The great-grandchild of Pinot Noir, Shiraz is a dark-skinned grape that produces some notably striking red wines with wide ranging flavors of pepper, game, blackberry, spices, chocolate, and more. Also known as Syrah, some of the most exhilarating varietal examples of this wine are made in its native region of France’s northern Rhone Valley. To this day, it is the region’s primary grape and produces classic wines including Hermitage, Cornas, and Côte-Rôtie. Although Syrah or Shiraz are two names for the same grape, which name you see on the label generally indicates what style the winemaker intended to exemplify. Syrah being the classic interpretation of a powerful, complex wine with high tannin levels, whereas Shiraz is more likely to follow the New World translation, which is less assertively tannic and has more fruity, almost jammy flavors.
In California, you’ll easily find both Syrah and Shiraz on the shelf in the wine aisle. The state’s exceptionally diverse regional climates allow vineyards to grow grapes well-suited for either Old World or New World expressions. Generally, cooler climates and more traditional practices produce wines sold as Syrah, which are drier and have a more earthy character. Shiraz, on the other hand, is made in warmer climates with modern techniques, and commonly softer and more fruit-driven.
Our California Shiraz has a medium-full body with flavors and aromas of black cherry, leather, and spice, well complimented by a moderate oak character. A dry red wine with an alcohol level of 13% by volume. This wine kit includes medium toast oak chips. Medium toast oak is the most popular toast level used in red wines as it imparts a complex balance of vanillin and spice along with a subtle oakiness. The oak chips also help build body and mouthfeel.
The VineCo Original Shiraz is a wine lover’s red wine. Not to be poured as an afterthought or used as an alcoholic sidekick to a random activity. Relax with a glass and allow this beverage to be the main attraction. Each sip will command your attention as energetic flavors explode across your palate. If enjoyed with food, be sure to choose fare that can stand up to this dominating varietal. Intensely flavorful barbecued meats or spicy latin dishes are great pairing options.
Shiraz, California
- Black cherry, leather, and spice
- Sweetness: Dry
- Oak: Medium
- Body: Medium-Full
- ABV: 13%
- Kit Volume: 8 L
- Approximate Yield: 23 L
- Ready to bottle in 4 weeks
