W3 Wine School

Shiraz (Australia)

Shiraz is one of the darkest full-bodied wines in the world.

Australian Shiraz and French Syrah is the same grape.

Australian Shiraz is considered a warm climate Syrah.

Shiraz Flavors

Raspberry
Raspberry
Blueberry
Blueberry
Cherry
Black
Cherry
Blackberry
Blackberry
Plum
Plum
Jam
Jam
Mint
Mint
Licorice
Licorice
Herbs
Herbs
Pepper
Pepper
Cloves
Cloves
Minerals
Minerals

Tertiary Flavors from Aging:

Vanilla
Vanilla
Coffee
Coffee
Chocolate
Chocolate
Tobacco
Tobacco

Cool climate Shiraz has more Red Fruit.

White Pepper rather than Black Pepper. Mint rather than Licorice.

Raspberry. Blueberry. Black Cherry. Green Olive. Spices. White Pepper. Mineral. Mint. Licorice.

Warm climate Shiraz has Darker Fruit.

Dark Fruit. Dark Berries. Blackberry. Black Olive. Jam. Spices. Clove. Black Pepper. Eucalyptus. Licorice. Mint.

Shiraz Profile

BODY:Full
TANNINS:High
FRUIT:Medium
ACIDITY:Medium - High
ALCOHOL:13-15% ABV
Temperature Serving temperature:
16-18°C (61-64°F)

Shiraz Food Pairing

Mushroom
Mushroom
Hamburger
Hamburger
Ham
Ham
Soup
Casseroles
Pork
Pork
Lamb
Lamb
Veal
Veal
Beef
Beef

The massive taste of a full bodied Shiraz pairs best with bold food.

Shiraz loves Roasted Lamb and BBQ.

Excellent Pairing

BBQ. Grilled. Roasts.
Roasted Potatoes and Onions.
Grilled Mushrooms (Portobello).
Grilled Veggetables.
Rich Casseroles. Beef Stew.
BBQ. Chicken. Pork. Rabbit. Game.
Roasted Lamb. Lamb Chops. Lamb Shank.
Hamburger. Cheese Burger. Bacon Burger.
Red Meat Dishes. Spareribs. Veal Chops.
Strip Steak. T-Bone. Kobe. Entrecôte.

The Ideal Glass for Shiraz

The Bordeaux Glass was designed for enjoying fuller-bodied, tannic red wines. They are taller than other red wine glasses, and has a slimmer bowl.

The tall size allows the bouquet of the wine to develop, smooth out rough edges, play down tannins, and allow the wine to achieve balance.

The slimmer bowl directs the wine to the back of your mouth for a maximum taste.

If You Like Shiraz

You Might Also Like:

Barolo (Italy)
Cabernet Sauvignon (France)
Dão DOC (Portugal)
Languedoc (France)
Lebanese Red (Lebanon)
Malbec (Argentina)
Nero d'Avola (Italy)
Petite Sirah (USA)
Pinotage (South Africa)
Rioja Reserva (Spain)
Shiraz (Australia)
Super Tuscan (Italy)
Syrah (France)
Touriga Nacional (Portugal)

About Syrah / Shiraz

Legends claim that the Syrah grape originated in Shiraz, capital of the Persian Empire (modern-day Iran) or in Syracuse, Sicily. But there is no evidence.

The historical home of Syrah is the Rhône region of France.

The most famous Appellations are located in the Northern Rhône (Rotie, Hermitage, Cornas), where steep hillsides sometimes reach a gradient of 70°.

Introduced in Australia in 1831 by Scotsman James Busby, it is the most planted red grape variety there, and it is spelled different: Shiraz.

The best ones develop sweet, rich fruits, as well as aromas characterized by smoke, spices, leather and soil as they mature.

You can read more about the world wide production at Syrah Regions.


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