The oldest Mataro vines date back to around 1892 though it was a popular variety in previous eras as a productive, non-irrigated bush vine this before the arrival of trellised vine rows and drip irrigation. We do know that the early makers of Barossa Valley Shiraz added 10-15% of Mataro to many blends as they found this added strength and character to the wine. So Mataro was the variety which was never on the label yet was always in red wine.