About Shiraz

Australia’s flagship red, known for bold flavours, rich spice, and deep fruit intensity, particularly in Barossa and McLaren Vale.

About Shiraz

About Shiraz

Australia’s flagship red, known for bold flavours, rich spice, and deep fruit intensity, particularly in Barossa and McLaren Vale.

The Story of Shiraz in Australia

Shiraz is Australia’s most famous red grape, responsible for some of the world’s most powerful and iconic wines. While its origins trace back to France (where it's known as Syrah), Australia has made Shiraz its own. The first Shiraz vines were brought to Australia by James Busby in the 1830s, laying the foundation for what would become the country’s most widely planted red variety.

Unlike the leaner, peppery Syrah styles of the Rhône Valley, Australian Shiraz is known for its bold fruit, rich spice, and full-bodied power. Warmer regions like the Barossa Valley produce dense, velvety wines with dark berries and chocolate notes, while cooler regions like the Yarra Valley or Tasmania create more elegant, peppery styles.

Famous Regions for Australian Shiraz

  • Barossa Valley – Home to century-old vines, Barossa Shiraz is rich, full-bodied, and intensely flavoured with dark fruit, spice, and chocolate.
  • McLaren Vale – Producing vibrant, plush Shiraz with a mix of bright red fruits, earthy spice, and coastal freshness.
  • Hunter Valley – Shiraz here tends to be more medium-bodied with savoury spice and elegant tannins, built for long ageing.
  • Heathcote – Known for its deep-coloured, structured Shiraz grown on ancient Cambrian soils.
  • Great Southern – Producing cool-climate Shiraz with black pepper, blue fruit, and fresh acidity.

What Does Shiraz Taste Like?

Shiraz is a full-bodied red that varies in style depending on where it’s grown. Expect deep blackberry, plum, and black cherry flavours, along with spice, chocolate, and pepper. Warmer regions tend to produce richer, rounder styles, while cooler climates enhance spice and structure.

Winemaking Styles & New Trends

Traditional Australian Shiraz is aged in oak barrels, often American oak, giving it a sweet vanilla and coconut complexity. However, modern winemakers are experimenting with whole-bunch fermentation, large format oak, and blending Shiraz with varieties like Grenache and Mataro (creating the classic GSM blend).

There’s also a rise in ‘New Wave Shiraz’ – lighter, fresher expressions with lower alcohol, minimal intervention winemaking, and a focus on vineyard-driven character. These styles are more drinkable, often served slightly chilled.

Similar Wines to Try

  • Syrah (France) – More savoury, peppery, and structured compared to Australian Shiraz.
  • Grenache – A great alternative for those who love rich red fruit but prefer a softer, more lifted style.
  • Mataro (Mourvèdre) – Often blended with Shiraz, bringing earthy, meaty complexity.
  • Zinfandel – Big and bold with high alcohol, great for lovers of full-bodied reds.

Food Pairing with Shiraz

Shiraz’s bold flavours make it perfect for grilled meats, slow-cooked lamb, and smoky barbecue dishes. Pair a Barossa Shiraz with a juicy ribeye, or try a cooler-climate Shiraz with roast duck or game meats.

Explore Australian Shiraz

At Wine Simple, we stock a handpicked selection of incredible Australian Shiraz wines. Whether you love rich, powerful reds or elegant, refined styles, we’ve got a bottle for you.

Looking for the perfect Shiraz? Browse our selection here.

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About Wine Simple

At Wine Simple, we bring the best of Australian wine straight to your door. From Barossa Shiraz to Yarra Valley Pinot Noir, every bottle is selected by founder Matt Chalmers. We support small producers and focus on quality wines you won’t find in the big stores.