International Shiraz Day – 28th July 2024

Celebrate International Shiraz Day: Tradition, Excellence, and Mediterranean Flavors

Shiraz Day, a delightful occasion for wine enthusiasts, offers the perfect opportunity to celebrate the bold and luscious flavors of this beloved full-bodied red wine. With its luscious layers of black and red fruit, complemented by savory spice notes, Shiraz has earned a special place in the hearts of wine connoisseurs around the world. Not only is it a pleasure to savor on its own, but it also shines as an excellent companion for a wide range of delectable dishes.

Journey’s End Vineyards warmly extends an invitation to escape the cold and explore the delights of their Vineyard Series Shiraz 2017. This exquisite offering is a testament to the estate’s unique terroir, a reflection of the distinct character of the vineyard. It’s the perfect wine to snuggle up with on the couch, in front of a roaring fire, as you unwind with some Netflix and chill. While Shiraz Day indulgence may need to be postponed until after lockdown, winter’s chill remains, making this the ideal time to savor a glass of Journey’s End’s sumptuous Shiraz.

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A Symphony of Complex Flavors and Elegant Character

The Journey’s End Vineyard Series Shiraz is a wine that unfolds in complexity and layers, tantalizing the senses with a fusion of redcurrants, brambleberries, violets, and a subtle hint of pepper, complemented by a touch of smokiness and dark chocolate. Aged generously in larger format barrels, this Shiraz allows the vineyard’s unique character to shine, offering a wine with great natural acidity and a silky, long-lasting finish. It is a wine that embodies elegance, smoothness, and a roundness that comes from beautifully integrated tannins, making it a pleasure to enjoy now and for years to come, until 2029.

Pairing this exceptional Shiraz with hearty dishes is a culinary delight. It complements classics like Beef Bourguignon, Braised Lamb Shanks, Oxtail Stew, and Venison Pie. For those who love slow-cooked creations, it pairs wonderfully with dishes like Slow-Cooker Barbecue Ribs. The wine’s boldness and complexity also make it a fantastic match for Beef Steak au Poivre and Barbecue-Glazed Chicken. Pasta lovers will appreciate its compatibility with Baked Chorizo Gnocchi, Wild Mushroom Risotto, Lentil Bolognaise, Pepperoni Pizza, and Pasta Carbonara. And if you’re in the mood for a decadent dessert, it’s heavenly when enjoyed alongside dark chocolate.

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Modern Era and the Syrah Grape

In contemporary winemaking, “Shiraz” has come to represent an alternative name for the Syrah grape, a varietal predominantly utilized in regions such as Australia and South Africa. The modern “Shiraz” grape is, in fact, identical to Syrah, originating in the southeastern regions of France. It bears no established connection to the historical city of Shiraz in Iran.

Today, Shiraz wine cannot be legally produced in Iran due to the prohibition of alcohol in Islamic law. The Islamic Revolution in 1979 brought an end to Iran’s wine-producing tradition. Before this significant cultural shift, the country had been home to approximately 300 wineries. However, as of now, there are no active wineries in Iran. It’s important to note that, while Iran as a whole no longer produces wine, Iranian Christians are legally permitted to ferment wine for their religious ceremonies.

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The Dual Identity of Shiraz Wine: From Ancient Persia to Modern Winemaking

Shiraz wine, a name that carries a fascinating dual history, refers to two distinct but interconnected vinicultural traditions. Its story is a testament to the evolution of wine and its journey across centuries and continents. Historically, the name “Shiraz” was synonymous with the wine produced in and around the ancient city of Shiraz, which is located in what is now modern-day Iran. By the ninth century, Shiraz had gained worldwide acclaim for producing some of the finest wines known to humanity. In those times, Shiraz was hailed as Iran’s wine capital, and the city had established a reputation for its viticultural excellence.

The export of Shiraz wine by European merchants during the 17th century is well-documented, attesting to the wine’s international recognition and popularity. Travelers from England and France who visited the region during the 17th to the 19th centuries described Shiraz wines in glowing terms. They observed that the wine produced near the city itself was somewhat diluted due to irrigation, but the most esteemed Shiraz wines were cultivated in terraced vineyards surrounding the village of Khollar. These wines were crafted in two distinct styles: dry wines designed for immediate consumption and sweet wines intended for aging. The aged sweet Shiraz wines were favorably compared to “an old sherry,” one of Europe’s most prized wines at the time. These wines were noted for their fine bouquet and nutty flavors, appealing to the connoisseurs of the era. Interestingly, the dry white Shiraz wines (though not the sweet ones) were fermented with considerable stem contact, a practice that should have rendered these wines rich in tannins.

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