Shiraz is widely perceived as Australia’s premier grape variety. An intense black grape, it produces a variety of wine styles, from medium red in the Hunter Valley, through to rich black red in the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale. When buying a good Shiraz, look for those that are deep and dark in colour, full of chocolate, licorice and fruit with spice and pepper characteristics and firm, fine tannins. Shiraz is best enjoyed alongside rich spicy meat dishes like pepper steak, veal schnitzel or roast kangaroo.