10 things you didn't know about Shiraz
There's a whole lot to learn about full-bodied, flavour-packed Shiraz. Read on and you'll know much more about its backstory the next time your reach for a bottle.
Shiraz and Syrah are the same thing
Some labels and menus call it Shiraz while others use the word Syrah, but they are made from the same grape varietal. The choice of name refers to the winemaking style. Syrah usually refers to the old-world winemaking techniques used in the northern Rhône region in France, while Shiraz describes new-world wines made everywhere from Australia to South Africa. They each have distinctive characteristics: Syrah is dry, lean and savoury while Shiraz tends to be more fruit-driven.
Shiraz is a city in Iran
Many experts believe that the Syrah grapes found in the northern Rhône region made their way there from the ancient city of Shiraz in Iran, famous for its viticulture and winemaking history dating back to 2 500 B.C.
It has taken over the world
Because of its hardiness as a vine and adaptability to different climates, Shiraz is one of the most widely planted grapes in the world. You'll find it everywhere from Chile to Lebanon. Shiraz is a particularly expressive grape and produces wines of wildly different chcaracteristics, from medium-bodied examples in cooler climate regions, to the big, bold, fruity and complex numbers of the southern hemisphere.
First local Shiraz...
Was bottled in 1957. The first Shiraz grapes were planted in South Africa at Groot Constantia in the late 1800s, but we waited until 1957 for the first wine made from locally grown grapes to be bottled by maverick winemaker Bernard Podlashuk (known as the father of South African Shiraz). Today, its the second-most planted red variety in the country.
Shiraz often tastes of pepper
Shiraz is a full-bodied red and you can expect bold spicy flavours in your glass. Flavours and aromas range from blueberry and blackberry to herbs, violets, and white and black pepper. High acidity and firm tannins give these wines excellent structure.
Pairs well with bold flavours
Shiraz is a bold red that pairs well with hearty stews and potjies. Its smoky, peppery qualities are a good match for braaied meat and vegetables. Cheese is also a good match: try everything from blue cheese to goat's cheese and aged Cheddar.
Shiraz can be served slightly chilled
To make the most of the Shiraz in your glass, make sure it's been poured at 15-18°C. Any warmer or colder than that and the distinctive flavours and aromas will be too muted for maximum enjoyment.
It's best friends with Grenache and Mourvèdre
Shiraz is a versatile blending wine, and you'll find that it partners well in the cellar to make Shiraz-Grenache-Mourvèdre blends, often called SGM on the label. This classic Rhône blend offers an array of complex flavours, from the raspberry fruitiness of Grenache to the dark fruit and savouriness of Shiraz and the tannins and floral aromas of Mourvèdre
Shiraz grapes can be used to make Rosé wines
Rosé wines are usually made from red grapes that lend the wine its pink hue - the final colour will depend on how long the winemaker leaves the juice and skins to macerate before removing the skins. The shorter the time, the lighter the shade of pink. Shiraz is a popular choice of grape for making Provençal-style dry rosés.
It ages well
Sure, you could drink it young - but store that bottle of Shiraz in the right conditions, let time work its magic, and you'll be rewarded with great complexity and depth. Aging it will soften the tannins and you'll end up with a gentle, well-rounded result. Cheers!