Discover A New Side to Shiraz: Kangaroo Island Cool Climate Elegance
As Shiraz lovers around Australia raise their glasses to toast National Shiraz Day, there's no better time to explore the distinctive charm of Kangaroo Island Shiraz.
Nestled off the coast of South Australia, Kangaroo Island is renowned for its pristine landscapes and unique maritime climate, which lends a special character to its wines, especially Shiraz. Unique to those from any other Australian region, discover a new style of Shiraz.
Cool Climate Elegance: The Kangaroo Island Difference
While South Australia's traditional Shiraz-growing regions like Barossa Valley produce warmer-style wines known for their full-bodied, ripe fruit and robust tannins, Kangaroo Island enjoys a cooler climate, dominated by the maritime climate of its surrounding ocean.
This environment influences the growth of Shiraz grapes, which have a long, slow ripening period. The result is a more medium-bodied wine with beautifully balanced sugar and acidity. Kangaroo Island's Shiraz wines are lower in alcohol, elegant, and well-structured.
At The Islander Estate Vineyard, we employ wild fermentation for our Shiraz wines to fully express their terroir, along with our signature traditional French winemaking techniques. These methods accentuate the complexity and elegance of the mid-palate, making wines perfect for pairing with food.
Exploring Kangaroo Island Shiraz
Each of The Islander Estate Vineyard's ranges offers Shiraz wines for every kind of wine lover:
Varietal Range: Great value cool climate Shiraz
The Red Shiraz: We've just released Vintage 2022 of our classic cool-climate Shiraz, designed for everyday drinking. On the nose, notes of pepper, eucalyptus, and vanilla. Flavours of mulberry and red fruit, hints of toasty oak, and slightly gamey notes. A round, generous mouthfeel leads to a long finish. Winter Pairing: Mid-week casserole or Friday night pizza & footy. Drink now or cellar for up to 5 years.
Estate Range: Blending the Old World and New World of Wine
Our Estate range focuses on crafting unique & premium Shiraz blends, each with a nod to the regions of France.
- Bark Hut Road Shiraz/Cabernet Franc: Our signature elegant Bordeaux-style blend offers firm tannins, natural acidity, blackberry and sarsaparilla notes at the darker end of the fruit spectrum, and vanilla and coconut oak notes. Winter Pairing: Classic French steak frites or beef bourguignon. This will age beautifully – up to 10 years and beyond.
- Old Rowley Shiraz/Grenache: Old Rowley is inspired by the Côtes du Rhône, a full-flavoured, medium-bodied wine about freshness rather than power. Supple raspberry and boysenberry flavours, fresh and soft lifted florals, balanced with vanilla oak and clove notes. Winter Pairing: Duck, Asian braised beef cheek. Drink now or cellar for up to 10 years.
- Boxing Bay Shiraz/Cab Sauv: We've added European style to this classic blend. It has notes of pepper, eucalyptus, vanilla, cedar, and baking spices. The flavours are cherry, blackberry, sweet oak, and leather. On the finish, power and structure abound in the Cab Sauv, with Shiraz adding softness and elegance. Winter Pairing: Slow-cooked brisket. Delicious now or in the cellar for up to 15 years.
Flagship Range: Bringing to life Jacques Lurton's vision to put Kangaroo Island on the world map of fine wine.
The Cygnet 2017 is no ordinary Shiraz, crafted over six years before release to craft a wine that balances power and elegance. With dark cherries, baking spices, and a touch of earth on the nose, on the palate, it's like Christmas in a glass: steeped cherries and dried fruit, spices, and savoury tannins, all wrapped up with a composed structure across the palate and long fine tannins. Pair it with darker meats and spice-based dishes, such as braised short ribs, Middle Eastern lamb dishes, or slow-cooked pork shoulder. The Cygnet pays dividends if you can cellar it for up to 15 years.
For Discerning Palates: Our Commitment to Quality
At The Islander Estate Vineyards, we are committed to crafting wines that mirror their unique terroir and reveal the true potential of the Kangaroo Island wine region. By blending traditional French winemaking methods with the creative freedom of the New World, we ensure that each bottle of Shiraz is a testament to our dedication to quality and a fresh interpretation of this renowned variety.
If you're discovering Kangaroo Island's wine region, we invite you to explore the elegance and sophistication of our cool-climate Shiraz. Visit our cellar door or explore our collection online.