Before Cabernet became King: Why Shiraz has been one of the Zema family’s signature varieties for nearly half a century
When people think of Coonawarra, one variety almost always comes to mind – Cabernet Sauvignon.
It’s the wine that has made our region famous around the world.
But before Cabernet became king, there was Shiraz.
Long before the Terra Rossa became synonymous with Australia’s finest Cabernet, Shiraz was helping to build Coonawarra’s reputation. When John Riddoch established the Penola Fruit Colony in 1891, settlers were encouraged to plant predominantly Shiraz alongside Cabernet Sauvignon – with a ratio of roughly two to one. At the time, Shiraz was considered Australia’s most dependable premium grape variety and formed the backbone of the claret-style wines exported throughout the British Empire.
In fact, Shiraz remained Coonawarra’s leading grape variety until the 1950s.
It may no longer be our region’s most planted variety, but it remains one of its best-kept secrets.
A region built on Shiraz
Coonawarra’s first commercial wines were produced in the 1890s, with Shiraz playing a leading role in the region’s earliest blends.
Today, Cabernet Sauvignon accounts for 59% of Coonawarra’s annual grape crush, while Shiraz contributes 20%. Nationally, however, Shiraz is Australia’s largest red wine grape variety, representing 23% of the country’s crush compared with Cabernet Sauvignon’s 14%. It’s a reminder that while Cabernet defines Coonawarra’s reputation, Shiraz remains one of Australia’s favourite varieties.
Coonawarra produces cool-climate Shiraz that is typically more elegant and fine-boned than the bolder styles of warmer regions such as the Barossa, Hunter Valley and Margaret River. It is a style celebrated for its balance, finesse and ability to age gracefully.
One of the defining influences on this distinctive style is Coonawarra’s cool maritime climate. Although located inland, the region benefits from cooling ocean influences that moderate summer temperatures, while cold winter nights, cool evenings and consistent cloud cover allow the grapes to ripen slowly and evenly. This extended growing season preserves natural acidity, develops fine tannins and creates the balance and refinement that have become hallmarks of Coonawarra Shiraz.
In the glass, Coonawarra Shiraz reveals layers of dark blackberry and plum fruit, peppery spice and savoury notes, often complemented by a distinctive hint of mint. Medium-bodied and finely structured, it will reward careful ageing.
The beginning of the Zema story
For the Zema family, Shiraz isn’t simply another variety in our portfolio.
It was where our story began.
When the Zema family established Zema Estate in 1982, they purchased 20 acres in the heart of Coonawarra’s famed Terra Rossa, including eight acres of mature Shiraz vines.
That same year, with little more than a tin shed, an old milk tanker and the generous mentorship of respected Coonawarra winemaker Ken Ward, the family’s very first wine was produced.
It was a Shiraz.
As fate would have it, 1982 proved to be an exceptional vintage. The inaugural Zema Estate Shiraz attracted international attention, becoming one of the highlights of Expovin ’84 and marking the beginning of a winemaking journey that continues more than four decades later.
A tradition that continues today
More than four decades after our first vintage, Shiraz remains at the heart of Zema Estate.
Our Estate Shiraz captures the classic elegance of Coonawarra, showcasing vibrant blackberry and plum fruit, subtle spice and fine tannins that reward both immediate enjoyment and careful cellaring.
For those seeking a bigger bolder style our Family Selection Shiraz is crafted from exceptional parcels of fruit, delivering greater intensity and structure. Bigger and bolder than the Estate range, the Family Selection has richness and complexity, structure and depth of fruit, with a cellaring potential of at least a decade.
Shiraz also plays an important role in our flagship Saluti – a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (72%) and Shiraz (28%) created only in outstanding vintages. Australia is the only place in the world where Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz comes together in a blend that represents the best attributes of both of these classic varieties. The Cabernet contributes length, structure and blackcurrant/mulberry attractiveness while the Shiraz brings mid-palate fruit intensity, generous plum and spice to the mix. Restrained and beautifully built, it will reward cellaring for 15+ years.
Whether enjoyed on its own or as part of one of our iconic blends, Shiraz continues to be one of the Zema family’s signature varieties – a tradition we’re proud to carry forward with every vintage.
