What is the first grape that comes to mind when you hear Australia? Shiraz is as synonymous to Australia as vegemite. Australia is a massive land mass that, when superimposed over North America, accounts for over half of Canada and practically all of the United States excluding the north-east and Texas. Even though wine is exclusively produced in the country's south, referring to Australian Shiraz (or any Australian wine) as a single style would be incorrect. Similarly, wines from the United States, Italy, and Spain are not referred to as a single style of wine. This is a major myth that must be dispelled in order to fully comprehend Australian wines of all sorts.
Wine production in Australia takes place on the southern coast of Western Australia, and in Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia. Within these states there are many regions that produce wines. Western Australia is far removed from the rest of the wine producing regions. If it was its own landmass and not part of Australia it would be the world’s tenth largest country. However, the wine production is centered around the coastal city of Perth. Home to nine wine regions, the Margaret River region is the best known, as it has made a name for itself due to its high quality Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. The Margaret River has a maritime climate and gravelly soil, producing Shiraz with herbaceous notes and black pepper.
Why South Australian Shiraz?
South Australia is home to more than half of Australia’s wine production. It is the driest state and home to 18 different wine regions with a host of microclimates. Some of the widely recognized regions include Clare Valley, Barossa Valley, Eden Valley, Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale, and Coonawarra. It is the largest Shiraz producing state in Australia and home to some of the oldest Shiraz/Syrah vines on the earth. However, to explain a style of Shiraz from South Australia would be impossible, like explaining a Cabernet Sauvignon from America. It is worth picking up Shiraz from a variety of South Australia wine regions and exploring the differences and similarities yourself.
Talking about South Australia's one name that has never failed to disappoint is Jum Barry, The Jim Barry winery makes world-class Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Riesling wine. It was founded in 1959 by the couple Jim and Nancy Barry when they bought a beautiful green piece of land, on the Northern outskirts of the Clare wine region.
The Lodge Hill Vineyard in South Australia produces two types of grapes - Shiraz (Syrah) and Riesling. Australia’s first Assyrtiko was also originally planted at this vineyard in 2012.
This Clare Valley vineyard’s Shiraz portion has 40-50 cm of rich, chocolaty loam over hard infertile rock. The vineyard’s Riesling side has brown loam over a clay and slate bedrock layer - perfect for achieving Riesling's vibrant aromatics and intense flavor.The vineyard produces two outstanding wines - the Lodge Hill Shiraz and the Lodge Hill Riesling.
Tasting the Jim Barry Lodge Hill Shiraz 2021
The Lodge Hill Shiraz vineyard, on the Clare Valley’s eastern ranges, has soils of rich, chocolatey loam over almost vertical sheets of rock. The cracks between the rock have filled with soil, providing passage for the vine roots and free drainage - the ideal environment for low-yielding Shiraz vines.Perfectly ripe black plum and forest berry compote, with hints of pepper, spice, and a touch of sweet-cured meat on the nose. The palate is coiled and purposeful on entry and feels like it wants to explode. With a satin flow, a bright core of berry fruits and hints of spicy oak, this a very moreish wine.If you are looking for a delicious and full-bodied Shiraz from the Clare Valley, then Jim Barry Lodge Hill Shiraz 2021 is a great choice. This wine is sure to please wine lovers of all levels of experience.
