Best Shiraz for Barbecue Pairing When the sun is shining and the grill is fired up, few things complement the smoky, savory flavors of barbecue better than a bold, fruit-forward Shiraz

Posted on January 20, 2026

Known for its robust character and spicy undertones, Shiraz (or Syrah, as it’s known in some regions) stands up beautifully to grilled meats, smoky sauces, and charred vegetables. Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering or enjoying a quiet meal al fresco, choosing the right Shiraz can elevate your barbecue experience. Here’s a guide to some of the best Shiraz wines for pairing with your favorite grilled dishes.

Why Shiraz Works with Barbecue

Shiraz is a versatile red wine with a profile that often includes dark fruit flavors like blackberry and plum, along with notes of black pepper, tobacco, and sometimes chocolate or espresso. Its typically medium to full body, moderate to high tannins, and good acidity help cut through the richness of fatty meats like ribs, brisket, and sausages. The wine’s inherent smokiness and spice also harmonize with the char and seasoning from the grill.

Top Picks for Barbecue Pairing

1. Australian Shiraz: The Classic Choice

Why it works::

Australian Shiraz, particularly from regions like Barossa Valley or McLaren Vale, is renowned for its ripe, jammy fruit flavors, smooth tannins, and hints of vanilla and spice from oak aging. This style is incredibly approachable and pairs wonderfully with classic barbecue fare like beef burgers, grilled steaks, and lamb chops.

Try::

Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz, Torbreck Woodcutter’s Shiraz, or d’Arenberg The Footbolt Shiraz.

2. Northern Rhône Syrah: Elegant and Earthy

Why it works::

Syrah from France’s Northern Rhône (e.g., Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie) tends to be more restrained, with flavors of dark fruit, olive, bacon, and white pepper. These wines often have a savory, earthy quality that complements smoked meats, grilled mushrooms, and dishes with herb-based rubs.

Try::

Guigal Côte-Rôtie, Jean-Louis Chave Sélection Hermitage, or Domaine Jamet Côte-Rôtie.

3. Washington State Syrah: Bold and Balanced

Why it works::

Washington State produces Syrah with a beautiful balance of fruit intensity and acidity. Notes of blueberry, plum, and smoked meat make it an excellent match for pulled pork, barbecued chicken, or even grilled vegetables with a balsamic glaze.

Try::

Cayuse Vineyards Syrah, K Vintners Syrah, or Gramercy Cellars Syrah.

4. South African Shiraz: Spicy and Vibrant

Why it works::

South African Shiraz often showcases bright red and black fruit flavors with distinctive notes of fynbos (herbal scrub) and spice. Its vibrant acidity and moderate tannins make it a great partner for spicy barbecue sauces, grilled sausages, or peri-peri chicken.

Try::

Boekenhoutskloof Syrah, Mullineux Syrah, or Kanonkop Kadette Cape Blend (Shiraz-based).

5. Argentinian Shiraz: Rich and Juicy

Why it works::

Argentina’s high-altitude vineyards produce Shiraz with intense fruit concentration, soft tannins, and a touch of floral or mineral notes. This style is fantastic with rich, saucy dishes like beef short ribs, grilled chorizo, or empanadas from the grill.

Try::

Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard Fortuna Terrae Malbec-Syrah blend, Zuccardi Serie A Syrah, or Trapiche Medalla Syrah.

Pairing Tips for Maximum Enjoyment

Match intensity::

Pair heavier, sauce-laden dishes (like beef brisket) with full-bodied Shiraz, and lighter grilled items (like chicken or vegetables) with medium-bodied styles.

Consider sweetness::

If your barbecue sauce is sweet, look for a Shiraz with ripe fruit flavors to complement it without clashing.

Temperature matters::

Serve Shiraz slightly below room temperature (around 60-65°F or 15-18°C) to keep it refreshing alongside hot, smoky food.

Don’t forget sides::

The wine should also work with classic barbecue sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans. A fruit-forward Shiraz with good acidity can balance tangy or creamy sides.

Conclusion

Shiraz’s bold flavors and structural elements make it a natural partner for barbecue. From the jammy classics of Australia to the earthy expressions of the Rhône Valley, there’s a Shiraz to match every grill master’s creations. Experiment with different regions and styles to discover your perfect pairing—and remember, the best wine is one that you enjoy with good food and great company. Cheers to a delicious barbecue season!

17 things About Wine

Posted on June 10, 2021

You might think you like wine, sipping the occasional glass of fruity Pinot in glorious sunshine or cuddling up with a bottle of cabernet Shiraz on a cold winter night, but how much do you actually know about the tasty tipple we all so regularly indulge in.you like wine, sipping the occasional glass of fruity Pinot in glorious sunshine or cuddling up with a bottle of cabernet Shiraz on a cold winter night, but how much do you actually know about the tasty tipple we all so regularly indulge in. Finish the test and see that you can answer all of wine questions below. Then use them on your friends and show off how knowledgeable you are.

1. When did winemaking begin? The Mesopotamians were credited with producing the first wines in 6000 B.C.

2. Where was the world’s oldest bottle of wine was found? Germany.

3. How much wine is in a bottle? Generally a bottle of wine measures the liquid in milliliters, with 750 ml being the standard amount in most bottles (or about 25 fluid ounces).

4. How many grapes does it take to make your average bottle of wine? It takes about 2 ½ pounds (about eight bunches) of grapes to make a bottle of wine.

5. How many gallons of wine are produced from one acre of grapevines? About 800.

6. How many varieties of wine grapes exist in the world today? Over 10,000.

7. How many grapevines generally make up an acre? 400.

8. How many acres of vines are there in the World? Wine grapes are the single most widely planted fruit crop. There are 20 million acres of grapes planted worldwide.

9. What is wine made up of? Wine Composition: 86% water, 11.2% alcohol, 2.8% other. Over 250 compounds have been identified in “other”. That is why wine making is an art and not a science.

10. How many calories are in a four ounce glass of red wine Approximately 85.

11. Approximately how many bubbles are in a bottle of Champagne? 49 Million.

12. When was the corkscrew designed? Mid-1800’s.

13. How far can a champagne cork travel? The longest recorded champagne cork flight was 177 feet and 9 inches.

14. How much pressure is there in a champagne bottle? The pressure in a champagne bottle is typically between 70 and 90 pounds per square inch. That’s two to three times the pressure in your car’s tyre, about the same as in a double-decker bus’ tyre.

15. Why does a wine bottle have an indentation in the bottom? The purpose of the indentation at the bottom of a wine bottle is to strengthen the structure of the bottle.

16. Does wine turn to vinegar with age? No, old wine almost never turns to vinegar. It spoils by oxidation.

17. How much wine does the biggest wine bottle hold? Nebuchadnezzar is the largest wine bottle and holds 15 litres or 120 glasses of wine.