Wine Spectator Magazine has for a long time been the reference source of choice for the discerning wine enthusiast. Through the wine spectator top 100 wines and their unique wine spectator ratings this magazine has been at the cutting edge of wine enjoyment.
As an example of the power of wine spectator magazine, one only has to look at their championing of the grape variety Shiraz , with its subsequent upturn in its fortunes in the North American market as a consequence. Whereas the grape variety Chardonnay is the most versatile of white wine varieties, Shiraz is by far and away the red wine counterpart. Like Chardonnay it will grow just about anywhere and is able to offer a large array of flavours depending on where it is planted. Also it ripens early, which means that the grape can be harvested before any major disease or rain can have an adverse effect, a crucial factor that appeals to both winemakers and drinkers alike.
Shiraz gives very distinct flavours that take many forms, but the most robust wines come undoubtedly from Australia such as the classic Barossa Shiraz, a wine that featured highly in the wine spectator magazine top 100 and was featured recently on the wine spectator on line. This wine's superb flavour is full of bramble and briar fruit, with a buttery, minty quality. If treated carefully, Shiraz is capable of producing world-class wines that can age beautifully for up to twenty years, resulting in wines that have a high alcohol level, indeed as much as 14% alcohol.
Some red wines, as outlined by wine spectator on line, such as Italian Nebbiolo or French Cabernet Sauvignon, need to be kept for a few years before they reveal their best side, but Shiraz is so versatile that the time frame for its consumption is much wider. Indeed even the better quality Shiraz wines can be enjoyed to the full less than a year after they have been bottled. But as with all wines patience is a virtue and will be rewarded to the full. Once again these wines have been highlighted by the wine spectator magazine in their industry recognised wine spectator ratings.
As for the history of the grape variety, as outlined recently by the wine spectator magazine, Shiraz, or Syrah as it was known as well, was brought to the Northern Rhône region of France by a Templar Knight returning from the Crusades in about the 12 th Century, where it thrived for over 700 years before its versatility made it the obvious choice for being transported and planted throughout the world. So, historically, Shiraz is best known and loved for the great red wines of the northern Rhône such as Châteauneuf-de Pape, Hermitage, Côte Rotie and Cornas. Nowadays, the great Barossa reds of Australia such as Penfolds Grange and De Bertoli Shiraz have set the standard in the New World regions, with othercountries such as South Africa , Argentine and California showing signs of real potential. If you like red wines with spicy undertones then search out the ever popular Zinfandel from California , but make sure that it's the full-on red variety not the weedy pink stuff. Again these are all wines that have featured highly in the wine spectator ratings and wine spectator top 100, with a select few being awarded the wine spectator award of excellence. So for the best news and reviews on wine why not take out a wine spectator subscription.
