Que Shiraz Shiraz
Australia is a country with a long history of wine making dating back to 1788. In 1833, James Busby, considered the father of the Australian wine industry, brought back vine clippings from his travels to Spain and France. Thus, Syrah was introduced. Nowadays, this country has some of the oldest Syrah/Shiraz’s plantings in the world. Syrah (Sih-Rah) which originated from France has mutated in spelling to Shiraz for Australia as winemakers over the last century took to calling the grape (Shi-Raz). Whatever the spelling, there is no doubt this grape has thrived in a diversity of styles coming from Australia!
Shiraz is known to produce dark, inky wines full of plump, black fruits from blackberry to black cherry and blueberry along with notes of violet. They can also show some peppery spice on the finish. The wines are full-bodied with fresh acidity and firm tannins which makes them suitable for ageing. Use of oak is often prevalent adding clove and vanilla to Shiraz’s natural spice, these wines can evolve in complexity with age offering a savoury note with smoked meat, leather and baking spice.
The Taste of Australia
The landscape of Australia offers a breadth of styles based on the diversity of climate. Looking for a big, bold style with higher alcohol and more blueberry notes – try the rich, bold ones from the Barossa Valley. McLaren Vale will show a similar style with fresher acidity and lively fruit. The Heathcote region in Victoria contains some of the oldest vine plantings and has ancient soils over 500 million years old, along with a warm climate. World-class Shiraz from this area is velvety with fine tannins and shows great potential for ageing.
Whatever your style, throw some meat on the barbie and grab your favourite bottle this long weekend to celebrate Shiraz Day on July 28th! We look forward to seeing you soon at JAK’S Beer, Wine & Spirits.
D’arenberg Wild Pixie Shiraz – McLaren Vale - $36.99
Shiraz is co-fermented with a touch of Roussanne which lends a lifted floral note. Barrel aged in a mix of French and American oak adds backbone and a savoury finish. This wine shows a beautiful synchronicity between a richness and elegance with cocoa, blackberry and tar flavours. The palate has incredible depth driven by a fine core of graphite like tannins and a crisp acidity.
The Skulls Shiraz – Barossa Valley – $21.99
Skulls is produced from old Barossa vines and aged in American oak. It shows a deep inky hue with pronounced aromas of tinned black cherry, vanilla and black liquorice notes. Dense and rich on the palate with concentrated black fruits and sweet spices on the finish. On the palate, it offers concentrated, polished black fruits with a dash of charcoal and vanilla.