
Varietal: Shiraz/Viognier (94% Shiraz 6% Viognier)
Region: South Australia – Australia
Cost: $20.49
Big aromas of berry, especially blackberry, fruit, vanilla, and spice that only increase as the wine has time to aerate. Smooth on the palate, berry and vanilla flavors lead into a long finish, compliments of the slightly higher alcohol content of this wine (14% by volume).
Recommendations: I’m a fan of Shiraz and Viognier, so I was very interested in a blending of the two. I was not disappointed. The Viognier adds great spice to the wine, while mellowing it out on the palate. My wife and I paired this with grilled pork chops and risotto with basil and sun-dried tomatos in it, but this would go great with beef, lamb, or even ribs.
One of my biggest keys to a wine is whether or not it can be enjoyed without being paired with food, and this medium-bodied wine certainly passes that test. While it was great with the meal, I continued to enjoy the wine well after the meal had been completed and my wife and I had settled in to watch some TV.
Even if you’re not a fan of Shiraz, I would recommend the Nine Vines Shiraz/Viognier blend. It will go great with a good range of meals, but is just as enjoyable by itself.
Special thanks to the International Wine of the Month Club.
Can’t find the Nine Vines Shiraz/Viognier at your local store? Find it here.