Berton Vineyards The Black Shiraz 2020
Berton Vineyards are famous for many things but one of their wines exceeds all of those accolades. The Black Shiraz is one of the most represented and recognised wines in the UK restaurant market. Distinguised by it's wonderful pewter label The Black Shiraz has something unique in that it not only looks fabulous but the wine inside the bottle is also wonderful! The Black Shiraz used to be described as an "espresso of a wine" but this was in the early vintages and now it is made in a much more approachable way. Full of spicy, yet soft blackcurrant fruit and still holding it's own at 14% alcohol the wine is actually very easy to drink. It shows the ability of Berton Vineyards when they can make a wine that not only balances fruit and alcohol but also looks great and is at a very reasonable price.
Berton Vineyards was created from the drive and passion of it's founder Bob Berton. It was established in 1996 after Berton had finished working for many of Australia's biggest wineries and companies. they are based in the Eden Valley of Australia with 75 acres of land on rolling hills that are perfect for the production of top quality grapes. Bob purchased the Yenda winery and this superb facility allows them to produce superb value for money wines and maintain outstanding quality. Berton isn't all about value for money wine though as they produce some exceptional single varietal wines that showcase the skill and passion of the company.
Vinification
The Black Shiraz grapes were sourced from premium areas across South Eastern Australia. Selecting only the darkest and flavoursome fruit. This Shiraz was named because of the deep colour of the juice after crushing and the intensely dark flavours from the resulting wine.
Viticulture
Berton vineyards take great care when it comes to vineyard management. All their vines are spur pruned and planted just under 2m apart with 3.6m space between the rows of vine to allow the wineries machinery to harvest the fruit. The vines are of mixed age and are tended with love and attention and this shows in the quality of their wines.
Tasting Note
This Shiraz is strong in flavour with spicy fruit characters and the softest of spice. It's quite unusual for such a high alcohol red wine to be this easy to drink so be careful when opening and pouring.
Everyday Serving Suggestion
The Black Shiraz is the perfect choice for rich, spicy and especially peppery dishes, such as steak au poivre, full flavoured game casseroles, chilli con carne or beef sausages.
Country / Region / Appellation
AU / Riverina / Riverina
Region: South East Australia
Alcohol: 14.5%
Body Value: D (A is light, E is full-bodied)
Residual Sugar: 3.3
Contains Sulphites: Yes
Vegetarian/Vegan: Yes/Yes
Milk/Eggs: No/No
Organic/Biodynamic No/No
Winemaker
James Ceccato & Tim Perrin
Additional Resources:
http://www.bertonvineyards.com.au/
