Shiraz

Bunch of Shiraz grapes
A glass of Shiraz

Australia’s flagship grape

The French and Americans call it Syrah; we call it Shiraz. Shiraz is without doubt our favourite grape, and its powerful iconic, rich reds have helped establish Australia’s international reputation as a top wine producer. This dark-skinned, versatile variety is well suited to a range of climates and growing conditions.

Syrah has been for many centuries, and continues to be the main grape of the Northern Rhone in France, and is associated with famous classic wines such as Hermitage, Cornas and Cote Rotie. Consequently, the top wine gems gleaned from these old vine producers command extremely high prices.

Arrival in Australia

In 1831, the Scotsman James Busby, often called “The Father of Australian Viticulture”, made a trip back to Europe to collect cuttings from vines (primarily from France and Spain) for introduction to Australia. One of the varieties collected by him was Syrah, although Busby initially used the two spellings ‘Scyras’ and ‘Ciras’. The cuttings were planted in Sydney’s Botanical Gardens, and in Hunter Valley. In 1839, they were introduced to South Australia from Sydney. By the 1860s Shiraz was well-established as an important, foundational variety in Australia.

Our love affair with Shiraz

Shiraz is Australia’s most widely planted grape variety. Representing around 40% of our total red grape crush, it produces almost one fifth of all wine grape production. Its wines are highly popular, on both the local and global stage. But, this wasn’t always the case.

Over the years Shiraz has been overlooked in favour of Cabernet Sauvignon and even Chardonnay. At one point, the South Australian government ordered that low yielding Shiraz vines be dug up and replaced with these fashionable varieties. Thankfully, some growers resisted, allowing the growth of iconic old block vines that Australia is now renowned for.

When the international wine world’s focus turned to Australia in the 1980s, Shiraz underwent a revival. Our rich, seductive, opulent Shiraz reds began to spill onto the market - setting new benchmarks in flavour and taste.

Because it flourishes in a range of climates, Shiraz offers many different styles:

  • In the warmer climates of Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale they are complex, richly flavoured wines full of plums, mulberry, liquorice and chocolate; sometimes with spice and cinnamon characters.
  • The cooler regions of Central Victoria, Coonawarra, Frankland River etc. have become known for structured wines with black cherry, pepper and spice with savoury overtones.
  • Shiraz can also can be blended with Cabernet in both warm and cool climates, while in hotter climates Shiraz is often partnered with Grenache and/or Mataro/Mouvedre.

Today, if you are a Shiraz drinker, you are well and truly spoilt for choice.

Foodies Rejoice

Is there anything more Australian than throwing some snags and steaks on the barbie and reaching for a glass or two of Shiraz? Maybe not, but with its many different styles, Shiraz can provide a perfect partnership across a range of dishes. From beef stews to lamb shanks, from kangaroo steak to spicy curries, its food matching possibilities are endless… and so is the enjoyment.

Shiraz section of a Dan Murphy's store

We Recommend

bottle of White Box Shiraz

White Box

Shiraz

Aromas of dark fruit, spice and leather lead into a palate of blackberries and cedar. The fruit sweetness is balanced by firm acid and fine tannins. A great example of Central Victorian Shiraz.

More ›

You might also like