In a South Australian Shiraz State of Mind

Woman on Wine with Amy Reiley exploring South Australian Shiraz

This month I’m traveling to South Australia and I just can’t help it; I’ve got Shiraz on the brain. Despite what we think of as the “Aussie” style of Syrah or Shiraz as the Australians prefer to refer to it, South Australia actually offers a variety of Shiraz styles. There’s the big, bold Barossa wines that we know and love. But there’s also a slightly less ripe, more refined – dare I say more “French”? – style coming from McLaren Vale. There are also a few Adelaide Hills/Eden Valley wines showing positive restraint. Here are just a few of my favorite South Australian Shiraz I’ll be drinking Down Under.

Wines for Thanksgiving Dinner

And in case you like thinking about the future, next month I’m planning a piece on the Aussie Rieslings perfect that are perfect for turkey pairings. (Of course, if you’re planning your Thanksgiving menu already, I would definitely support choosing any of the South Australian Shiraz on my list to serve with your t-day feast.)

Elderton Barossa Shiraz
The winery best known for its award-winning CSM also makes one hot Shiraz. With a whiff of chocolate on the nose and a hint of vanilla on the finish, it’s one of those tasty Barossa numbers almost better than dessert.

Wirra Wirra Church Block Red
Not technically a Shiraz, this McLaren Vale bottling is a blend of Shiraz, Cab and Merlot. But it was one of my old standby wines when I lived in the region – affordable enough to share with the crowd yet complex enough for a serious dinner.

Yalumba “Y” Series
One of the Barossa’s best bargain Shiraz, Yalumba’s hard to beat at under $10. Slightly sweet, dark fruit dominates along with black pepper, but a small addition of Viognier rounds the wine out with a few pretty notes.

Kangarilla Road Shiraz/Viognier
Another MacLaren Vale winner, Kangarilla Road’s nod to Cote Rotie shows restraint while showcasing the region’s bright plum and cassis flavors.

Henschke Mt. Edelstone Shiraz
This is one of Oz’s finest wines, Shiraz or otherwise. Henschke, an Adelaide Hills/Barossa-based family winery makes Shiraz that is sexy, almost smokey, surprisingly well-balanced with beautiful blackberry and black plum fruit.

D’Arenberg Shiraz, The Footbolt, Old Vine Shiraz, McLaren Vale
If you know D’Arenberg Shiraz, it’s probably the “Dead Arm.” But the Footbolt makes a suitably delicious alternative to its pricier cousin. It’s one of those deep, dark, inky, purple wines with pepper, spice and everything nice.

Two Hands Bella’s Garden Shiraz
A powerful rendition of Barossa Shiraz, Bella’s Garden is a big-bodied dame with a strong backbone of tannins and pure plum and currant flavors.

Peter Lehman Barossa Shiraz
Peter Lehman is practically the face of the Barossa and Shiraz is without a doubt the Barossa’s starring varietal. So when the two come together, you know the results are something good. A classic, inky, black, Barossa wine, PL’s Shiraz is a big boy with tart fruit and a flourishing finish.