2016 Schild Estate Moorooroo Shiraz

Schild Estate is in the Barossa Valley. It was started in the 1950s by Ben and Alma Schild, who bought land to grow grapes and make wine. But when Ben died suddenly in 1956 the then 16-year-old Ed Schild, the only child of eight still living at home, took over the vineyard and winery management. Today the estate has 450 acres of vineyards and produces 50,000 cases of wine annually. Schild makes a sizable portfolio of Shiraz and Chardonnay, including the Estate Moorooroo Limited Release Shiraz, an old-vine Shiraz produced in quantities of about 200 cases a year.

South Australia is the nation’s most important wine region. South Australia is to Australia what California is to the U.S. About half of Australia’s wine comes from South Australia and many of the country’s most acclaimed producers are there. Wineries based in South Australia include Penfolds Grange, Torbreck, Amon Ra, Henschke and Jacob’s Creek. The prestigious Barossa Valley is located in South Australia, and is often compared to Napa Valley because it is gorgeous topography covered in grape vines. First farmed by 19th century German-speakers who immigrated from what is now Poland, the Barossa Valley is the crown jewel of the region. South Australia has widely varying climates, from very hot, dry areas to cooler, high altitude areas. There are more than 150,000 acres of vineyards in South Australia, with more being planted each month. Shiraz is king, though the region also produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Mourvedre, Chardonnay and Semillon.

This grape is grown in milder climates and produces a medium-to full-bodied wine. It is also known as Shiraz, but should not be confused with Petit Sirah, which was developed by crossing Syrah with Peloursin.