Five Shiraz from Australia
Shiraz has been the cornerstone of the Australian wine industry for close to two centuries, the most-planted variety in the country, and a grape grown in nearly every region.
In honor of its flagship black grape, in 2020, the nation launched Shiraz Day, a celebration held on the fourth Thursday of every month in July.
The tale of Shiraz in Australia dates to the 1840s when Scottish viticulturist, James Busby, arrived in the country, laden with vine cuttings from Europe. This selection included Syrah, the leading red wine grape of the Northern Rhône and key variety in Southern Rhône blends and wines from the south of France. As every wine lover soon finds out, Syrah and Shiraz are one and the same. The nuanced differences in their names are attributed to urban myths that include everything from bad handwriting on crates of early cuttings arriving in Australia to a proposed vague connection to the namesake ancient city in Persia (now disproven).
Whatever the reason for the dual moniker, the name Shiraz has stuck in Australia and, when used elsewhere, hints at the rich, sun-soaked, layered styles the country has made famous. The name Syrah is synonymous with the peppery, elegant, well-structured style from its home in France. Speaking of which…
Shiraz wines produced in warmer areas of Australia showcase jammy dark fruit with dark chocolate and licorice tones, while cooler spots turn out peppery, refined styles. Concentrated blackberry, plum, fruit and spicy depth are features of both and a good tannic backbone supports cellaring potential.
The range of expressions is a testament to a viticultural and winemaking tradition that has been 200 years in the making. The varietal has flourished down under in wine regions like Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Clare Valley, and Heathcote. Indeed, Australia boasts some of the oldest producing Shiraz vines in the world, ungrafted and planted pre-phylloxera. These centennial vines produce low, high-quality yields characterized by intensely concentrated fruit, leading to wines of notable depth, complexity, and longevity. These features have established Australian Shiraz as some of the world's finest red wines. Rich and fresh sparkling, traditional-method Shiraz, created by inventive Australian vintners, adds yet another layer to the expressive capacity of this versatile grape.
Today, this robust grape and the wine it produces are synonymous with some of Australia's most iconic wines, including Penfolds Grange and Henschke Hill of Grace.
Shiraz food pairing
The Australians were very smart to time Shiraz Day to land in their southern hemisphere winter! Such a big wine is an ideal warming glass on its own or paired with dishes that boast equally powerful flavors or textures.
The good news is that Shiraz also goes like a dream with BBQ dishes, so northern hemisphere folk can also rustle up the ideal pairing, even in the depths of summer.
When it comes to the table, Shiraz is defined by its versatility. Its fruit intensity, spicy notes, and powerful structure make it the go-to wine for boldly-flavored recipes.
In addition to smoky BBQ, classic pairings include:
- Grilled steak
- Roast lamb and game meats
- Rich stews and slow-cooked dishes
- Spicy Mediterranean cuisine
- Hard cheeses like aged cheddar
- Mushroom-rich dishes and earthy flavors
Lighter, cooler-climate Shiraz styles also hold their own with richly flavored fare and can also pair beautifully with:
- Roasted vegetables
- Poultry recipes
- Herby, spicy vegetarian dishes
Our Australian Shiraz picks
Henschke is one of Australia’s most iconic family-owned wineries, famously established in 1862 by Silesian immigrants and still operated, generations later, by the same family today. Located in Keyneton, South Australia, the estate is acclaimed for its prestigious Hill of Grace Shiraz, made from old vines (including some planted in the 1860s), and considered one of Australia's most coveted wines. The team is led by husband-and-wife team, winemaker Stephen Henschke and viticulturist Prue Henschke. The estate produces celebrated wines from Eden Valley, Barossa, and Adelaide Hills vineyards, cultivated with a focus on sustainability and handed-down tradition.
Exceptionally complex and intense, the 2016 Hill of Grace Shiraz showcases a brooding, aromatic depth with florals and orange peel, crushed stones, ripe black cherries, blackberries, earth and chocolate. The palate is stunningly pure and rich, with precise tannins, balancing acidity, and a luxurious, creamy texture. The mouth features layered mulberry, cassia, pepper, violet, and licorice, all unfolding with precision and complexity and closing in a long finish. This benchmark red is crafted from vines that are more than 150 years old, boasting a profile that allows for immediate enjoyment or further cellaring.
Chris Ringland is one of Australia’s most celebrated winemakers, admired for crafting powerful, cellar-worthy Shiraz from the Barossa Valley, including limited-production ranges. Holdings include ancient dry-grown vines receiving multiple 100-point scores from Robert Parker. Ringland also produces single-vineyard Shiraz expressions, acclaimed for remarkable concentration, richness, and longevity, showcasing the depth and breadth of Barossa terroir.
The 2010 Hoffman Vineyard Shiraz displays a deep garnet-purple color and complex aromas of cassis, blackberry, earth, savory hints, licorice, spice, and dried herb. Full-bodied and richly concentrated, it blends impressive depth with a finessed structure of ripe tannins and lively freshness, all closing in a long, seamless finish. This Shiraz has the complexity to continue evolving in bottle, unfurling expressive layers over time.
Founded in 1999 by Michael Twelftree and Richard Mintz, Two Hands Wines is renowned for its expressive Shiraz from South Australia. Founded as a négociant-style business in the Barossa Valley, the winery displays the diversity of Australian terroir by sourcing its fruit from leading regions including Barossa, McLaren Vale, Clare Valley, Langhorne Creek, and Heathcote. Alongside Shiraz, Two Hands cultivates Grenache, Mataro, Roussanne, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
From the Barossa Valley region, the winery’s Shiraz Bella’s Garden 2004 vintage showcases a deep inky ruby-purple hue with an impressive spectrum of aromas, including mint, blackberry, smoke, dusty earth, licorice, and crème de cassis. Bold, powerful, and layered, this full-bodied Shiraz showcases concentrated fruit, structure, intensity, depth, and will benefit from a few more years of cellaring for graceful evolution.
Located in South Australia, Fox Creek Wines is a highly-regarded estate established in 1984. Focusing on expressive McLaren Vale wines, its flagship Shiraz was first released in 1994. Its signature wine, the Reserve Shiraz, is produced from carefully selected vineyard blocks with nourishing grey loam and red gravel soils. Crafted through meticulous barrel selection and aged for around 21 months in French, American, and Australian oak, it expresses the region’s richness and character. Also produced by Fox Creek are Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Verdelho, with grapes sourced exclusively from McLaren Vale vineyards.
The 1998 Shiraz Reserve is an outstanding example of mature McLaren Vale Shiraz, combining the complexity of age with impressive and expressive richness and depth. Displaying a deep purple hue, it features crème de cassis, charcoal, incense, and savory nuances, all opening out in a full-bodied, densely fruity, opulent, and beautifully balanced expression and harmony. This superb Shiraz is ready to pour now, but also continues to develop gracefully for enjoyment over the next decade.
An admired South Australian estate located in Seppeltsfield, Barossa Valley, Hentley Farm was founded by Keith and Alison Hentschke in the 1990s. The first wines were released in the early 2000s, with the estate swiftly garnering recognition for its premium single-block expressions, particularly Shiraz. The estate produces its flagship Clos Otto Shiraz from a dedicated vineyard block with vinification including aging for 22 months in French oak, around half of which is new. Holdings are dominated by Shiraz, with Grenache, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Viognier also cultivated, and Riesling sourced from the Eden Valley, enhancing its white wine portfolio.
The 2014 Shiraz Clos Otto is a masterfully balanced expression of Barossa Valley Shiraz, displaying signature power and finesse in equal measure. The aromatic profile features peppery spice alongside vibrant cherry and raspberry, leading to a full palate with a luxuriant, creamy, silky texture, concentrated fruit, and impressive depth. This captivating wine showcases the region’s distinctive trademark blend of power and elegance.
With such a selection of fine wine expressions, it’s always the right season for a glass of Australian Shiraz!
FAQs
Where else is Shiraz grown in the New World?
Although Australia is its spiritual home in the New World, Shiraz is also widely grown in South Africa, where it produces spicy, peppery wines; California, with rich, fruit-forward styles; Washington State, known for structured, elegant expressions; Chile, offering excellent value and freshness; and Argentina, where it is often blended but increasingly bottled as a single variety. Smaller plantings can also be found in New Zealand, Canada, and Uruguay.
What is the difference between Shiraz and Syrah?
Shiraz and Syrah are the same grape variety. The name "Syrah" is more commonly used in France and often refers to elegant, peppery wines, while "Shiraz" is associated with the fuller-bodied, riper style made famous by Australia. Today, many producers around the world choose the name that best reflects the style of wine they produce.
What type of wine glass is best for Shiraz?
A large-bowled red wine glass is ideal for Shiraz. The generous bowl allows the wine to breathe, softening tannins while concentrating the aromas of blackberry, plum, spice, chocolate, and pepper. Glasses designed for Bordeaux or Syrah/Shiraz are excellent choices.
What temperature should Shiraz be served?
Most Shiraz is best served between 60–65°F. Serving it slightly cooler than room temperature helps preserve freshness and balance while preventing the alcohol from dominating the wine's fruit and spice.
Can Australian Shiraz be aged?
Yes. Premium Australian Shiraz is among the world's greatest age-worthy red wines.
Feature image: Fox Creek Wines
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