Syrah vs Shiraz
One of the most common questions we get asked is "What is the difference between Syrah & Shiraz?". The answer is really quite simple - Pronounciation; but for a more detailed explanation, read on...
A Shiraz and Syrah are exactly the same grape variety, albeit most likely using different clones. Syrah originates from the Rhone Valley in France, where it is also sometimes called Hermitage. Australia has traditionally been the only country in the world to call this variety Shiraz. Why? Probably because it sounds better in an Australian accent than Syrah - At least that's one theory as to why the variety was re-named when first imported to Australia in 1832 by James Busby. South Africa & Canada now also sometimes label their wines as Shiraz, and Californian producers have been known to call their wines Syrah if made in the Rhone style or Shiraz if made in the New World Style.
What about the taste?
To compare Australian Shiraz & NZ Syrah is difficult, as Aussie wine lovers will know there is a broad range of Australian Shiraz out there - in flavour, style, and quality. In general, you will notice NZ Syrahs to be more perfumed/ floral on the nose, and somewhat more delicate than their Aussie counterparts. They are typically made closer to the Rhone Style than Australian Shiraz. Aussie wines will be fuller-bodied, more 'grunty' with riper jammy fruit flavours thanks to a warmer climate and riper grapes. Perhaps a fair analogy could be an Aussie Rugby League player vs an All Black?
Whatever the difference, both wines have the potential to develop into outstanding wines with some time in the bottle and your preference for one or the other will, as always, be determined by personal choice.
Search for NZ Syrah here
Regional Focus: Hawkes Bay
Officially known as Hawke's Bay, this region has kept a relatively low profile outside of NZ, where it is known for producing the country's best Bordeaux variety reds (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, etc) as well as outstanding Syrah. Indeed they take a leadership approach to this variety with their International Symposiums held on these varietals bi-annually.
The most internationally recognised growing area of Hawkes Bay is the Gimblett Gravels region. In what is believed to be a first for winegrowers in the New World, Gimblett Gravels is basing the ultimate designation of their district according to a tightly specified soil type.
A broad price range of wines come out of Hawkes Bay, but all are of outstanding quality. For a great dinner party wine, try the Trinity Hill 'Trinity' Cabernet Blend, or for a genuine treat the Te Mata Coleraine. It was named as NZ's best red wine - EVER by NZ wine writer, Sam Kim. A big call, but 2007 was a simply outstanding vintage in the Bay, and Coleraine is consistently one of NZ's best reds. A bit tight in it's youth, but will age beautifully over the next 10-20 years.
Search for more Hawkes Bay wines here.
Learn more about the Hawkes Bay region here.
Crowded House Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir typically does not come cheap - To find a good one under $30 can be difficult, under $20 almost impossible. Which is why we think this wine is amazing value at $18.95.
A fruit driven Pinot, but with amazing depth and warmth on the palate - not the thin, sour cherry flavours you sometimes get in cheap Pinot Noirs.
It won Winestate's Pinot Noir trophy in 2008 - up against wines 3-4 times the price - a truly remarkable achievement. Jump in now while we still have it on special.
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