2018 Tait Shiraz Basket Pressed
2018 Tait Shiraz Basket Pressed; Barossa Valley, Australia
The Barossa Valley is an extremely important wine-producing region within the Barossa zone of South Australia, particularly associated with powerful red wines from the red wine grape variety Shiraz. A prestigious and internationally renowned region, it is not only home to some of the oldest vineyards and wineries in Australia but produces some of its most recognizable and sought-after brands. The region lies in the (very flat) ‘Valley’ created by the North Para river, which connects the main towns of Nuriootpa, Tanunda and Lyndoch.
A striking feature of the Barossa Valley’s wine landscape is the presence of very old vines, proudly showcased on many wine labels and during vineyard tours. These yield low quantities of fruit but the grapes are packed with flavor and color and represent some of the best offerings from the region. This part of Australia has never been affected by the phylloxera louse, thanks to strict quarantine laws.
The term Shiraz has its roots in the New World, although there are several stories about how its name came about. Some attempt to explain why it shares its name with a city in Iran, however, the earliest Australian documents mentioning the grape refer to it as “Scyras”, and Shiraz is likely a corruption of that word rather than a homage to a southern Iranian provincial capital.