Drink in history with Barossa shiraz
This article is in partnership with Laithwaites.
It's one of those legendary matches - Australia's most famous grape varietal, shiraz, and the Barossa, one of our most recognised wine regions.
The spiritual heart of big, bold Australian shiraz, the celebrated South Australian region is steeped in wine heritage and is our most prolific shiraz-producing region.
Shiraz is king in the Barossa where the dry, hot climate ripens grapes fully and creates distinctive wines that tend to be full-bodied and fruit forward, and known for their intense power with notes of dark berry fruits, rich dark chocolate and spiciness.
The region's wine-making history extends back to the 1840s when German-speaking settlers from Silesia in Europe made their home there, bringing with them their culture and love of wine. Touring the area you're surrounded by many of the most esteemed names in Australian wine such as Penfolds, Seppelt, Henschke, and Gramp.
The Barossa was the home of pioneering winemaker, Max Schubert, born almost 110 years ago at Moculta, who challenged convention in the 1950s with his mission to craft a high-quality wine made predominantly from shiraz. His Penfolds Grange continues to be recognised as one of the world's most renowned and iconic wines.
"When you are buying shiraz from the Barossa you're buying from arguably the most premium red wine region in Australia," said Dan Leach, senior member of the wine team at Laithwaites, one of the world's longest-running wine clubs.
"These are really well established wineries that have been around since day dot and its where some of the oldest vines in the world are - Barossa wasn't affected by phylloxera so we're talking 100, some 102, years old so there is some real history and tradition in the wine- making industry there.
"The Barossa for Australian wine is like Penfolds is for Australian wine - it's the marque. It has such historic prestige."
Mr Leach said that while many other varietals have entered the market and grown in popularity in Australia, shiraz has remained the star.
"Of the wine we sell, 70 per cent is red wine and of that 80 per cent is shiraz," he said.
Established more than 50 years ago by founder Tony Laithwaite, Laithwaites works closely with winemakers, such as those in the Barossa, to bring wines from both well-known labels and the smaller family-run operators to their customers. Many of the wines Laithwaites offers are produced exclusively for them.
"One of the most important things for us is having those great relationships with our growers and our wineries, it's something we're really proud of," Mr Leach said.
"Testament to that is that we get access to exceptional wines from wineries of such high calibre because of these relationships."
As we head into the cooler months, when a glass of luscious Barossa shiraz comes into its own, Laithwaites' wine buyers have curated a special selection of "wines worth talking about" - the Magnificent Barossa Shiraz case. It includes three bottles of each of the award-winning wines below - all exclusive to Laithwaites - plus more, for $16.99 a bottle.
Wine-making legacy
Krondorf Into the Vines Shiraz Barossa 2021
One of the Barossa's oldest estates, Krondorf was a key part of the establishment of the region's wine-making legacy. The first vines were planted in 1847 by settler families from the European region of Silesia. This elegant wine won a Double Gold on debut. $42 RRP
Testament to tradition
Kilikanoon Testament Barossa Valley Shiraz 2020
From Halliday's Winery of the Year 2013, comes this regional soulmate to Kilikanoon's Clare Valley Covenant Shiraz and McLaren Vale Parable Shiraz, reflecting the terroir-driven expression of the Barossa Valley. It was awarded Double Gold and 93pts at Gilbert & Gaillard. $45 RRP
Homage to matriarch
Irvine Ruth's Block 2021 Shiraz
Named in honour of the late Ruth Miles, mother of Peter Irvine and wife of Brian Irvine, this is the second vintage of Ruth's Block the team at Irvine Estate has made for Laithwaites. Irvine Estate has vineyards dating back to 1867 that have been cared for by four generations of the family. Irvine took home the Trophy for 'Best Barossa Shiraz' at the Barossa Valley Wine Show in 2017, ahead of big Barossa names like Teusner, Grant Burge, Peter Lehmann, and St Hallett. $44 RRP
Order your Magnificent Barossa Shiraz case online at lw.wine/au-8773001 or phone 1300 762 832 Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm AEST. Offer available while stocks last.
