Cabernet is the global favourite for reds yet in Australia we favour Shiraz. I enjoy this difference, and it came about because so little Cabernet was planted in Australia when we began to embrace table wines from the 1950s. Shiraz had been favoured by growers from the 1880s, as the base for ports and heavier sherry styles. Fortunately, Shiraz makes excellent wine and the conversion from fortified to table wines was easy. While Cabernet was recognised as an important table wine variety, extensive plantings did not take place until the 1980s.
Shiraz and Cabernet are now the most popular varieties, yet it is worth noting that each can be grown across a wide climate spectrum. However Cabernet is considered better for cooler regions while Shiraz reaches full flavours in warmer districts. This Terrene Estates is a blend of Shiraz from warmer South Australian districts.
