FIND A LIQUOR MART
Shiraz Down Under
Australia is a flat and dry continent roughly the size of the United States, but with a much smaller population. Most vineyards are in the Southern coastal area as the North and Central areas are much too hot for wine production. Before the 1980s, Australia was known for producing fortified and dessert wines referred to as “stickies”. Today, wines made from European varieties are produced and are generally full-bodied with intense fruit flavours. More than 100 grape varieties are found here, and the diverse winemaking practices of Australia, mean you might find something to surprise you!
Notable Regions
South Australia
South Australia is responsible for producing almost half of the country’s wine. Within this region are many smaller sub-regions with different soil compositions and climate. The cooler temperatures in Adelaide Hills are great for growing Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. In the northern part, Clare Valley’s vineyards on slopes are perfect for growing Riesling. Langhorne Creek is primarily a red wine producing region with a focus on Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.
Barossa
A sub-region of South Australia, Barossa is also divided into 2 sub-regions. The Barossa Valley to the west is nestled in the flat warm valley floor. The old vines planted here produce low yields of grapes packed with flavour and colour. Shiraz has received the most recognition in the Barossa Valley. The Eden Valley is to the East and has a higher elevation and cooler climate resulting in a longer growing season. Cool climate grapes like Riesling thrive in this region.
Coonawarra
Located in the far south-east of Australia, known as the Limestone Coast, this region is known for their unique topsoil named Terra Rossa. This reddish-brown soil gets its colour from iron-oxide (rust) formations in the clay. The long sunny days and the cooling effect from the Ocean help produce red grapes with ripe flavours and rich tannins. Coonawarra produces some of the world’s best Cabernet Sauvignon.
Mclaren Vale
A wide variety of grapes can grow in McLaren Vale due to its proximity to the Gulf of St. Vincent and the Mount Lofty Range. The different growing conditions and vines planted more than 100 years ago contribute to the region’s success. Shiraz is the dominating grape, with a small amount of Grenache and Mourvèdre planted to make the famous GSM blends.
South-Eastern Australia
This region covers the entire southeastern third of Australia. Known as a “super zone”, wines labeled with this region may be made using grapes from parts of New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania. Most vineyards are located in the cooler coastal areas and produce mainly Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Key Varietals
Shiraz
The most planted grape variety in Australia, Shiraz is grown in almost all the country’s wine regions. This dark red luscious and full-bodied wine has notes of blackberries, plums, and spice from the oak. Mostly made as a single varietal wine, but often seen blended with Grenache and Mourvèdre (GSM).
Food pairing: Australian Shiraz pairs nicely with bold flavours like grilled or roasted beef and lamb, barbequed ribs, burgers, and grilled vegetables. Enjoy it with hard cheeses like aged cheddar or gouda.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Depending on the region, Cabernet Sauvignon in Australia can be medium to full-bodied with velvety to firm tannin structure. Notes of ripe black current and cassis, with a hint of tobacco and black pepper are typical for this grape variety. In Australia, Cabernet Sauvignon is often seen in a blend with Shiraz, a fun twist on a Bordeaux blend.
Food pairing: Beef and Cabernet Sauvignon make a great pair. Try it with anything from burgers to brisket. A hearty eggplant or mushroom dish and firm cheeses will also delight.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is the most widely planted white grape variety in Australia. Warm climate Chardonnay tends to be full bodied with rich ripe tropical fruit flavours and varying degrees of oak. A cool climate Chardonnay will be light bodied and fresh with notes of green apple and citrus.
Food pairing: Chardonnay is very food friendly. Try it with dishes like chicken in a light cream-based sauce, seafood, or pork tenderloin. It’s a great match with aged or salty cheese like Gruyere or Parmigiano.
Shiraz Blends
Shiraz is the most popular red wine grape in Australia. You can get it as a single varietal or blended with grapes like Petit Syrah (or Durif), Mataro (or Mourvèdre) and Grenache to create a classic Rhone GSM blend, or Viognier. A Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon blend is a unique Australian combination and creates wines that are complex and robust. The fruit forwardness of the Shiraz balances the sometimes strong tannins of Cabernet Sauvignon.
Food pairing: Try it with sausages, grilled vegetables and anything from the barbeque.
Did you know?
A bottle of Australia’s Penfolds 2004 Kalimna Block 42 sold for $168,000 in 2012.
The Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI) is responsible for much of the world’s research and development on farming and wine production.
Syrah was given the name Shiraz in Australia to demonstrate the difference in style between the old world and the new world.
