Brief Introduction:
Called Shiraz in Australia and Syrah in the USA and France, this is Australia’s most planted wine grape variety; most Australian producers make a Shiraz wine of some sort. This varietal offers early drinking appeal, yet has the ability to age for many years, and will vary significantly in style and weight depending on where it is produced. The award- winning Wolf Blass President’s Selection Shiraz is a fine example of a typical rich, ripe, full-bodied Australian Shiraz.

Flavor characteristics:
black pepper, chocolate, raspberries, blackberries, mixed spices, leather, game.

Wine Recommendations:
The Syrah blend Chateauneuf-du-Pape from France’s Rhone Valley offers softer berry and pepper characteristics. Torbreck’s “The Struie,” made from 100% Australian Shiraz grapes, is comparable in style to French Rhone wines.