Anyone with a fine taste for wine knows that there’s nothing quite like a glass of Shiraz. This rich, full-bodied red wine is sure to please even the most discriminating palates. But what makes it so special? How does it differ from other red wines?
As much as we enjoy the taste of Shiraz, it’s the complexities of its flavour that make it truly unique. From its earthy aromas to its deep, dark colour, there’s much to explore when it comes to this varietal. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most distinctive characteristics of this beverage.
Syrah vs Shiraz
First thing’s first – many people believe that Shiraz and Syrah are two different wines. However, they are actually the same varietal of grape. The only difference is in the way they are grown and processed. Classic red Shiraz is the Australian name for this varietal, while Syrah is its French label.
The former is typically grown in warm climates, such as Australia’s Barossa Valley. This results in a fruitier, more full-bodied wine. Syrah, on the other hand, is grown in cooler climates like the Northern Rhône region of France. This leads to a wine with more tannins and acidity.
Shiraz Wine Characteristics
When it comes to Shiraz wine, there are three main characteristics that set it apart from other reds. They’re the defining features of this varietal, and what make it so beloved by wine enthusiasts around the world.
Taste
When looking for something bold and robust, get a red Shiraz. The wine has jammy aromas with hints of blackberry and blueberry along with big, ripe tannins. Black pepper spice and smoked meat flavours like bacon and beef jerky are also distinctive.
Each ingredient in the Shiraz grape’s composition affects the wine’s final taste. For example, the amount of sugar in the grape will create a sweeter wine, while more acidity will lead to a drier beverage. Regardless of the specific ingredients, all Shiraz wines share a few common flavour profiles.
These include earthiness, spice, fruits like blackberry and plum, and pepper. Some bottles may also have hints of chocolate or coffee. The key is to look for a balance of these flavours – too much of one ingredient can make the wine taste off.
Colour
Shiraz is made from red-skinned grapes, which gives it a deep ruby-red to purple hue. A red Shiraz can be inky and opaque when it’s young. Generally speaking, the hue is darker than Cabernet Merlot wines. With time, the colour of Shiraz can deteriorate and lose concentration while acquiring garnet tones.
To preserve its vibrant colour and prevent it from fading, store your wine in a cool, dark place. You can also use a wine decanter to aerate the beverage and bring out its natural hues. By doing this, you’ll be able to enjoy the wine’s beautiful colour for years to come.
Alcohol Content
The location of the vineyard and the weather when the wine was harvested determine the amount of alcohol in Shiraz wine. Wet and cold vintages, as well as cooler regions, have lower alcohol content. A warmer climate or dry and hot vintages will result in higher alcohol concentrations.
When grown in a warmer climate or during a hotter vintage, as is typical in South Australia, Shiraz can approach 14.5–15.5% alcohol by volume (abv), which is more common in cooler regions like France or colder vintages. And due to longer hang times on the vines, riper, bolder Shiraz varieties may contain more alcohol.
How to Serve Shiraz?
The ideal way to serve Shiraz is at room temperature, which is about 18°C. If the wine is too cold, you won’t be able to taste its full flavour profile. On the other hand, if it’s too warm, the alcohol will become more apparent.
When serving, pour the wine into a large glass and let it breathe for about 15 minutes before taking your first sip. This will give the beverage time to open up and release its complex aromas.
Make sure you don’t fill your glass all the way to the top. Leave about a centimetre of space at the top to enjoy the wine’s bouquet. Replace the cork and put the bottle back in the refrigerator if you don’t finish it. For two to four days, the flavours will remain fresh. The wine will start to oxidize after that point.
What to Pair With Shiraz?
Shiraz’s bold flavour profile makes it the perfect wine to pair with rich, hearty dishes. The tannins in the wine will help to cut through the fat in these dishes, making them more palatable.
Some of the most common pairings include roasted lamb, grilled steak, and dark chocolate. If you’re looking for something a little different, try serving Shiraz with grilled mushrooms or truffle pasta. This unique combination will bring out the best in both the food and the wine.
