Celebrating International Shiraz Day
July 25th marks International Shiraz Day, a celebration of one of the most beloved and versatile red wine varietals in the world. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, Shiraz holds a special place in the hearts and glasses of many. Therefore, join us as we delve into the history of Shiraz, explore what makes Hunter Valley Shiraz so unique, and showcase our own Shiraz journey, starting with our first vintage, the 2009 Ablington Shiraz.
The History of Shiraz: From Persia to Global Fame
The story of Shiraz begins in ancient Persia, in a city called Shiraz (modern-day Iran), where it is believed that the grape originated. Over centuries, the grape found its way to the Rhône Valley in France, where it is known as Syrah. The French adaptation of Shiraz, particularly from regions like Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie, has long been celebrated for its rich flavours and ageing potential.
For Shiraz, the journey to the New World began in the 19th century when vine cuttings were brought to Australia. The Australian climate proved to be amazing for Shiraz, and it quickly became one of the country’s most significant varietals. Today, Shiraz is synonymous with Australian wine, known for its bold flavours, vibrant fruit, and distinctive character. ( Thank you Mr. MacArthur)
Shiraz from the Hunter Valley: A Unique Expression
The Hunter Valley, located in New South Wales, is one of Australia’s premier wine regions. Unlike South Australia, where Shiraz often exhibits robust and jammy characteristics, Hunter Valley Shiraz is typically more refined and elegant and oh, so scrummy!
Characteristics of Hunter Valley Shiraz
Medium to Full-Bodied
Hunter Valley Shiraz offers a balance between power and finesse, with medium to full-bodied wines that are approachable yet complex.
Floral and Spicy Notes
Expect aromas of violets, black pepper, and an array of spices, often complemented by dark berry fruits. ( Think ripe Plum)
Ageing Potential
Thanks to the region’s unique terroir and the winemaking techniques employed, Hunter Valley Shiraz can age gracefully, developing tertiary notes of leather ( also known as the ‘Hunter sweaty Saddle’), tobacco, and earth over time.
Our Journey with Shiraz: From 2009 Ablington to Today
At Hart & Hunter, our passion for Shiraz has been a driving force since our inception. Our first vintage of Shiraz, the 2009 Ablington, marked the beginning of a remarkable journey. Crafted with meticulous care, it showcases the essence of Hunter Valley Shiraz with its balanced acidity, elegant tannins, and vibrant fruit profile.
Highlights of Our Shiraz Range
2009 Ablington
Our debut Shiraz, known for its elegance and complexity. It aged gracefully and has developed layers of flavour that reflect the true potential of Hunter Valley Shiraz.
2014 The Hill
The second of our reserve bottlings, this wine is only made in the very best years. We created The Hill as a barrel selection to represent the best of the batch. The 2014 is off the Ablington Vineyard and is showing the vineyard’s quality. It is sumptuous, elegant, and fruit-driven, with dark garnet hues. The palate is brooding and weighty, with lovely complexity for graceful ageing.
The pHat Shiraz Blend #1
A hand-crafted project focusing on the site rather than the vintage. This Single Vineyard wine from Vanessa Vale Vineyard is assembled from vintage parcels. Blend #1 was released in 2019 and comprises of 30% 2017, 20% 2018, 35% 2019, and 15% 2020. A beautiful expression of a complex site.
Our Very Own Syrah, 2021
Created in the true Rhône style, incorporating whole bunches to the ferment (30-40% depending on ripeness). This method integrates fruit texture, resulting in silkier tannins, complexity, and an extra layer of freshness. Matured in French hogshead and puncheons for approximately 9 months.
2019 Ablington
After a warm and dry spring with low winter rains, we entered our third consecutive drought vintage. This resulted in lower yields across all varieties but an increase in palate weight. The 2019 Ablington honours 10 amazing years of Hart & Hunter, embodying everything we love about this vineyard—elegant, structured, and bold.
As we celebrate International Shiraz Day, we invite you to explore our range and discover the distinct flavours and stories behind each vintage.
Cheers to Shiraz and to many more vintages to come!
