Shiraz/Syrah

Shiraz is the name given to the dark-skinned Syrah grape when grown in Australia and selected pockets of the New World.

Shiraz is so important to Australian viticulture that it is the most planted grape variety in the majority of the country's vineyards. It has become virtually synonymous with the country's main wine regions, and in particular the Barossa Valley.

The prevailing style of Shiraz winemaking tends toward bright fruit flavors – most frequently blueberries, blackcurrants and black cherries. Secondary notes of chocolate lend themselves well to the full-bodied texture of these wines, often accented by pepper and spicy inflections.