# Shiraz (2018)

- **Producer:** Tahbilk
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Shiraz
- **Region:** Victoria, Australia
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €21
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackberry, eucalyptus, black pepper, red plum, blackcurrant, black cherry, cloves, chocolate, vanilla, mushroom, leather, dried herb

## About this wine

Tahbilk Shiraz 2018 is a red wine from the Nagambie Lakes region in Victoria, Australia, produced by Tahbilk, a winery established in 1860 and family-owned by the Purbricks since 1925. The wine is made from 100% Shiraz grapes. Tahbilk is distinguished by its historic winemaking practices, including the use of original fermentation vats, and its commitment to sustainability, being a carbon-neutral operation. The winery is known for its old-vine Shiraz, with some vines dating back to the 19th century.

## Interesting facts

- Tahbilk means 'place of many waterholes' in the local Daungwurrung language.
- The winery uses original open fermentation vats over 155 years old.
- Tahbilk is a carbon-neutral winery.
- Some of Tahbilk's Shiraz vines are original pre-phylloxera survivors.

## Food pairing

The wine's structure and savory notes complement rich meats, while its fruit profile can be echoed by fruit-based sauces or accompaniments. The tannins in the Shiraz are well-suited to cutting through the richness of proteins.

## Wine making process

Tahbilk Shiraz is fermented in original open vats, some over 155 years old. Following fermentation, the wine undergoes maturation in large, aged French oak. A portion of the wine is also aged in smaller French oak barrels, which is then blended back before bottling. The grapes are sourced from vines planted from the 1930s through the early 2000s, with older vines being hand-picked and younger vines machine harvested. The winery employs sustainable viticultural practices, including composting, mulching, and water conservation, and operates as a carbon-neutral entity.