Syrah
A powerful variety native to France's Rhône Valley. Known for its deep color and aromas of dark fruits, spices, and smoke. In Australia, it's called 'Shiraz' and made in a more fruit-forward style.
Australia's premier wine region. Home to some of the world's oldest Shiraz vines, producing concentrated, powerful wines. Producers carrying on German immigrant traditions have established a distinctive style. Precious own-rooted vines, having escaped phylloxera, produce powerful and complex wines.
Climate / Soil
- Climate
- Mediterranean climate
- Soil
- Terra rossa, Sandy, Limestone, Alluvial soil
Appellations
- Barossa Valley
- Eden Valley
- High Eden
History
German immigrants settled and began winemaking in the 1840s. Having escaped phylloxera, vines over 100 years old still exist. Since the 1990s, the emergence of cult wines brought global attention, and today the region symbolizes Australian wine quality.
Sommelier Note
Think of Barossa Shiraz as distinct from Rhône Syrah. Rich aromas of chocolate, licorice, and ripe dark fruits are characteristic. Wines from old vines are particularly complex and can age for decades. The pairing with BBQ goes without saying.
Key Varieties
Riesling
A noble white wine grape native to Germany. Made in styles ranging from dry to extremely sweet, it has remarkable aging potential. Known for high acidity and delicate aromas, with aging it develops a distinctive 'petrol' aroma.
Grenache
Native to Spain and one of the world's most widely planted varieties. Known for high alcohol and rich fruitiness. It shows its finest expression in Southern France's Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Spain's Priorat.
Mourvèdre
A late-ripening grape that demands intense sunlight. Firm structure and a wild, gamey edge define it, and in GSM blends (Grenache/Syrah/Mourvèdre) it supplies structure and spice. In Bandol in southern France it dominates blends that yield long-lived reds.