Wine Appreciation: Shiraz

Despite our love of whites, the incursion of Merlot, and the long-term strength of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz is still Australia's most popular and best-known wine.

We love it.

It has a fabulous history, too. Australian shiraz grapes came from the Rhone wine-growing area of France. In turn, this grape was brought there in the 14th Century from a returning French crusader.

He had come back with the grapes from Shiraz in what was then known as Persia, but these days is Iran. In Europe, the grape is called "Syrah", but the term "Shiraz" was adopted in Australia.

Not only is it popular, it is resilient enough to grow in practically every climate zone in Australia. So, there is plenty of it, and it is a joy to drink. Our best-known wine - drink it and you will know why.

Features of Shiraz are:

The taste/aroma is predominantly pepper - very floral, black-pepper, with blackberry and plums.
The cooler climates add a chocolatey taste and fragrance.
When young, it is a tempting, fruity experience. But it is flexible enough to be cellared for 25 years and mature into a lovely mellow drop.
Perfect to enjoy with red meat, white meat, and pizza/pasta dishes.
Regions: Shiraz is grown in both the cool and warmer climates, including southern Victoria, south-west Western Australia, the Barossa, Hunter Valley, Clare Valley, Coonawarra and McLaren Vale.
Labels to look for include Brokenwood Shiraz, Richland, Yalumba, McWilliam's Rosehill, Rouge Homme Coonawarra.

For a full list of Shiraz wines tasted by our Wine Connoisseur uncork it here