Capable of providing both intellectual and sensual satisfaction, Syrah (aka Shiraz) truly is a grape whose time has come.

It can rouse passion like Pinot Noir, yet it’s less fickle; it can stir the intellect like Cabernet Sauvignon, yet it retains a gypsy wildness. The only question mark hanging over Syrah is why we all took so long to fall in love with the grape.

Syrah’s rise in fame over the past two decades has been nothing short of meteoric. While we have the Aussies to thank for this, numerous examples are now sprouting up all over the wine world.

Syrah’s claim for greatness was once based solely on the tiny quantities of wines, such as Côte Rôtie and Hermitage, from the northern Rhône Valley. But in the late 20th century, Australia burst onto the wine scene and introduced the world to its hearty, cockle-warming Shiraz. Since then, this spicy, berry fruit-rich grape has taken root in various wine regions.

For high-class versions, try Californian examples. For value, southern France has several bargains, as well as some rather more serious examples. And, if you fancy something slightly different, try what the Aussies drink with their Christmas dinner – sparkling Shiraz.

Fact
Twenty years ago, domestic demand for Shiraz was so sluggish that some Australians resorted to producing Shiraz muffins.