Pronounced - sher-arz and sher-ra respectively
Shiraz is the highly regarded variety of the Hermitage and northern Rhone regions of France. In Australia it is the principle red variety used for the production of fortified and dry red table wines. Shiraz is one of the noblest varieties and will age majestically for many years. While shiraz is used to produce many average wines it can produce some of the world's finest deepest darkest reds with intense flavours and excellent longevity.
An intense black grape producing a variety wines from medium red through to rich black red. Young wines may exhibit a purplish colour that diminishes with ageing. Australian shiraz is usually medium to full-bodied wines that offer a great deal to the palate. The abundance of fruit sensations provides a perceived sweetness, which is balanced by often gripping tannins. The best shiraz produces full wines of deep dark colour, full of chocolate, licorice and fruit with hot spice and warm alcohol complimented by firm but fine tannins.
