Although Shiraz and Syrah are genetically the same variety, in the glass the differences are obvious. In Australia, Shiraz acquires an identity of its own — broader, more solar, more direct. It is the wine that is not afraid of intensity and that finds its natural place next to the barbecue fire.
The difference between Australian Shiraz and French Syrah is not related to the variety, but to the context.
Australia’s warmer climate, varied soils and, above all, the style of the winemakers lead to richer, more concentrated and expressive wines.
If the Syrah of the Rhône can be more austere, spicy and structured, the Australian Shiraz is, as a rule:
- fruitier (blackberries, blueberries, plums)
- more generous in texture
- more accessible in youth
Australian Style: Power and Balance
A typical Australian Shiraz impresses with its intensity:
- Flavors of blackberries, blueberries, violets and black pepper
- Tastes of black cherries, cassis, chocolate and espresso
- Long finish, with firm and juicy tannins
It is a style that favors fruit maturity and extraction, but which, in the best examples, remains balanced.
Beyond the terroir, the style of Australian Shiraz is defined by the decisions in the winery:
- Time of harvest
- The level of maturity of grapes
- duration of maceration
- use of barrel or stainless steel
These choices turn the same variety into a wine that can range from opulent to elegant.
Reference Tags Worth Discovering Now
Yalumba 2017 The Octavius Old Vine Shiraz
Here we are dealing with the product of one of the oldest family wineries in Australia, established in 1849. Today, it is owned by Robert Hill Smith, and the wines are produced by Louisa Rose.
The proposed wine is a classic example of mature and opulent Shiraz. Aromas of licorice, raspberry, cherry and cassis, supported by rich tannins and an ample texture. A wine built for immediate pleasure, but also for evolution.
Clonakilla 2023 O’Riada Shiraz
Here’s another story. John Kirk, known for producing Canberra’s first commercial wine, bought 44 acres of land in 1971 and named the site Clonakilla, after his grandfather’s farm in County Clare, Ireland. The name roughly translates to “church meadow” and he thought it would appropriately honor his family.
The winemaker is Tim Kirk, and his 2023 O’Riada wine proposes the following aromatic profile: rosehip, fresh pepper, raspberry, followed by vibrant red fruit and fine notes of tobacco. An expression closer to the European style.
Shaw + Smith 2021 Shiraz
Martin Shaw and his cousin, Michael Hill Smith (Australia’s first Master of Wine), founded Shaw + Smith in 1989 and remain the current owners. The two own two vineyards in the Adelaide Hills, totaling 136 acres. The Balhannah vineyard was planted in 2000 and consists of plantations of Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Shiraz.
This Shiraz brings balance between fruit and finesse and proposes aromas of black, blueberry and purple cherries, complemented by subtle notes of forest. A modern, well-structured wine.
Hickinbotham 2019 Brooks Road Shiraz
Alan Robb Hickenbotham was the first professor of wine science at Roseworthy Agricultural College in Australia, a world-class institution. He helped his son, Alan David Hickenbotham, plant vines in 1971, and in 2012, they sold the winery and vineyards to the Jackson family in California. The vineyard was converted to biodynamic and organic farming in 2019, and this wine was the first to mark the change.
Aromatic profile: aromas of violets, black cherries and blackberries, followed by currants, espresso and chocolate, supported by a clear minerality.
Penfolds 2019 RWT Bin 798 Shiraz
Founded by Dr. Christopher Penfold and his wife, Mary, in 1844, Penfolds had become the largest winery in South Australia by 1907. Now it no longer enjoys this status, but it is one of the most sought after, including by collectors, who are targeting their iconic wine, Grange, which is constantly ethereal.
RWT Bin 798 is more “earthy”, but the same distinctive signature, and proposes intense color, aromas of violets, cassis and blackberries, fine tannins and a palate dominated by black fruits and plums.
Shiraz and barbecue: the perfect pairing
Australian Shiraz is made for intense food.
The ripe fruit, firm tannins and spicy notes make it an ideal partner for:
- grilled beef
- Honey
- Smoked preparations
It is that type of wine that not only accompanies the meal, but amplifies it.
Leave a comment