TOO HOT TO HANDLE

MARY-THERESE BLAIR finds warmer temperatures have Australian shiraz growers shifting to new regions.

IT’S PROBABLY NOT a shock to most of us that the planet is warming and the effects of global warming are being felt in the world of wine. For some, like grape growers in the UK, it’s a good thing. The south of England is experiencing temperatures similar to those in Champagne sixty years ago and the result is some impressive British sparkling wine. For those growing shiraz grapes in Australia however, it’s presenting quite a challenge. With the knowledge that a vine will start to shut down at temperatures above 35℃, what do you do when at the height of summer it’s already that hot and the world is getting warmer? Those with the means are buying and planting vines in cooler climes, but what of those who can’t just pick up another ten hectares further south? Could Aussie shiraz be endangered? Another good reason to pick up a shiraz from our picks below… while you still can.

TASTING PANEL

The judges who tasted the syrah also tasted the shiraz.