Shiraz Red Wine Sensation
Wednesday, September 1st, 2010If there is one grape that this country does best, it must be Shiraz, one of the top types of red wine. It is the grape that we have made our own with wines such as Penfolds Grange wowing drinkers around the world. Walk into most wine shops in the United States or Europe and you are sure to find a good selection of Australian Shiraz to choose from. Some time ago, the popularity of the mightly Cabernet Sauvignon meant that some old Shiraz vines were destroyed as at the time, Shiraz couldn’t be given away. Now the mighty Shiraz (often referred to as Syrah) has come into its own and is more popular than before.
Most commonly, Shiraz is considered to be a quite robust and often heavy red wine, to be accompanied with a steak dinner or simply drinking on its own. But while plenty of our Shiraz does still come in this style, especially from regions such as McLaren Vale and the Barossa Valley in South Australia, Shiraz can be made to suit any palate. From the sweet Rose red to the full flavoured and strongly alcoholic wines, Shiraz is one of the most versatile grapes.
Vineyard climate, though, has a great effect on red wine style with full-bodied wines usually coming from warmer areas of South Australia, while cooler regions such as Coonawarra, Margaret River in Western Australia as well as parts of Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory making spicier, more perfumed wines. You can find some great Shiraz wines from the Hunter Valley, known for their great character and earthy flavour.
Shiraz is also an excellent when blended with other grapes. With Grenache and Mourvedre, Shiraz makes a very ripe style of red often with fairly high alcohol. Shiraz Cabernet blends are usually well structured and made for aging. A new addition to the Shiraz blend in this country has been to add Viognier to Shiraz. While it sounds a little odd Shiraz Viognier blends can be superb wines that are often very aromatic and supple in the mouth.
Whatever your preference, Shiraz is a red wine that is worth your time with its plentiful fruit flavour and how it makes great drinking once it hits the shelves.