Cabernet Sauvignon at Fox Creek

The Truth about Carbernet Sauvignon & Shiraz

In France, the United States and a few other parts of the world (including Australian vineyards such as the wineries of McLaren Vale), Shiraz and Caberneet Sauvignon wine are becoming some of the most popular alcohol-based products available. Shiraz was initially introduced in 1999 - and because of it being referred to as Syrah wine in some parts of the world; many misinterpret its origins as Iranian, or as hailing from Syria.

In reality, the wine actually comes from France; particularly within Southern and Northern Rhone where two particular species of grapes grow. These days, Shiraz is still made using these two types of grape, but it’s not unheard of for producers to introduce or replace one type in favour of another.

Shiraz

The reason for doing this is to achieve a particular blend, or to introduce a unique style of Shiraz to the market. Many leading manufacturers offer Syrah in differing tastes – but in all cases, and because of the way that it’s made, it offers a very unique flavour that is considered one of the strongest of all wines.

The Grapes

One of the staple features of Shiraz is its colour – a hue that is almost instantly recognisable due to the deep, blood-like tone that is obtained during the fermentation process. Unlike white wines that are often fermented using the liquid juices from white grapes, Shiraz instead relies on a blend of two red and black grape types; one of which is famed throughout Northern Rhone.

It is this grape in particular that provides the deep red colour associated with the wine – and even when introducing the other grape type known as Viognier, which is white by nature, the deep hue is still present. At most, it will only be diluted by 5%. During the fermentation process, the juice is allowed to settle with the skins of the grapes, providing the characteristic taste that so many have come to know and love.

The Taste

Shiraz is considered a dry red wine, but unlike other variants on the market – it isn’t recommended for frequent consumption, being better suited to occasional use. As a result, many connoisseurs of wine enjoy Syrah to cleanse their pallet in between meals, or after food has been eaten. Its poignant fragrance and strong taste makes it one of the most powerful on the market – and although many brands have cropped up attempting to mimic the style of production, anyone with a little bit of knowledge within the winery field should be able to recognise the differences.

Cabernet Sauvignon

This wine showcases blackberries, roasted nuts and dark chocolate, while the soft, textural tannin enhances the wines richness and length, giving a soft and juicy yet structured finish. 91 POINTS: Halliday Wine Companion 2018 Edition. Tasting Notes:

2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Tasting Notes.

Browse Wine below with tasting notes

FAMILY Cabernet Sauvignon VINTAGE 2015 APPEARANCE Deep cherry red BOUQUET Classic varietal leafiness, mint, fennel seed, black cardamom spice with hints of spit roasted meats and milk chocolate. PALATE Blackcurrant, black cherry, milk chocolate mulberry, cinnamon, milk chocolate. The soft ripe tannins enhance the wines richness and up front appeal, it is the overall balance, length and structured finish that allow it to be a fantastic food matching wine