Responsible for around half of Australia’s wine production every year, South Australia is a vast region with a diverse climate and geography, which translates into an eclectic offering of grapes, and wines.
There are a total of 18 different South Australia wine regions, the Barossa Valley being the most famous.
Less than an hour’s drive from the city of Adelaide, the Barossa Valley is considered one of the world’s most esteemed wine regions, renowned for its age-old vineyards, European heritage, and huge array of Barossa Valley wineries nestled within its idyllic rolling hills and valleys. But what about Barossa wine?
Barossa wine
Barossa Valley Shiraz is possibly the most famous wine from this region. Shiraz is identical to the Syrah grape, and was first introduced into Australia as far back as 1832.
An outright power house on the nose, Barossa Valley Shiraz is focused around potently ripe dried currant, blackberry and mocha aromas, with a distinctive earthiness. You may find some Barossa Valley Shiraz packs a punch with aromas of black pepper, and others can be decidedly meaty in nature. Fruit flavours are knockout, and alcohol levels naturally high at 14-15%+ Alcohol by Volume (ABV), all thanks to the glowing Aussie sunshine.
Good Barossa Valley wine made from the Shiraz grape has been known to continue to develop well over a number of years, so your bottle becomes an investment in your future happiness.
It’s important though that we don’t over-focus on this one variety. There is, as it happens, a lot more to Barossa wine than Shiraz. From delicious Eden Valley sub-region whites such as Chardonnay, Sémillon and Viognier, to stylishly dry Riesling, and a host of Shiraz blends, there is something to tantalise a variety of palates.
Barossa Valley Shiraz blends
It’s common for Barossa Valley wineries to blend Shiraz with other grapes, allowing them to entice out greater levels of complexity.
‘GSM’ blends, for example, bring together Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro (Mourvèdre). This particular full-bodied blend was created in the Southern Rhône of France, and is known for its enthusiastic ripe fruit and dried herb aromas, and bright fruit flavours. Barossa Valley GSM tends to hint at fragrant violet, displaying a lingering, velvety texture.
Cabernet Sauvignon-Shiraz is another popular blended Barossa wine. A favourite has to be ‘The Caley’ from Yalumba, the oldest family-owned winery in Australia. Considered the pinnacle of Barossa wine making, The Caley is crafted from grapes selected from the winemaker’s best three vineyards around Coonawarra and the Barossa Valley. Black and red currants, savoury herbs and pipe tobacco dominate the flavour profile, with a silky finish to round it off on the palate.
Eden Valley South Australian wines
Eden Valley and High Eden form part of a chain of hills call the Mount Lofty Ranges, lying east of Barossa Valley. Wine from this area is predominately cool climate, displaying an intense but enjoyable acidity.
Acidity is a key trait when it comes to a wine’s ability to age well, which is why some of the most age-worthy Barossa wines are from Eden Valley, or are blended with Eden Valley fruit.
Most of Barossa’s white wines are produced in Eden Valley, including light, refreshing unoaked Chardonnays, Chardonnay Viognier blends and pristine, zingy Rieslings.
Keen to try Barossa Valley wine?
Take a gander at the Oddbins Barossa Valley wine range and see what captures your imagination. Not sure which South Australian wines are for you? Try our South Australian wine mixed case, or contact our helpful team via Live Chat, e-mail or by calling 0800 328 23 23 for advice on making the perfect choice.
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