never wavering in its belief that the wines were world class. Even now, when the current winds of fashion are not filling the sails of Australian wine to the extent we might wish, the Barossa still has extraordinary support and loyalty. Much of this has been on the back of our most famous grape variety, Shiraz. Grown in almost every Australian wine region – and thanks to climate change, those where it is not will surely see it soon – nowhere has built a reputation of being able to provide wines as thrilling and richly flavoured as we see in the Barossa. No surprise then, that around 80% of the region is planted to this variety. It is worth mentioning that it does far more than just this style of red. Shiraz contributes to fortifieds, Rosé, wine casks, and blends – think that most famous of Aussie blends, Shiraz/Cabernet or Cabernet/ Shiraz, if you prefer. At least, it no longer suffers the indignity that was inflicted upon it in tougher times when Shiraz grapes were used in the baking of muffins. Cabernet Sauvignon may not seem obviously suited to this warm climate region, but if one accepts that all Cabernet does not have to replicate Bordeaux, Margaret River, or Napa, there are many excellent, flavoursome examples from the Barossa, especially in slightly cooler vintages. Mourvedre, or Mataro if we go with the old timers’ name for it, has long been a contributor. Usually in blends with Shiraz and/or Grenache, sometimes in Rosé or fortifieds, it has started to develop a reputation for solo ventures and should continue to do so.
The Barossa Valley. Photo: David Longfield
South Australia Wine Guide 2026 | Barossa
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