Australian Shiraz or Bordeaux wine -continued

Continue from where I’ve left off, let’s start with Australian Shiraz.

Shiraz is one of the most popular varietal planted in Australia especially in Barossa Valley in South Australia. Barossa has gained its fame since Max Schubert produces his 1st Penfold Grange back in 1950’s

Side track: Don’t mistaken Penfold Grange to be the same as other Penfold range wines, it is of quite a different class from the others, it could be said as one of the Australia's most famous wines.
Though having said that, there other good and more affordable Penfolds like Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz (which is also called ‘Baby Grange’), Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz (which is one of my personal favourite) and Bin 138 Barossa Shiraz Grenache Mourvedre

In general, you may think that most of the Australian Shiraz tastes the same, which is, Full Bodied, Up Front, Not Too Dry and Not Too Tannic.

In Layman Terms:
Full Bodied = Thick
Up Front = Strong alcohol up front
Not too dry = Sweet
Not too tannic = not astringent (Hokkien: Siap Siap)

In fact, it is not so. The characteristics as described above are more of the “Hotter” regions Australian Shiraz. If you like this type of wine, look for Shiraz from Cowra, Riverina or Hunter Valley.

If you prefer a more complex Shiraz which is slightly drier but still “Big” in fruitiness, go for the Barossa Valley shiraz. Please be reminded that good Barossa Shiraz are quite expensive due to their good complexity, length and overall balance.

As for those who prefer not so “thick” (medium-bodied) Shiraz, you may want to go for “Colder” regions shiraz from Victoria state. The well-known wine regions includes Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsular, Heathcote. Though these regions are better known for their Pinot Noir, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc; they do have good Shiraz.

Reminder: “Colder” region wines are normally more tannic and drier than the “Hotter” regions ones

Another region that can’t be ignored is Coonawarra which is situated in South Australia like Barossa Valley. Due to its proximity to sea (which provide the cooling effect to the grapes), it produces well-balanced wines

Finally, for those who like French wines but are attracted to Australia wines’ fruitiness, try out McLaren Vale’s Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon which are slightly more tannic but still big in fruit.

Check out more on Australian wine regions HERE and list of some australian wines HERE