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When it comes to Australian Shiraz, few rivalries spark as much debate as McLaren Vale Shiraz versus Barossa Shiraz. These two heavyweights are icons in the wine world, celebrated for their rich flavours and bold personalities. But which one reigns supreme? Let’s dive into this epic showdown and explore what makes each region’s Shiraz unique, delicious, and worth savouring.

Discover the world of Shiraz and Syrah, two names for the same grape, uniquely expressed in South Australia and France's Rhône Valley. South Australian Shiraz dazzles with bold, fruit-forward flavours, while French Syrah offers a refined, earthy elegance. Explore how soil, climate, and winemaking styles shape these iconic wines, and uncover which suits your palate—ripe and rich or savoury and complex. Cheers to the art of terroir!

In 1831, the Scotsman James Busby, often called "the Father of Australian viticulture", made a trip back to Europe to collect cuttings from vines (primarily from France and Spain) for introduction to Australia. One of the varieties collected by him was Syrah, although Busby used the two spellings "Scyras" and "Ciras". The cuttings were planted in the Sydney Botanical Gardens, and in Hunter Region, and in 1839 brought from Sydney to South Australia. By the 1860s, Syrah was established as an important variety in Australia.