Syrah 2019

Innocent Bystander crafts this Syrah from vineyards located in the Yarra Valley, in southeastern Australia, not far from Melbourne, in the state of Victoria. This wine region benefits from a relatively cool climate for the country, with maritime influences from Port Phillip Bay. The plots are planted on varied soils, a blend of clay, silt, and volcanic elements, offering ideal conditions for the elegant expression of Syrah, with moderate ripeness and good natural freshness.

The Syrah grapes for the 2019 Innocent Bystander are harvested at optimal ripeness, then destemmed and fermented in tanks with a maceration adapted to preserve the fruit and freshness. Fermentation takes place under temperature control to promote a gentle extraction of tannins and aromas. The wine is then aged in oak barrels and/or tanks for several months, which allows the structure to refine, the tannins to soften, and the aromatic complexity to develop before bottling.

This wine reveals notes of juicy dark fruits , raspberry and cherry , supported by floral touches of violet and peony, as well as spicy accents of black pepper and licorice. Smoky and slightly woody nuances complete the bouquet. On the palate, the wine is supple and fresh, with fine tannins , lively acidity that lengthens the structure, and a flavorful finish carried by spice and crisp fruit.

Australia began producing wine more than two centuries ago. This has resulted in a country rich in old vines, multigenerational winemaking families, and a deep-rooted knowledge and respect for craftsmanship. Add to this a thirst for exploration and innovation, a fearless attitude, and a diverse portfolio of 65 wine regions across a wide range of climates, and you have the makings of an extraordinary wine nation. Australia burst onto the export scene in the 1980s and has since been offering the world vibrant, fruity, and exceptionally good-value wines. Until the late 1990s and early 2000s, the history of Australian wine was dominated by examples of Shiraz, Grenache, and overly concentrated red blends. Between these two extremes lies the diverse range of high-quality Australian wines and regional wines that has always existed. Australian viticulture is concentrated primarily along the southern coastline where conditions are cooler. There are four main wine regions, each centered around major cities: Western Australia around Perth, South Australia around Adelaide, Victoria around Melbourne, and New South Wales around Sydney. The country is one of the world's largest wine producers and was the fourth-largest exporter in 2011. This recent development has made Australia one of the most prominent countries for the quality of its wines. You can taste Australian wines throughout the country. Each Australian region has its own grape varieties. Australian wines are defined by their grape variety, unlike French wines, which are defined by their terroir.