Shiraz, a red wine grape variety with a bold and robust character, has carved its place as a beloved choice among wine enthusiasts worldwide.
Shiraz, known as Syrah in many parts of the world, is a red wine grape renowned for its deep color, rich flavors, and versatility. This varietal thrives in various climates, producing wines that range from bold and peppery to velvety and fruit-forward.
Shiraz wine encompasses two distinct categories. Historically, the term referred to wine originating around the city of Shiraz in present-day Iran. In contemporary usage, “Shiraz” serves as an alternate name for the Syrah grape, predominantly employed in Australia and South Africa. The modern “Shiraz” grape is identical to Syrah and has its origins in southeast France, lacking any established connection to the city of Shiraz.
Whether enjoyed on its own or as part of a blend, Shiraz has become synonymous with robust red wines that captivate the palate.
How is Shiraz Made?
- Vineyard Cultivation:
- Shiraz grapes flourish in a variety of climates, from the sun-soaked vineyards of Australia to the cooler regions of France’s Rhône Valley. The grape’s thick skins contribute to its deep color and potential for aging.
- Harvesting:
- Harvesting Shiraz grapes typically occurs in the late summer to early fall. Winemakers monitor sugar levels and grape ripeness to determine the optimal time for harvesting, ensuring a balance of acidity and flavor.
- Fermentation:
- After harvesting, the grapes are destemmed and crushed. Shiraz fermentation often takes place in stainless steel tanks or open-top fermenters. This process extracts color, tannins, and flavor compounds from the grape skins.
- Aging:
- Shiraz wines may undergo aging in a variety of containers, including oak barrels. The choice of oak, whether French or American, can influence the final character of the wine. Some Shiraz wines are made for early consumption, while others benefit from extended aging, developing complexity and depth.
History of Shiraz
In Australia, it’s called Shiraz, and in France, particularly near Avignon, it’s known as Syrah – the same grape with different names. The tale goes that during the 13th-century Crusades, a French knight, Gaspard de Sterimberg, discovered grapes near Shiraz in Persia. He “liberated” cuttings and planted them in the Rhone Valley’s Hermitage. However, DNA testing by Dr. Carole Meredith revealed Shiraz as native to the Rhone Valley, dispelling the Persian origin myth.
Australia and France share a fascination with Shiraz, constituting a significant portion of red grapes in both countries. The first Shiraz cuttings reached Australia around 1832. Recent DNA testing identifies Shiraz as a cross between Mondeuse Blanche and Dureza grapes, originating from the Rhone Valley. Petite Sirah, often confused with Shiraz, is a distinct grape, mistakenly labeled in the U.S. as Syrah in the 1880s. Australian Shiraz comes in two styles – robust and tannin-laden or lighter, fruitier styles. The renowned Penfolds Grange (formerly Grange Hermitage) is made from Shiraz grapes.
Shiraz’s vigorous growth produces large bunches of up to 130 berries, thriving in cool climates and warm spring weather. An ancient Persian legend attributes the discovery of wine’s intoxicating effect to a grape-loving king named Jamshid. This legend adds a touch of mystique to the rich history of Shiraz grapes.
World’s Best Shiraz Regions
- Barossa Valley, Australia:
- Barossa Valley, located in South Australia, is renowned for producing some of the world’s finest Shiraz wines. The region’s warm climate imparts richness and intensity to the wines, showcasing ripe fruit flavors and a generous palate.
- Rhone Valley, France:
- The Northern Rhône Valley, particularly the appellations of Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie, is hailed for its elegant and age-worthy Syrah wines. These wines often exhibit a peppery character, firm tannins, and a sense of terroir.
- McLaren Vale, Australia:
- McLaren Vale, another Australian gem, is celebrated for its diverse terroir and the production of high-quality Shiraz. Wines from McLaren Vale often display a balance of fruitiness, spice, and a velvety texture.
Popular Shiraz Labels
- Penfolds:
- Penfolds, an iconic winery in South Australia, is renowned for its exceptional Shiraz offerings, including the iconic “Grange.” The winery’s commitment to craftsmanship and blending has solidified its status as a leading producer of Shiraz.
- Torbreck:
- Torbreck, situated in the Barossa Valley, is known for making powerful and expressive Shiraz wines. The winery’s Old Vine Expressions series highlights the depth and concentration that old-vine Shiraz can achieve.
- Guigal:
- E. Guigal, a prominent producer in the Rhône Valley, has earned international acclaim for its Syrah-based wines. The Côte-Rôtie La Landonne is a notable example of the depth and complexity that Syrah from this region can achieve.
Best Foods to Pair with Shiraz
Shiraz’s bold and robust nature makes it an ideal pairing partner for hearty and flavorful dishes. Here are some classic pairings:
- Grilled Meats:
- The bold tannins and rich flavors of Shiraz complement grilled meats such as lamb, beef, or venison, creating a harmonious and satisfying combination.
- Barbecue:
- Whether it’s smoky ribs, pulled pork, or grilled sausages, the bold flavors of barbecue fare are enhanced by the intensity of Shiraz.
- Spicy Cuisine:
- Shiraz’s peppery character makes it a suitable match for spicy dishes, such as blackened Cajun chicken or spicy beef stir-fry.
- Hard Cheeses:
- The boldness of Shiraz stands up well to hard cheeses like aged cheddar or Gouda, creating a delightful contrast of flavors.
- Chocolate Desserts:
- The ripe fruit flavors and subtle sweetness of Shiraz make it a complementary partner for chocolate desserts, whether it’s a rich flourless chocolate cake or dark chocolate truffles.
Shiraz – An Australian Tradition
As we end our journey through the world of Shiraz, we find ourselves immersed in the bold and expressive character that defines this iconic red wine grape. From the sun-drenched vineyards of Australia’s Barossa Valley to the historic appellations of France’s Rhône Valley, Shiraz continues to captivate wine enthusiasts with its richness and diversity.
Whether sipping a robust Penfolds Shiraz from South Australia or exploring the Old World elegance of Guigal’s Côte-Rôtie, each glass of Shiraz tells a story of terroir, tradition, and the enduring appeal of this versatile varietal.
Learn about some other types types of red wine.
