Debunking Shiraz Viognier
Shiraz Viognier - it's THE buzz blend in Australia right now and it seems like everyone, from all corners of the map, is currently producing (or in the the throes of producing) one.
So, this week we are going to have a closer look at this very new wine style in a (hopefully) quite open style.
Please, if you have any questions, thoughts, opinions etc. don't hesitate to hesitate to comment on this post below.
What is Shiraz Viognier?
Shiraz Viognier is simply a blend of the Shiraz with a small addition of the Viognier (pronounced vee-on-yay). The Viognier component is often co-fermented with the Shiraz (ie fermented together) for better flavour integration with only a small amount of Viognier actually required to make for a successful wine (usually no more than 5-7%).
But hold on, isn't Viognier a white grape?
Correct. In this case the Viognier is used to help 'mellow' the often forceful nature of Shiraz, whilst also helping to lift the aromatics and brighten up the colour. As it is only a very small component of the blend, the end result is a red wine that can still be full bodied, yet with a more rounded and juicy palate profile.
Unusual. Where did it come from?
Shiraz Viognier is classically produced in the Northern end of the Rhone Valley in France, particularly from the renowned slopes of Cote Rotie (translated as 'the roasted slope'). In the Rhone, Viognier was classically co-fermented with Shiraz (née Syrah) to give extra perfume and lift, whilst also acting as a handy stabilising agent.
So what's the appeal?
Imagine, if you would, taking a typically full bodied Shiraz and then filing off some of the hard edges. Shiraz Viognier, at it's best, manages to combine both power and elegance, often coming up with a wine that is much more approachable in it's youth, without losing it's ability to mature nicely in the cellar.
And where is Australia's best Shiraz Viognier produced?Whilst Shiraz Viognier can be produced just about anywhere that Shiraz can be successfully grown, the blend is at its best in cooler climates. Arguably, the two regions leading the Shiraz Viognier charge are the Yarra Valley and the Canberra District, both of whom have considerable history with the blend.
Finally, what are the best wines?
As always it's a contentious issue to attempt to nail down what construes as the best, but at the very least we will look at some of the top wines
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Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier ($75)
Tim Kirk, winemaker at Clonakilla, is an unabashed fan of Rhone reds, having been first inspired back in 1991 by the glory of Marcel Guigal's single vineyard 'La La''s. He has thus been producing his very own single vineyard Shiraz Viognier since 1992 (making it one of the firsts, behind the wine below) in a range that now features no fewer than 3 Canberra district Shiraz Viogniers.
This Shiraz Viognier, his top wine, has a reputation for both power and grace, epitomising everything that this blend is renowned for.
Yarra Yering Dry Red No.2 ($75)
Few would realise how long Yarra Yering has been producing a Shiraz Viognier blend, but records show this to have been first made in the late 70's. A typically restrained and elegant wine, this often has a small portion of Marsanne (another Rhone variety) also co-fermented for further interest.
The Dry Red No.2, like all the Yarra Yering wines, is famously long lived, with the 1980 vintage still said to be drinking well, some 30 years later.
Torbreck Run Rig Shiraz Viognier ($225)
In direct contrast to the other two wines above, Run Rig is built much more like a typically Australian Shiraz than a French Syrah, with oodles of impact, power and richness, with the Viognier here acting like a foil for the sheer weight of old vine Barossan fruit.
Torbreck also produce another, cheaper, companion to the Run Rig known as 'The Descendant' in amongst a range of more than 6 Shiraz based wines (with a new, even more super premium on its way).
Find a good bottle of Shiraz Viognier at Winemakers Choice! Check out the range here
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