Barossa Valley, Australia

Jarrett Osborn, Riverwalk Wine & Spirits
April 30, 2008

Barossa Valley produces beautiful red wines, particularly shiraz. The 2006 Earthworks Shiraz is not as dark and rich as most from this region. Instead, it’s a nicely balanced, medium-bodied wine that still displays dark berry and light mint characteristics, with a teeny-tiny hint of toasty oak on the finish. Light acidity keeps the finish clean, while a meaty, earthy body makes this red anything but a lightweight.

Winemaker Tyson Bitter ages 70 percent of the shiraz in stainless steel tanks to retain the fresh blackberry and cherry flavors. He ages the other 30 percent in older French oak barrels to add that light toasty oak note.

The Lindner and Bitter families founded Earthworks, and Langmeil Winery, in 1996.

All of the Earthworks wines are made at the Langmeil Winery, a restored winery originally built in 1841. This shiraz is not monstrous — with its spice and medium body it pairs well with grilled lamb and roast duck, grilled salmon or tuna steaks, and spicy barbecue chicken or pork. The Earthworks Shiraz is $17.

The Langmeil Winery recycles 100 percent of its waste, with the pumice distilled into ethanol, and the grape seeds turned into grape seed oil. The stems are turned into compost, and even the wastewater is treated for agricultural irrigation.