Why is Barossa Shiraz so Special?

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The Barossa is primarily known for its red wine, in particular Shiraz (Syrah). Large proportions of Barossa Shiraz is used in Penfolds Grange (Australia’s most famous wine). Henschke Hill of Grace also uses Barossa Shiraz for their wine.

The Barossa is situated about an hours drive north of Adelaide. The Barossa comprises two regions, the Barossa Valley and Eden Valley.

Stretching all the way from Williamstown in the South all the way up to Kapunda in the north, the Barossa Vally covers quite a sizable area of land. The red-brown soils are more fertile than those of the Eden Valley but rainfall here can be up to 50% less. Temperatures are generally about 2ºC warmer.

The Eden Valley region starts from the north at Truro and goes all the way south, down to Mount Pleasant. It ranges between 400 metres and 600 metres above sea-level with most of the winegrowing country located in the higher, cooler, wetter sections of the region. Soils are rocky and acidic and winter rainfall is plentiful, averaging 255mm more per annum than the Barossa Valley. Growing seasons in this region are longer due to the cooler temperatures.

A number of wine aficionados may be wondering what this all means, well to put it bluntly – great growing conditions!

There are about 550 growers in the Barossa, some of them sixth-generation Barossans. When combined, the total growing area is over 8,000 hectares which yields around 55,000 tonnes of grapes each season.
Internationally, the Barossa is unique in that it has never suffered an outbreak of phylloxera. This has allowed most of the wineries in the area to keep their original root stocks and has some of the worlds oldest vines.

The Barossa rings true to the idea of quality over quantity with the fruit produced there being the premium of Australian produce, but representing only 5% of the national crush. Wines produced in the Barossa have a disproportionately high representation in the super-premium category, making it one of Austrlia’s most influential international wines.

It is little wonder that Barossa Shiraz is in such high acclaim across the world.

Follow the link for more information on Premium Barossa Shiraz .

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