Shiraz wine is a real classic, as the recipe for this drink appeared more than 300 years ago. It is made from dark grapes of Syrah, which is why its name went. This wine is the most popular not only in Australia, but also in France, Europe and overseas. Wine "Shiraz" is an invariable tradition of quality that has been carefully revered for more than one generation. By the way, the variety was first born in France, and only then moved to Australia, where it took its starry place. Today, this wine is sold worldwide. If you need a bright drink with an unsurpassed bouquet, then your choice is obvious - Shiraz wine. Its taste is highly appreciated by both experts and amateurs.
The history of the famous variety
As already mentioned, this variety appeared a very long time ago. About 300 years ago, it was already grown by winemakers in France. Where this vine was originally bred, it was difficult to establish until a certain time. There were several versions. According to one of them, Shiraz wine came to France from the Persian city of the same name. The Phocians brought a divine vine to old Gaul. According to other versions, the shoots of the vines arrived here with Roman soldiers. But modern science says these are just legends.
In fact, Syrah is a native, French variety. Its feature is amazing survivability and the ability to adapt to any conditions. Today, about 16 varieties of this variety are bred, among which only two produce berries that have an original taste and aroma.
The long road to fame
In 1832, almost 200 years ago, the Scotsman D. Busby brought this vine to Australia. Here Syrah was renamed Shiraz, and the traveler himself became the real father of Australian winemaking. In fact, all the splendor and richness of this variety was far from immediately revealed. For a long time he remained on the sidelines. At first it was used exclusively for decoupage of noble varieties. In the mid-1920s, the fortified Shiraz began to be made from it. Grapes of this variety have not yet been considered as a valuable product for the production of wine of exceptional quality.
But time passed, and the vineyards continued to grow and develop. This led to the search for new processing methods. In the 60s sparkling wine came into fashion , the production of which again went to Shiraz. The grapes again came in handy. The cultivation of this variety practically stopped in the 70s, when an order was introduced to uproot the old vines of Shiraz, and to plant Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay in their place, since they were in great demand. But something was saved.
Later, winemaker Max Schubert made wine that became famous throughout the world. He began to use small oak barrels for the final fermentation, color stabilization and smoothing the structure of the drink. So the famous Penfolds Grunge appeared - the best Shiraz wine. The varieties that were produced later do not differ much in quality, but nevertheless, classics are appreciated at all times.
The second world legend is Henschke Hill of Grace. What unites these two varieties? They are both made from the berries of old vineyards, which are located in the warmest valleys of the mainland. The wines are distinguished by their exceptional splendor of aromas; they contain notes of black currant and violet, complemented by fruity, spicy, oak shades. A long, velvety aftertaste will become a true crown of tasting.
Grade characteristics
Syrah's vine is very productive, but not as strong as other relatives. She is very sensitive to weather conditions. Any temperature deviation will affect the number of fruits that have started, and later on the degree of ripening. The ovaries form quite late, so the variety will easily survive a protracted spring, but then it needs a lot of heat. The berries are ripe, by the middle of the season you can harvest. You must very accurately determine the degree of readiness of the fruit. As soon as the berries are slightly overcooked, they will lose a number of valuable characteristics. Shiraz red wine is made from these thick-skinned, almost black berries with a sour taste.
Wine from Syrah
This is a rich, thick drink that is drunk undiluted to preserve all the charm of the bouquet. Most often, he is considered exclusively male, because it is customary for women to serve lighter drinks. This wine looks amazing in a glass. Intense, dark red or even purple, in the evening light it appears almost black. The texture is dense, often this wine contains a large percentage of alcohol. The aroma is highly dependent on the conditions in which the vine grew, temperature and soil composition. Shades of spices than fruits are more often heard, pronounced notes of chocolate and black pepper are not uncommon. Monosorted wines are produced from grapes of this variety, but they are often used as an addition to the Grenazh and Mourvedra wines.
Australian wines "Shiraz"
They eclipsed even the French relatives. These are Australia's most delicious wines. “Shiraz” today is a famous trademark, which is the hallmark of the Green Continent. Full-bodied wines of saturated color with good aging potential are made from it. Their color is often red, less often dark purple, down to black. The aroma is clean, fruity and berry, cherry and plum with notes of spices prevail. Australia's leading wine-growing region is the Barossa Valley, where the oldest vineyards planted since 1935 grow. The wines are aged for 12 months in oak barrels. There are 4 types of drinks.
Fruit wines
For these varieties, berries from a vine growing on fertile lands, in the lower reaches of the rivers, where there is a lot of sunlight, are suitable. In this case, the heat of the day is replaced by a wet and cool night, which allows the vine to recover. In such conditions, the berry grows, which is used to produce young wines. These are aromatic drinks filled with berry aroma with a touch of oak. The most famous varieties are Mad Fish and Oxford Landing Shiraz. Surely you are already familiar with such famous drinks from the Shiraz family. A wine whose taste is so delicious that you remember it for a long time after the tasting has ended.
Wine from old vineyards
We have already mentioned that the oldest plantings grow in the Barossa Valley, some of which are already around 100 years old. They are especially kind to them here. The highlight of their content is that artificial irrigation is not used, as well as top dressing. The old vine in such conditions gives a very low yield, but the wine made from these berries has an amazing aroma and depth of taste. For example, Grange is produced. Not everyone has the opportunity to try this variety, before it was supplied only to the royal court, and today it is a very expensive and rare drink. Therefore, it remains for us to judge him only by the description of connoisseurs-tasters.
Pepper Shiraz
Not all varieties require the vine to be generously drunk with sunlight and heat. In cooler regions, northern river valleys, grapes have a longer ripening period. Low temperature also contributes to a decrease in the yield of vines. It is in such conditions that the berry must grow in order to give the wine noble shades of black and white pepper. The connoisseurs of such exquisite wine "Shiraz" are very highly regarded. Reviews speak of its special elegance and rigor. For example, the wines Yarra Valley and Central Victoria. Not everyone will like the taste of these drinks, but nonetheless they are very much appreciated.
Wine "Shiraz" with earthy notes
This is the basis of Australian winemaking. Vineyards are located everywhere in regions with an almost subtropical climate, which is unique to growing vines. It produces wines with rich, rich, fruity aromas. But they are not as famous and expensive as those listed above. Due to the fact that these wines have a lighter body, not very pleasant shades develop in them quite quickly. They can be described as notes of overripe, fallen forest fruits, someone defines them as earthy or skin tones. Nevertheless, these are very popular, high-quality and not too expensive wines, which in large numbers diverge among buyers.
Most often, Shiraz wine is recommended to be served with meat and main, hot dishes. Game and fatty cheese are well suited to it . This wine will be a great addition to the grilled beef steak or barbecue, shade and emphasize the taste of meat.
French "Shiraz"
France gave the world this wonderful variety, but not so much is grown here. The prevalence of Syrah is in fifth place after Merlot, Grenache and Cabernet. Here, as in Australia, this variety also could not gain fame for a long time. It served for a long time only to improve the quality of other wines, and until almost the 20th century remained in oblivion. It was Australian wines that entered the world stage that made us pay attention to the fact that, in general, this variety traditionally grows on French soil.
The conditions here are somewhat different, so the wines have their own, unique bouquet. Known for wine made from berries growing in the northern part of the Rhone Valley. For example, Cote Rotie wines are the lightest, with stunning floral and smoky aromas. Cornas is the darkest and most saturated variety of wine. St-Joseph is the lightest and most spicy wines that women love.
It is the northern river valleys that are the main place for growing this variety. Closer to the south, the climate is becoming more arid, which is bad for the quality of the raw materials obtained. That is why France does not produce too much wine of this variety.
South African Shiraz
South Africa gives a very peculiar “Shiraz”. Wine South Africa has a unique taste. This is an example of a wild, harsh and unadapted drink. There is not a drop of French sophistication in it. Usually it is a red drink, dark cherry color. Berry aroma, cherry and blackberry are felt with bright pepper notes. The features of these wines are a strong tobacco aroma and leather notes. Berry flavor - a mixture of black currant and wild cherry. Pepper and tobacco leaves are distinctly felt. The largest winery in South Africa opened in 1999. Here the wines are aged 16 months in oak barrels.
Reviews
Depending on the variety of your choice, the wine will surprise you with completely new shades of taste every time, but a absolutely stunning bouquet is always preserved. The above regions are not the only ones where Shiraz wine is produced. Chile, Argentina and Bolivia also grow this grape variety, but their wineries have not received such fame. It is very difficult to combine all the reviews, because there are hundreds of them. You can only share opinions about noble varietal wines, which are often thick, rich, strong, with an amazing aroma and a long finish. The opinion of young wines is somewhat different. Connoisseurs feel cool about them; they are lighter drinks with a bright, fruity taste, which are not of great value. Their advantage is low price and high availability.