Shiraz Red Wine 

Are you looking to learn more about Shiraz?

Shiraz is undoubtedly one of Australia's most celebrated wines. Its bold, fruity, and richly spiced flavours make it a delicious choice for a medium to full-bodied red wine.

Whether you're a Shiraz aficionado or simply looking to explore new wine varieties, we've got you covered with an extensive range of Shiraz, meticulously sourced from renowned Australian and international wineries.
 

Where is the best Shiraz in Australia?

Australia is known for its diverse and robust wine culture, and Shiraz is one of its crowning jewels. This varietal has a storied history in the country.  You should explore the Shiraz grown in each major wine region of Australia.

•  Barossa Valley:  Barossa Valley is considered by many to be the home of Australian Shiraz, and it's easy to see why. The region is known for producing full-bodied and rich Shiraz that is deeply concentrated and has a smooth finish. This is thanks to the dry heat that helps the grapes to ripen fully and consistently. Many producers in the Barossa Valley age their Shiraz in oak barrels to add layers of complexity and depth to their flavour profile.

• Hunter Valley:  Hunter Valley is located just north of Sydney and is known for producing Shiraz that is lighter and more fragrant than those in other regions. The terroir of the Hunter Valley, with its clay and limestone soils, helps the grapes retain their acidity and freshness, which creates a bright and fruit-forward wine. Many winemakers in the Hunter Valley use a range of oak types from all over the world, which produces a subtle oaky flavour that balances perfectly with the fruitiness of the Shiraz.

• Margaret River:  Margaret River in Western Australia is a relatively new wine region, but it has quickly become known for its Shiraz which is characterized by its spiciness, complexity, and elegance. The region has a cooler climate, which allows for longer hang times and slower ripening that leads to lower alcohol levels and fresher acidity. This also creates a more savoury and meaty flavour that is perfect for pairing with hearty dishes.

• McLaren Vale:  McLaren Vale is located in South Australia and is known for producing Shiraz which is full-bodied and lush with rich flavours of dark fruit and chocolate. The region's climate is characterized by warm days and cool nights, which helps the grapes to develop balanced acidity and tannins. Many winemakers in McLaren Vale use open fermentation techniques and age their wines in large oak barrels to allow the wine to develop its characteristic flavours slowly.

• Yarra Valley in Victoria is known for producing elegant and refined Shiraz with bright fruit flavours and soft tannins. The region's cooler climate and hi-altitude help the grapes retain their freshness and acidity, which produces a wine that is light, fresh, and perfect to pair with a variety of dishes.

Where do Shiraz grapes come from?

Shiraz grapes originated in the Rhône Valley in France. However, it was the Australians who brought the grape to its peak of popularity. Today, Shiraz is grown in vineyards all over the world, including Spain, Argentina, South Africa, and the United States.

Are Shiraz and Syrah the same?

Yes, Shiraz and Syrah are the same grape. The name "Shiraz" originated in Australia, while "Syrah" is the French name for the grape. The difference in name can also hint at slight differences in the style of wine produced. Australian Shiraz is generally characterized by its intense fruit flavours, while French Syrah is known for its complex and earthy flavour profile.

Can Shiraz be served chilled?

While Shiraz is traditionally served at room temperature, it can also be served chilled and is popular during the warmer months. Chilled Shiraz is usually lighter in body and has more fruity and floral aromas. However, if you prefer a full-bodied and complex Shiraz, then it's best to serve it at room temperature.

Sweet Shiraz wines and Dry Shiraz wines

Shiraz can be produced in both sweet and dry styles. Sweet Shiraz is made using grapes that have been left on the vine longer and are more ripe. Dry Shiraz is made using grapes that are picked earlier in the growing season, resulting in a less sweet and more tannic wine. The sweetness in Shiraz wine can also come from residual sugar left in the wine after fermentation.

What to pair with Shiraz?

Shiraz pairs well with hearty red meat dishes, such as beef, lamb, and venison. It also goes well with spicy foods, like Indian, Moroccan, and Mexican cuisine. Cheese lovers should pair Shiraz with strong cheeses, such as blue cheese or aged cheddar. For a dessert pairing, try sweet Shiraz with chocolate or fruit-based desserts.

Shiraz is a wonderfully versatile wine that can be enjoyed by all wine lovers. Whether you like sweet or dry wines, Shiraz has something to offer. We've explored where to find the best Shiraz in Australia, the grape's origin, the difference between Shiraz and Syrah, its serving temperature, and what to pair it with. Now that you know everything there is to know about Shiraz, why not try some for yourself? You can easily buy Shiraz online and discover why it's one of Australia's most loved red wines. Cheers!