôtie in France. Expect a touch more elegance and complexity in your glass.

For those who prefer wines with depth and multiple layers of flavour, a Shiraz aged in new oak may be the perfect match. This ageing process adds a layer of complexity to Shiraz’s already intriguing profile.

Shiraz should be served slightly below room temperature, ideally between 16-18°C. If the wine is too warm, it can taste overly alcoholic; if it’s too cold, it can suppress the flavours and aromas.

Before serving, decant the wine and let it sit for an hour. This lets the wine breathe and allows oxygen to interact with the wine, bringing out its flavours and aromas.

As a bold and hearty red wine, Shiraz pairs excellently with equally robust dishes. Its strong character makes it a great companion for red meats, especially beef and lamb, whether grilled, roasted or braised. The charred, smoky flavours of barbecued foods can also beautifully complement the fruity flavours in Shiraz. And if you’re planning a special meal with game meats such as duck or pheasant, Shiraz, with its deep fruit flavours, is an excellent choice to complement your dish.

Pairing Shiraz with hearty dishes like spicy bean or lentil stews, eggplant parmigiana, and mushroom risotto can work well for vegetarians. On the cheese front, full-flavoured ones like blue cheese, mature cheddar or gouda can match the intensity of Shiraz.

Shiraz’s black pepper and spice undertones can wonderfully complement spicy dishes from cuisines like Indian or Mexican. Ultimately, the best pairings balance flavours, so don’t be afraid to experiment!