This blend of the two most popular red varieties in Australia dates back a long way, perhaps to the 1930s. Recall not much table wine was sold back then, and records are sparse. There are wines labelled Shiraz Cabernet from the 1940s made by Yalumba.
Today this blend is seen as very Australian with our love of full flavours being the Shiraz while the European tone is delivered by the Cabernet Sauvignon. There was not a lot of Cabernet planted in Australia in 1950 so when the table wine boom began it was not till the 1980s that sufficient Cabernet was planted to meet demand. Purists would not favour blending these two varieties as they have such different characters. I’m pleased we ignore this as drinking what you like is always a good idea. As well all grape varieties can be traced back to a few parents so all the children are very close. I have been fooled many times by not being able to tell my Cabernet from the Shiraz. So enjoy our blend from the 1930s.
