16 September 2007 by Sandy Hemphill
The Noble Shiraz
When we try to describe the characteristics attributed to the noble Shiraz, it’s almost impossible to do so without using words that are equally appropriate for human nobility. Rich, bold and assertive come quickly to mind.
A wine is considered noble if it is made from a grape that has a thick, aromatic skin that is full of flavor and high in tannins. This distinction is one that the noble Shiraz shares with Cabernet, Pinot, and Nebbiolo.
These noble wines are best when they’ve aged five to ten years, but they can withstand aging for much longer with proper cellaring. They are great investments that become smooth, mellow, and pleasantly complex over time.
There can be confusion between the similar terms Shiraz and Syrah. Geography solves the riddle of the spelling.
If we consider France as the birthplace of fine wines (and so many of us do!), we must look to the Hermitage region in sunny southeastern France. The Hermitage region is slightly more than 100 miles north of the Mediterranean Sea, on the Rhone River just north of its intersection with the Isere River.
The Hermitage is warm, sunny, dry and most of the region is on land that gently slopes in a southward direction. This climate and geography is ideal for producing a rich, robust red wine that is full in body and flavor.
In the Hermitage, Syrah is the traditional spelling. The grapes here are believed to have come originally from the hot, arid Middle East, where they are called Shiraz.
In most wine-producing regions around the world other than the Middle East and Australia, the noble Shiraz is identified as Syrah. The most highly prized of these wines are produced in regions with growing conditions similar to that of the Hermitage.
In Australia, the noble Shiraz is taking the world by storm. The climate here is ideal for producing Shiraz that is bold, fruity, with a hint of pepper. This lively combination of flavors is believed by many to be the very best characteristic of the grape, whether you call it Shiraz or Syrah.
Look for an Australian Shiraz from Victoria for the highest quality wine. Some wine makers in the region identify their best wines not as Shiraz but as Hermitage instead. It’s a pretty sure bet that if your bottle of wine from Australia is labeled as such, it is going to be delightful.
Enjoy your robust noble Shiraz with foods of the same hearty caliber. Steak and lamb are great when paired with Shiraz, or Syrah, as the case may be. Zesty paella is fantastic when served with an equally spicy Shiraz. Enjoy your Shiraz with warm, creamy Brie cheese and your favorite cocktail-style crackers. And it’s a simply divine way to finish a feast fit for nobility when paired with a rich, dark, decadent dessert that features chocolate as its main ingredient. Or its only ingredient.
Your noble Shiraz is perfect to serve in any setting where an elegant, sophisticated wine is desired.