Shiraz

Shiraz is known worldwide for its rich, spicy tones that seem to have the ability to warm the whole body with its flavour. Shiraz is often interchangeably called Syrah, but some wine experts have argued that today's Shiraz differs so much from Syrah that technically they should be known as separate.

Regardless of what you call it, Shiraz is one of Australia's star performers on the international wine scene, and for this reason it is grown in abundance in the well-known wine growing regions such as the Barossa Valley in South Australia or the Yarra Valley in Victoria. Originally, Shiraz first shined in the Southern Rhone region in France.

You can expect to recognise berries, cherries, smoke, nuts, tar and spices within the dark body of the Shiraz red wine. Black pepper, hints of chocolate are just the beginning of flavours you might notice in many popular varieties of Shiraz, and like Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz is a very versatile wine that can differ between region and producer.

Try Shiraz with a variety of hearty meals, such as Spanish dishes, lamb and almost any of your old favourites such as lasagnes, pastas and traditional red meats. For something different, you could pair Shiraz with any number of hefty chicken dishes - the only limit is your own tastebuds, and imagine how much fun you will have finding your favourites.

Like most wines, many Shiraz bottles are ready to consume upon purchase. Good quality bottles of Shiraz do age well, and if you are paying more than $25 a bottle, you can age Shiraz for decades. Even mid-quality Shiraz can benefit from up to five years ageing from vintage, but view each case on an individual basis.

Check out wine.com.au for some of Australia's best producers of Shiraz, or discover Merlots, Pinot Noirs and a whole lot more. When it comes to red wine, look to wine.com.au for Shiraz.