Introduction:
Shiraz, the red wine that is synonymous with Australia, is beloved by many wine enthusiasts. However, have you ever wondered if you have tried the best Shiraz out there? If not, then welcome to a journey of discovery in the world of wine and the quintessential Shiraz. In this blog post, we will introduce you to the best Shiraz that you might have never tried before. From the history of Shiraz to the best producers of this wine, we will cover everything that you need to know. So, grab a glass of your favorite wine, sit back, and let’s dive into the wonderful world of Shiraz.
Table of Contents:
• History of Shiraz.
• Characteristics of Shiraz.
• Best Shiraz Producers in the World.
• Shiraz Regions around the World.
• Shiraz Pairings.
• The Best Shiraz You Have Never Tried.
• FAQ.
• Conclusion.
History of Shiraz:
Shiraz is an ancient red wine grape variety that has its roots in Persia and is now grown all over the world. It is believed that Shiraz was originally introduced to Europe from Iran in the 13th century, but it wasn’t until the 17th century that the grape became popular in France. The grape’s popularity spread quickly, and soon it became the most widely planted grape variety in the Rhone Valley.
Characteristics of Shiraz:
Shiraz is known for its dark color and full-bodied taste. The wine is dominated by ripe fruit flavors such as blackberry, plum, and black cherry. Shiraz often has a peppery flavor with a spicy finish. It has a long aging potential and can be aged for years to develop more complex flavors. Shiraz is also known for its high tannin levels, making it a perfect match for rich meat dishes.
Best Shiraz Producers in the World:
Shiraz is produced all over the world, but some producers have distinguished themselves as the best in the business. Here are some of the top Shiraz producers that you must try:
• Penfolds: A winery located in the Adelaide Hills region of South Australia, is one of the oldest and most esteemed wineries producing Shiraz. They produce some of the world’s most iconic wines, including the Penfolds Grange.
• Mollydooker Wines: A winery located in McLaren Vale, Australia, is known for producing some of the most powerful and bold Shiraz wines. Their flagship wine, The Velvet Glove, is often rated among the world’s best Shiraz wines.
• Two Hands Wines: A winery located in the Barossa Valley, Australia, is known for producing premium Shiraz wines. Their flagship wine, the Two Hands Bella’s Garden Shiraz, is considered one of the best Shiraz wines produced in the Barossa Valley.
• Clarendon Hills: A winery located in McLaren Vale, Australia, is known for producing single vineyard Shiraz wines that reflect the terroir of the region. Their flagship wine, the Clarendon Hills Astralis Shiraz, is a benchmark wine for the region.
• Henschke: A winery located in the Eden Valley, Australia, is known for producing some of the most distinctive Shiraz wines. Their flagship wine, the Henschke Hill of Grace Shiraz, is considered one of the best Shiraz wines produced in Australia.
Shiraz Regions around the World:
Shiraz is grown in many regions around the world, with each region imbuing its own style into the wine. Here are some of the most notable Shiraz regions:
• Australia: Shiraz is the most widely planted red grape in Australia, where it is used to produce some of the best Shiraz wines in the world. The Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and Clare Valley are some of the best regions to look for Shiraz wines in Australia.
• France: Shiraz is known as Syrah in France and is primarily grown in the northern Rhone Valley. The wines produced from this region are known for their elegance, complexity, and aging potential. Hermitage, Cote-Rotie, and Cornas are some of the best known appellations to look for Syrah wines in France.
• South Africa: Shiraz is becoming increasingly popular in South Africa, where it is known for its spiciness and bold flavors. The Stellenbosch and Swartland regions produce some of the best Shiraz wines in South Africa.
• United States: Shiraz is primarily grown in California and Washington, where it is known for fruity and jammy flavors. Paso Robles, Napa Valley, and Sonoma County are some of the best regions to look for Shiraz wines in the United States.
Shiraz Pairings:
Shiraz is a versatile wine that pairs well with many dishes. The wine’s bold flavors and high tannins make it a perfect match for rich meat dishes. Some of the best pairings for Shiraz are:
• Grilled meats: Shiraz pairs well with grilled meats such as beef, lamb, and game.
• Spicy dishes: The wine’s peppery flavor makes it a good match for spicy dishes such as Indian and Mexican cuisine.
• Hard cheeses: Shiraz pairs well with hard cheeses such as cheddar and gouda.
• Dark chocolate: The wine’s fruity flavors complement the bitterness of dark chocolate.
The Best Shiraz You Have Never Tried:
After researching and tasting multiple Shiraz wines, we have found the best Shiraz that you may not have tried before. It is the 2016 Domaine Terlato & Chapoutier Shiraz Viognier from Australia’s Victoria region. This wine is a blend of Shiraz and Viognier, which gives it a unique fruity flavor that is not found in other Shiraz wines. On the nose, the wine has aromas of blackberries, plums, and a hint of spice. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, with flavors of black cherry, plum, and a hint of vanilla. The wine has a long finish, with a silky and smooth texture. This is a perfect wine for those who are new to Shiraz and want to try something different.
FAQ:
Q: What’s the difference between Shiraz and Syrah?
A: Shiraz is the name used for the grape in Australia and South Africa, whereas Syrah is the name used for the grape in France.
Q: What’s the ideal serving temperature for Shiraz?
A: Shiraz should be served between 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Q: How long can Shiraz be aged?
A: Shiraz can be aged for up to 15-20 years, depending on the quality of the wine.
Conclusion:
Shiraz is a wine that has been around for centuries, and it is no surprise that it is still one of the most popular red wines in the world. From the history of Shiraz to the best Shiraz producers in the world, we have covered everything you need to know about this amazing wine. The 2016 Domaine Terlato & Chapoutier Shiraz Viognier is the best Shiraz you may not have tried before, and we highly recommend it. So, next time you are in a wine store, ask for a bottle of Shiraz and enjoy one of the best wines in the world.
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