Shiraz

The classic Australian red wine

Shiraz was one of the original varieties brought into Australia and is firmly established as our iconic grape.

It is grown in all regions and these different terroirs in combination with creative winemaking results in a complex array of styles and qualities.

Shiraz snapshot

With vineyards dating back to 1843 Australia has the world’s oldest Shiraz vines still in production

There are ungrafted, pre-phylloxera Shiraz vineyards spread across Australia with the single largest repository in the Barossa Valley

In the vineyard

Shiraz is Australia’s best known and most widely planted variety
Grown in virtually every wine region in Australia

Shiraz is relatively adaptable and can be grown in moderate to cool regions as well as warm areas

Regions

Shiraz thrives in moderate to warm climate areas.

Styles

Shiraz creates medium to full-bodied wines with varying flavour profiles and structure depending on region, climate and winemaking techniques.

Qualities

A wide range of qualities exist. Affordable, everyday drinking wines through to some of Australia's most sought after, collectible fine wines.

39,900ha

Total plantings (2014-15)

Late 1700s

First plantings

In the winery

Vinification techniques

Vinification techniques vary depending on style and quality
Whole bunch use has increased – destemming still very common
Shiraz partners well with several other varieties. The classic blend of Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvedre (GSM) in varying proportions has a long tradition, as does the Shiraz Cabernet blend
Co-fermenting a small proportion of Viognier with Shiraz has led to the trendy Shiraz Viognier style

Maturation

Oak use common for maturation
Less reliance on new oak especially American, more use of French oak and combinations of different oak types for complexity
Use of older barrels for subtlety – some fresh, early-drinking styles see no oak at all

Barossa Valley

The is one of Australia’s oldest and best known regions for Shiraz
Barossa is home to some of the oldest Shiraz vines in the world – Langmeil Freedom vineyard is believed to have been planted in 1843 and is still producing today
Barossa Shiraz is one of the most widely available and best-known red wines in the global market
It is an important variety in the classic Shiraz-Cabernet and GSM blends
Full-bodied, richly textured wines with blackberry, pepper and spice characters

Clare Valley

The Clare Valley is known for Riesling but the paradox is that Shiraz also thrives in this region
The warm days are ideal for the development of rich Shiraz flavours and the consistently cool nights aid in acid retention
Full-bodied richly textured wines with typical flavours of blackberry, black cherry, plum and licorice

Eden Valley

Eden Valley is part of the greater Barossa Zone
Vineyards sit at higher altitudes which affects the growing conditions and style of wine
Harvest takes place up to two weeks later that the Barossa Valley
Henschke Hill of Grace is located in this region
Medium to full-bodied wines with classic blackberry, sage and pepper notes

Heathcote

Shiraz is ideally suited to this region and is the most planted variety
Shiraz thrives in the ancient Cambrian soils which are over 500 million years old
The weight and texture of the best wines is similar to Barossa but the flavour profile is very different
Medium to full-bodied wines with rich dark fruit and spice and an iron-like minerality

Hunter Valley

The Hunter Valley is Australia’s oldest wine producing region
Shiraz is one of the signature grapes of the region but the style is decidedly different to other famous regions such as Barossa and McLaren Vale
The growing season is warm and condensed but without big heat spikes
The wines are typically medium-bodied with red fruit and savoury characters

McLaren Vale

Temperatures in McLaren Vale are affected by the proximity of the sea – a classic Mediterranean climate
Shiraz is the most planted red variety and considered to be the signature grape of the region
Typically full-bodied wines with rich blueberry fruit and chocolate character

In the glass

Style and character

Shiraz creates wines with medium to full-bodied character and varying flavour profiles and structure depending on region, climate and techniques.

Pairs with

Charcuterie, grilled and roasted meats (lamb, beef and game), stews and casseroles, firm, aged cheeses.

Typical flavours

Spice

Red Fruit

Pepper

Black Fruit

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