Syrah Shiraz

Description

Loads of white pepper and black fruits on the nose with some subtle oak spice. Fruit forward with medium  body and a fine tannin structure.  Vol. 13%

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Cedar Creek Estate Syrah Shiraz taste like?

A: The Cedar Creek Estate Syrah Shiraz delivers loads of white pepper and black fruits on the nose, complemented by subtle oak spice. On the palate it is fruit-forward with medium to full body and a fine tannin structure that gives the wine texture and length without being astringent. At 13.5% alcohol by volume, it is a satisfying red wine with the hallmark peppery spice and dark fruit character of the Syrah/Shiraz variety. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, lamb, pasta, and hearty stews.

Q: What is the difference between Syrah and Shiraz?

A: Syrah and Shiraz are in fact the same grape variety – different names used in different winemaking cultures. The grape is believed to have originated in the Rhône Valley of France, where it is called Syrah and produces elegant, peppery, structured wines with notes of violets, black olive, and smoked meat. When Australia adopted the variety in the 1800s, it became known as Shiraz, where the warm climate encouraged a richer, fuller-fruited style with bold blackberry, plum, and chocolate notes. Cedar Creek Estate uses both names in its label – Syrah Shiraz – to honour both the Old World heritage and the Australian character of the wine.

Q: What is the history of Shiraz in Australia?

A: Shiraz is Australia’s most widely planted red grape variety and arguably its most celebrated, having been introduced to Australia via cuttings from France in the early 1830s. James Busby, often called the father of Australian viticulture, played a significant role in bringing European vine cuttings to Australia in 1832. Shiraz thrived in Australia’s warm climate, particularly in regions like the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and Hunter Valley, producing the bold, generous style that became synonymous with Australian red wine. In Queensland’s hinterland, Shiraz has also found a home, producing wines like Cedar Creek Estate’s Syrah Shiraz with notable white pepper spice and black fruit character.

Q: What food pairs well with Syrah Shiraz?

A: Cedar Creek Estate Syrah Shiraz pairs exceptionally well with bold, savoury dishes. Grilled lamb cutlets, barbecued beef, venison, slow-braised short ribs, and hearty beef stews are all ideal matches. The wine’s white pepper and black fruit notes also complement duck, game birds, and aged hard cheeses. For lighter pairings, mushroom risotto or a hearty pasta bolognese work beautifully. The wine’s fine tannin structure and fruit-forward nature make it versatile enough to enjoy with or without food.

Q: How much does Cedar Creek Estate Syrah Shiraz cost?

A: Cedar Creek Estate Syrah Shiraz is priced at $34 per bottle and is available for purchase online at cedarcreekestatewinery.com.au/product/syrah-shiraz/. It is also available as a 12-bottle super-value carton (Syrah Shiraz Super Value) for $326.40, which works out to $27.20 per bottle – representing excellent value for a quality Queensland red wine. The wine also features in the Connoisseur Pack, Everyday Pack, Mountain Pack, and Party Pack wine bundles.

Q: What temperature should I serve Syrah Shiraz at?

A: Cedar Creek Estate Syrah Shiraz is best served slightly below room temperature, ideally between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius. Serving red wine too warm can make the alcohol appear harsh and mute the fruit aromas, while slightly cooler temperatures help preserve the wine’s freshness and highlight the white pepper and black fruit character. If the wine has been stored at room temperature in summer, consider placing it in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes before serving.

Q: What is the alcohol percentage of Cedar Creek Estate Syrah Shiraz?

A: Cedar Creek Estate Syrah Shiraz has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 13.5%, which places it in the medium-full range for red wines. This moderate to full alcohol level contributes to the wine’s generous body and warmth on the palate, complementing its fruit-forward character and fine tannin structure.

Q: Is Queensland-grown Shiraz different from Barossa Shiraz?

A: Yes, Queensland-grown Shiraz from regions like Tamborine Mountain has a distinct character compared to South Australian Barossa Valley Shiraz. Barossa Shiraz tends to be deeply concentrated, with rich blackberry jam, dark chocolate, and vanilla oak flavours from the intensely warm but dry climate and aged vine stock. Queensland Shiraz, such as Cedar Creek Estate’s Syrah Shiraz, grows in a subtropical environment with higher humidity and a unique terroir, producing wines with vibrant white pepper spice, lively black fruit, and a fresh, approachable style. The Cedar Creek Syrah Shiraz reflects its Queensland origins with a fruit-forward and accessible personality.

Q: Can I age Cedar Creek Estate Syrah Shiraz?

A: Cedar Creek Estate Syrah Shiraz with its fruit-forward style and fine tannin structure is primarily crafted for enjoyment in the near term, with its primary fruit character at its most vibrant within a few years of vintage. While the wine has enough structure to benefit from short-term cellaring of two to four years, it is not designed as a long-ageing wine. For best results, enjoy it within five years of the vintage date to experience its full range of white pepper, black fruit, and subtle oak spice. Store in a cool, dark place on its side.

Q: What wine packs include Cedar Creek Estate Syrah Shiraz?

A: Cedar Creek Estate Syrah Shiraz is featured in several wine packs available online. It is included in the Connoisseur Pack ($187), the Everyday Pack ($187), the Mountain Pack ($188), and the Party Pack ($187). These packs combine the Syrah Shiraz with complementary white wines, rosé, sparkling wine, and fortified wines, providing an excellent way to explore the full Cedar Creek Estate range while including this celebrated Queensland red.