Who makes the best shiraz in Hunter Valley, NSW?
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Hunter Valley in Australia is a precious haven for all those people who wish to taste ambrosial wines. This hilly region is primarily famous for producing ample outstanding shiraz. So, you can get the best shiraz from Hunter Valley that would make your wine snob mates go bananas on a Hunter Valley wine tasting tour from Sydney.
What is a Shiraz?
But before we jump into the best shiraz you can try at Hunter Valley, let us understand what shiraz is?
Syrah or Shiraz is the same categories of wines; while the former is a French term, the latter is an Australian version. Shiraz is the true crème de la crème of the wines that will surely tantalize your wine buds. Shiraz is Australia’s most famous wine grape variety, and you will find them in most wine regions. As per the 2015 record, there were approximately 40,000 hectares of Shiraz in the country.
Now let us explore some fascinating facts about this wine variety.
Region:
The most suitable region to grow this shiraz is the one that has a moderate to warm climate.
Styles:
Shiraz produces wines ranging from medium to full-bodied, with different flavors and textures depending on the region, climate, and winemaking processes used.
Maturation time:
Shiraz can be aged 5-10 years.
Alcohol level:
13–14.5%
Vinification techniques:
The vinification process may vary according to the quality and variety of the grapes. A bunch of grapes can be used along with pairing them with other types to form the blend of Grenache, Shiraz, and Mourvedre. On the other hand, the Shiraz Viognier style is produced by co-fermenting Viognier with Shiraz.
Best Shiraz to taste in Hunter Valley, NSW
Brokenwood Wines
To start with, Brokenwood Wines is one of the most popular cellar doors in Hunter Valley to taste shiraz. Located in Pokolbin, NSW, this winery was established in 1970. Brokenwood Wines specialises in single-vineyard Shiraz called Graveyard. You can get their details by login into their official website- https://www.brokenwood.com.au/.
Graveyard vineyard shiraz
Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz is a red wine from Hunter Valley vineyard, NSW. Purple tones contribute to the attraction of the wine’s bright mid-density hue.
Acidic level: 6.2g/L
pH level: 3.45
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Some of the awards won: “Outstanding” by Langton’s Classification of Australian Wine and Gold Medal from Hunter Valley Wine Show
Food pairing: This wine can be paired with slow-roasted lamb shoulder or Osso Bucco.
Mount Pleasant wine
Another destination where you will get nerve-tingling shiraz wine is Mount Pleasant Wines. Maurice O’Shea established this winery in 1921. Since then, this place has produced premium quality wines, including Old Paddock & Old Hill Shiraz, which have made Mount Pleasant an icon. To learn more, you can visit their website at https://mountpleasant.com/our-wines/.
Old Paddock and Old Hill Shiraz
Old Paddock & Old Hill Shiraz is a dark purple wine with violet hues and a spicy aroma.
Wine sweetness: Dry
Alcohol content: 14%
Food pairing: This wine can be paired with beef, lamb, and poultry.
De luliis Wines
If you want to try your favourite shiraz in a warm and cosy atmosphere, you should visit the De luliis Wines. Located in Pokolbin, this family-owned place has been producing wine since 2001, although the De Iuliis family have made the Hunter region their home since 1960. The highlight of this place is that it produces wine that bears the trademark Hunter regionality. So, to taste wine at the De luliis Wines is to taste the authentic flavour of the Hunter Valley! Learn more about this winery at https://dewine.com.au/.
LDR vineyard shiraz Touriga
If you are into more fruity wine flavour, you can try the LDR vineyard shiraz Touriga at the De luliis Wines. This wine is a combination of 80% of Shiraz and 20% of Touriga Nacional.
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Appearance: Medium red with vibrant purple hue
Awards won: Gold & Trophy for the “Best Other Red” 2020 CCL Hunter Valley Wine Show and Silver- Rutherglen Wine Show 2021
Thomas wines
One of the most well-known Hunter Valley wineries, Thomas Wines is famous for producing only Semillon & Shiraz. And it is the only wine company to do so since 1997. The other highlight of this place is that here you will get to taste single-vineyard Hunter Valley wine. Reach them at https://www.winehousehuntervalley.com.au/.
Kiss Shiraz
Kiss Shiraz is the benchmark product of Thomas Wines, which has made it possible for the winery to earn several awards.
Alcohol content: 13.8%
Food pairing: Beef and Venison
Awards won: Gold Medal – 2020 NSW Wine Awards and 2021 Winewise Championship and Trophy – 2021 Winewise Championship
Tyrrell’s Wines
Tyrrell’s Wines was added to the Hunter Valley region in 1858 by an English immigrant named Edward Tyrell. Visit this winery if you want to experience what it feels like to taste wine at the most awarded winery in the region. Another reason to visit this place is to taste their award-winning single-vineyard Semillons and Vat 1 Semillon. Visit the winery online at https://tyrrells.com.au/.
8 acres shiraz
When at Tyrell’s make sure you try their 8 Acres Shiraz. It is a wine with a remarkable intensity that will indeed engage your senses.
Alcohol content: 14%
Appearance: Deep red/ purple
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