Shiraz: Australia’s First International Wine Success
Shiraz occupies a hallowed place in the history of Australian wines. To many wine historians, it is Shiraz that put Australia on the map of international wines of note.
In 1878, judges at the Paris Exhibition likened a Victorian Shiraz to the widely renowned Chateau Margaux, saying that “its taste completed its trinity of perfection."
It was the first time that an Australian wine had ever received such international recognition. Years later, in 1882, an Australian wine said to be of the Shiraz variety won a gold medal at the Bordeaux International Exhibition in the “first class” category. This was followed by another gold medal in 1889 during the Paris International Exhibition in the “against the world” category.
Shiraz and Chardonnay were Australia’s most widely planted wine grape varieties in 2005. And while Chardonnay plantings (2,162 hectares) were far greater than Shiraz (1,523 hectares) that year, Shiraz has been traditionally Australia’s most popular wine variety. As recently as 2001, Shiraz plantings were three times more than plantings of Chardonnay.
Shiraz is by far Australia’s most popular red wine variety, accounting for 64.1% of total red wine grape variety planted in 2005 followed by Cabernet Sauvignon (255 hectares), Merlot (147 hectares), Pinot Noir (115 hectares), Grenache (48 hectares), Mataro (24 hectares), Durlf (16 hectares), Tarrango (15 hectares) and Petit Verdot (15 hectares).
Shiraz is hugely popular not only among winemakers in Australia but also among those in California and South Africa. It is the main grape variety in world renowned wines of Cote-Rotie and Hermitage, which originate from France's northern Rhone Valley.
Shiraz, also known as Syrah especially in France and the United States, got its name from a city in Persia/Iran where it is believed to have originated. This city is remembered in history as a city of flowers, wine and poetry. Shiraz used to be known as Hermitage in Australia up the latter part of the eighties.
In Australia, wine producers generally add up to 4% Viognier to their Shiraz to add a hint of apricot. Previously, the amount of Viognier was so small that Shiraz producers did not feel obliged to mention it on their label. However, starting in 2001, more and more Australian wine producers have started labelling their wine as Shiraz Viognier in recognition of the growing consumer acceptance for Viognier.
Many of the best Shiraz-based wines in Australia have been aged in a cellar for a decade or more. Australia also has its own unique “sparking Shiraz,” which is a sparking deep red wine. Australian wine producers also use Shiraz for rose wine and for sparking dry Shiraz, a full-bodied and bubbly red wine.
The biggest advantages of Shiraz are that it is easy to grow and, once mature, comes as a richly and distinctly flavoured red wine reminiscent of deep, black fruit flavours. If you are one of those red wine drinkers who consider Cabernet Sauvignon too astringent, you will greatly appreciate the distinctive taste of Shiraz and its unique aroma which is akin to ripe black fruits and black pepper.
Shiraz also blends well with many wine varieties, including cabernet, grenache and mourvedre.
Shiraz is ideal for hearty, spicy foods.
