How Shiraz Gin is Made in McLaren Vale

McLaren Vale, a jewel in South Australia’s winemaking crown, is not only synonymous with exceptional Shiraz wine, but has also emerged as a hub for innovative craft spirits. Among these, Shiraz gin stands out as a testament to the region's pioneering spirit, marrying the traditional botanical complexity of gin with the luscious, fruit-driven character of its signature grape. This unique spirit offers a captivating sensory experience, reflecting both the meticulous art of distillation and the rich viticultural heritage of the Vale.

The Genesis of Shiraz Gin

At its heart, Shiraz gin is a delightful fusion. It begins with a high-quality, often locally distilled, gin base – typically a classic dry gin with a robust juniper backbone. To this, the magic of McLaren Vale Shiraz is introduced. Unlike traditional gin, which relies solely on botanical infusions, Shiraz gin incorporates whole Shiraz grapes, allowing their vibrant colour, sweet fruit, and subtle tannins to permeate the spirit.

The process usually involves steeping or macerating the whole Shiraz berries in the high-proof gin. This is not a quick affair; distilleries in McLaren Vale often allow the grapes to soak for several weeks, sometimes even months. This extended maceration period is crucial for extracting the full spectrum of flavour and the characteristic deep ruby or purple hue from the grapes. Some distillers may also incorporate a partial fermentation of the grapes before adding the gin, allowing for a deeper integration of fruit and spirit, and leaving a touch of natural grape sweetness. This delicate dance of maceration and infusion ensures that the resulting gin is a harmonious blend, where neither the juniper nor the Shiraz overpowers the other.

Precision is key in this craft. Distillers carefully monitor the infusion process, tasting regularly to achieve the desired balance of botanical notes and grape characteristics. Some may use specially selected grapes from older vines, known for their concentrated flavours, further enhancing the complexity of the final product. The aim is to create a gin that retains its quintessential juniper character while embracing the rich, ripe fruitiness of Shiraz, often with hints of spice and a velvety texture.

Expected Flavours: A Palate of Richness

The flavour profile of Shiraz gin is a captivating departure from conventional gins, offering a bridge between the world of spirits and wine. Expect a sensory journey that typically unfolds with:

• Initial Gin Notes: A clear presence of juniper, providing the classic piney, resinous backbone that defines gin. This might be accompanied by citrus zest (lemon, orange) and traditional gin botanicals like coriander seed, angelica root, and liquorice.

• Dominant Shiraz Fruit: The star of the show, ripe Shiraz grapes contribute generous notes of dark berries, such as blackcurrant, raspberry, and plum. There's often a jammy sweetness that beautifully complements the gin's herbaceousness.

• Spicy Undertones: Many Shiraz gins feature a subtle peppery spice, characteristic of Shiraz wine, which adds another layer of complexity. This can be complemented by other warm spices from the gin's botanical blend, like cinnamon or nutmeg.

• Textural Richness: The grape infusion imparts a beautiful mouthfeel, often described as luscious, velvety, or silky, with a pleasant weight on the palate.

• Balanced Sweetness: While sweet, Shiraz gin is typically not cloying. The sweetness comes from the natural sugars in the grapes, often balanced by the tartness of the fruit and the bitterness of some botanicals. Some expressions may have a drier finish, while others embrace a more fruit-forward sweetness.

Best Recent Vintages: The Influence of the Harvest

While gin production is more consistent year-on-year than wine, the quality of the Shiraz grapes used in Shiraz gin is still highly dependent on the vintage. Exceptional Shiraz vintages in McLaren Vale contribute to a richer, more concentrated grape flavour in the gin. Recent outstanding vintages in McLaren Vale that would likely yield superb Shiraz for gin production include:

• 2021: Widely hailed as an exceptional vintage across South Australia, 2021 offered ideal growing conditions, resulting in grapes with excellent concentration, vibrant fruit, and balanced acidity. Shiraz from this year would lend a deep, complex character to gin.

• 2022: Another strong vintage, though perhaps not quite as universally lauded as 2021, 2022 produced high-quality Shiraz with good flavour intensity and structure.

• 2023: Early reports suggest 2023 was a solid vintage for Shiraz, with favourable conditions leading to good fruit development. Gins from this vintage are likely to be fruit-forward and approachable.

Distilleries often pride themselves on sourcing the best local Shiraz, and these recent vintages would undoubtedly have provided prime fruit for their unique expressions.

Suggested Cocktails: Unleashing the Versatility

Shiraz gin's unique flavour profile makes it incredibly versatile in cocktails, adding a layer of fruit and complexity that traditional gins cannot.

• Shiraz Gin & Tonic: A classic, but with a twist. Pair it with a high-quality, dry tonic water (such as a Mediterranean or Indian tonic) to allow the gin's fruit notes to shine without being overwhelmed by sweetness. Garnish with a lemon or orange slice, or even a few fresh raspberries or blackberries.

• Shiraz Gin Sour: A luxurious take on the classic gin sour. Combine 45ml Shiraz gin, 30ml fresh lemon juice, 15ml simple syrup, and 15ml egg white (or aquafaba for a vegan option). Dry shake, then wet shake with ice, and double strain into a coupe. Garnish with a dehydrated orange wheel or a few fresh berries. The egg white provides a beautiful, velvety texture that complements the gin's richness.

• Shiraz Gin Negroni: For those who enjoy a darker, more brooding cocktail. Use 40ml Shiraz gin, 20ml Campari (or a similar Italian bitter), and 20ml sweet vermouth. Stir with ice until well-chilled, then strain over a large ice cube in an old-fashioned glass. Garnish with an orange slice. The fruit and spice notes of the Shiraz gin add a fascinating dimension to this bitter classic.

• Shiraz Gin Spritz: A refreshing option for warmer days. Combine 50ml Shiraz gin, 15ml lemon juice, 10ml simple syrup, and top with sparkling wine (Prosecco or Cava works well) and a splash of soda water. Garnish with a mint sprig and fresh berries.

• Shiraz Espresso Martini: A rich and decadent choice. Combine 30ml Shiraz gin, 15ml coffee liqueur, 15ml aged rum, and 45ml cold brew coffee concentrate. Shake vigorously with ice until frothy, then strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with three coffee beans.

Types of Storage Methods in Australia

Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the quality and flavour of Shiraz gin, particularly given its grape component.

• Cool, Dark Place: The most important rule is to store Shiraz gin upright in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations. A pantry, cupboard, or dedicated spirits cabinet is ideal. Temperatures between 13-16°C are optimal. Heat and light can degrade the flavour compounds and cause the beautiful colour to fade over time.

• Upright Storage: Unlike wine, which is often stored on its side to keep the cork moist, gin bottles (especially those with screw caps or synthetic corks) should be stored upright. If a natural cork stopper is used, prolonged contact with the high-proof alcohol can cause it to break down, potentially imparting off-flavours to the gin.

• Sealed Bottle: Ensure the bottle is tightly sealed after each use to minimise oxidation. Oxidation can gradually alter the gin's flavour profile, making it lose some of its vibrant fruitiness and potentially developing more fortified wine-like characteristics.

• Refrigeration (Opened): Once opened, especially if the bottle is less than half full, some distilleries recommend storing Shiraz gin in the refrigerator. This is because the increased air space in a partially consumed bottle accelerates oxidation. While gin doesn't "go off" in the same way wine does, its fresh, bright fruit characters are best enjoyed within 6-12 months of opening, particularly if refrigerated.

• Freezer (Optional): While you can keep it in the freezer (its ABV prevents it from freezing solid), it's not generally recommended for optimal flavour preservation. Very cold temperatures can dull some of the more subtle aromatic notes. However, if you prefer your gin very cold for neat sipping or certain cocktails, a short stint in the freezer before serving is acceptable.

Key Features of Shiraz Gin

• Fusion of Gin and Wine: A unique hybrid spirit that marries the botanical complexity of gin with the luscious, fruit-forward characteristics of Shiraz grapes.

• Distinctive Colour: Typically boasts a deep ruby red or vibrant purple hue, derived naturally from the Shiraz grapes.

• Fruit-Driven Flavour Profile: Exhibits prominent notes of dark berries (blackcurrant, raspberry, plum) balanced by juniper and often subtle spice.

• Smooth, Rich Mouthfeel: The infusion of grape material contributes a velvety, luxurious texture to the spirit.

• Locally Sourced Ingredients: Many McLaren Vale distilleries pride themselves on using locally grown Shiraz grapes, reflecting the region's terroir.

• Versatile in Cocktails: Adds depth, colour, and fruit notes to a wide range of cocktails, offering a novel twist on gin classics.

FAQ's

Q1: Is Shiraz gin sweet?

A1: Shiraz gin generally has a noticeable sweetness derived from the natural sugars in the Shiraz grapes. However, the level of sweetness can vary between distilleries, with some aiming for a more fruit-forward expression and others a drier, more balanced profile. The sweetness is typically balanced by the juniper and other botanicals.

Q2: How long does Shiraz gin last once opened?

A2: While unopened Shiraz gin can last indefinitely if stored correctly, once opened, it's best consumed within 6-12 months to enjoy its freshest, most vibrant fruit characteristics. Oxidation will gradually alter the flavour profile over time, though it won't "go off" in a harmful way.

Q3: Can I use any Shiraz wine to make my own Shiraz gin?

A3: Shiraz gin is typically made by infusing gin with whole Shiraz grapes, not Shiraz wine. The fresh grapes provide a different flavour and colour profile than fermented wine. Attempting to infuse gin with wine will likely yield a very different, and possibly less desirable, result.

Q4: What's the ideal tonic water for Shiraz gin?

A4: A drier, less sweet tonic water is generally recommended, such as a Mediterranean tonic or a good quality Indian tonic. This allows the fruit and botanical notes of the Shiraz gin to shine without being overshadowed by excessive sweetness. Ginger beer or bitter lemon are also excellent mixers.

Q5: What's the difference between Shiraz gin and sloe gin?

A5: Sloe gin is a traditional English liqueur made by infusing gin with sloe berries (the fruit of the blackthorn bush) and sugar. It's typically much sweeter and lower in alcohol than a dry gin. Shiraz gin, on the other hand, uses Shiraz grapes and while it has a natural sweetness, it retains more of its gin character and generally a higher ABV. Shiraz gin is a modern Australian innovation, whereas sloe gin has a long history in the UK.