Thursday, October 31, 2024

Yalumba Organic Shiraz South Australia. Additions? Only what’s required to preserve the natural flavours.

Yalumba Organic Shiraz South Australia 2020, 14% ABV

€17.00 Matsons (Bandon, Grange and Youghal)

Additions? Only what’s required to preserve the natural flavours.



It has been quite a while since I had the pleasure of drinking an Australian Shiraz, an organic and vegan-friendly one at that. The grapes are gathered from various vineyards in the area. No oak is used. Very few additions are made—“only what’s required to preserve the natural flavours.”

This Yaluma is rich red and offers sweet notes of plums and inviting floral notes. When you taste it, you'll find those same fruity flavours complemented by a touch of spice and a hint of mulberry. It's a medium-bodied wine that feels soft on the palate, finishing with a smooth and juicy finish that lingers. Very Highly Recommended.


It is best drank young and enjoyed with suckling pig and an apple and walnut salad or a Swiss mushroom burger with caramelised onion. More accessible pairings include Pizza, Pasta, Pork, Beef Burgers, Mushroom Burgers, and Steak.

Yalumba was founded in 1849 by Samuel Smith. Six generations and 170 years later, it is Australia’s oldest family-owned winery. It wasn’t always easy for the Smith family or their employees! Back in the tough times of the 1980s, the winery was at risk, saved only by an agreed-upon four-year pay pause. That particular piece of austerity paid off.

Yalumba’s ebullient ambassador, Jane Ferrari, recalled that period during her 2013 visit to Cork. Host Gary O’Donovan also had a rapid question-and-answer session with her. He asked her what her favourite thing about New Zealand was. “Leaving,” was the lightning response. Her favourite politician? “The best-looking.” She also admitted to having quite a crush on rugby ace Ronan O’Gara.


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