Why is Shiraz considered a classic Australian wine?
Australian conditions are perfectly suited to Shiraz, making it our most popular red wine and one of Edenvale’s best sellers.
Shiraz is regarded as the classic Australian red wine variety, with wine drinkers around the world associating its deep fruit flavours with the Australian wine industry.
Across the wine regions of Australia, shiraz is the most planted wine grape. Shiraz is one of Edenvale’s best sellers and is available at Woolworths, Coles, Dan Murphy’s and more.
Let’s take a closer look at Australia’s favourite wine variety and how to enjoy it at its best.
History of Shiraz in Australia
The history of shiraz dates back to the early 19th century. Its first appearance was in France, in the Isere district of the Rhone-Alpes region. The first cuttings are said to have been brought to Australia in 1832 by viticulturist James Busby. However, ‘The Wine Doctor’ Dr Phillip Norrie records that shiraz has been part of the Macarthur Collection – a collection of plants and vines brought to Australia by Sir William Macarthur aboard the Lord Eldon, which arrived in Sydney in October 1817.
What is universally accepted is that pioneer winemaker George Wyndham planted the first commercial shiraz vineyard at his property in Dalwood in 1831. This planting was followed by more shiraz early-adopters at Langmeil and Turkey Flat in the Barossa Valley, and in 1860 at Tahbilk, Nagambie Lakes, Victoria.
Shiraz is a relatively adaptable variety and can be grown in moderate to cool regions as well as warm climate areas. According to a Wine Australia 2019-2020 report, there is around 39,893ha of shiraz planted in Australia – taking the crown for the most prominent grape.
Six major winemaking regions across Australia are known for growing shiraz vines, namely the Barossa Valley, Clare Valley, Eden Valley, Heathcote, Hunter Valley and McLaren Vale.
Shiraz characteristics
With a deep purple colour and full-bodied flavour, shiraz commonly holds notes of dark fruits such as blackberries, blueberries, cherry and plum. Shiraz is denoted by its rich, deep flavours and notes of smoke and pepper, and the climate the fruit is grown in plays a large role in its flavour, according to
At Wine Compass.
Typically, the Australian variety is considered warm climate shiraz, leaning toward a rich, dark, and intensely fruity flavour, with a much sweeter and distinct dark fruit flavour than its cool climate counterparts.
While some may get confused with the varietal's cool climate name, syrah, there is a distinct difference. Hailing from wine regions such as the original French region of the Rhône Valley, syrah often results in a medium-bodied wine with earthy tones and a distinct pepper flavour.
Food pairings with shiraz
The full-bodied character that shiraz brings to the palate matches well with dishes that have big, bold flavours.
The smoky flavour of grilled and barbecued foods works perfectly with warm climate shiraz. Pork ribs, beef brisket and roasted lamb all offer charred juiciness that mingles on the palate with the deep berry flavours of the traditional Australian drop.
Shiraz not only works with meat. You can round out your barbecue with delicious, paired vegetables that include eggplant, edamame, corn, zucchini, mushroom and capsicum.
Although shiraz is compatible with rich flavours, it can also be a wine of choice for a casual picnic or hanging out with friends and family. Shiraz flavours complement a charcuterie board perfectly. Fill out your charcuterie board with firm, aged cheeses such as cheddar, gruyere, gouda and manchego and Parmigiano Reggiano. Don't forget the selection of cured meats – from ham, salami, prosciutto, Spanish chorizo, pepperoni and pastrami.
Why Edenvale Wines Shiraz?
Edenvale is an industry leader in premium alcohol-removed wines, and our shiraz represents the varietal perfectly. Although the alcohol has been removed from our shiraz, it offers the same great taste, aroma, complexity and variety as traditional shiraz wines.
Our classic shiraz is a well-structured, smooth Australian wine with a deep ruby colour, a ripe black cherry aroma, and rich, full flavours of dark plummy fruit and spice.
Edenvale Shiraz is made from only the best selected South Australian wine grapes. It contains less than 0.5% alcohol by volume, well below the international standard and a level similar to that found in natural fruit juices.
We also have Premium Reserve Sparkling Shiraz for those who want to add a little fizz to their shiraz experience! Our sparkling shiraz has tantalising blackberry and currant fruit aromas, with hints of oak and smoky, exotic spice. The rich, dark fruit flavours and chocolate notes offer a luscious indulgence.
You can pick up our Edenvale wines at Dan Murphy’s, Coles, Woolworths and IGA, or you can shop from home directly from our online store or from one of our online retail partners – Sansdrinks, CraftZero, Brunswick Aces and Free Spirit Drink Co.