THE French insist it is "syrah" and in Australia it was known as "hermitage", as in the legendary Grange vineyard in Adelaide"s foothills. But most Australian winedrinkers know it as "shiraz".
And it is now widely accepted that some of the finest shiraz in the world lies in the vineyards south of Adelaide, in the McLaren Vale region. Even those elitist French winemakers cannot turn out a shiraz like McLaren Vale. After all, the fastidious French have, since the 18th century, largely used their syrah for blending to polish up their revered Rhone wines.
This glorious wine derives its name from the Persian city of Shiraz - known as the city of flowers, wine and poetry - where it is believed winemaking originated 7000 years ago. For McLaren Vale"s Aramis Vineyards, shiraz is syrah. This small vineyard has only two varietals, shiraz and cabernet sauvignon. Its frontline red is The Governor Syrah 2004, hailed by wine judges as an "outstanding syrah", from just the third vintage of the vineyard planted in 1998.
"Aramis is all about quality, not quantity," says contract winemaker Scott Rawlinson. "It"s an excellent drygrown, low-yielding vineyard managed for premium wines.
"With the wine surplus, it is now about focusing on quality.
That's what Aramis is all about. This is not about money. We are trying to create something that will last for generations.
"We are aiming to create premium shiraz, with rich fruit concentration and quality oak finish - wines that will live and cellar well."
WINE: Aramis Vineyards The Governor Syrah 2004
WINEMAKER: Scott Rawlinson
RETAIL PRICE: About $50
ADELAIDE WINE SHOW: Class 48, 18.5. Gold
