For a long time, this grape variety was only grown in France and Australia. While the French variant is characterized by subtle tannins and a much profounder spiciness, the Australian Shiraz rather stands for opulent fruit, length and almost overwhelming power. For many, the difference may even be clearer than that between Chianti and Brunello. An Australian Shiraz is also rather leader of the pack than the fine spirit Pinot Noir, and in food pairing (as the well-thought-out combination of food and drinks is so beautifully called), the choice for the Shiraz falls with real steaks (no snacks! ), game or lamb (ok, with salad and mountain cheese on the side).

In the last few decades, large Shiraz cultivation areas have been added worldwide, so that there are now five main cultivation regions: North America (USA), South America (Chile, Argentina), Europe (France, Spain and Italy), South Africa and Australia/ New Zealand.

So what’s so fascinating about the Australian Shiraz given its multi-regional appreance? In a nutshell, it is the experience of enjoying wines that, despite their overwhelming power and length, also contain a great deal of complexity and elegance. And, as we all know, power and elegance are not an easy pair. In our opinion, this is what makes the difference, even if some South African Syrah are moving in this direction, as well.

But the nice thing about such alternatives is that you can try them out depending on the situation and your mood.

One of these excellent wineries of Shiraz is John Duval Wines in the Barossa Valley. Its flagship Shiraz Eligo is nothing less than simply a revelation of Shiraz.