Despite commercial media’s ever-present display of thugs brandishing machineguns, the Middle East has also been a seat of culture since the earliest of civilizations. The former capital of Persia, Shiraz, the city of Poetry, Wine and Roses, now lies inside the borders of Iran.

When returning home from the Crusades a French knight enjoyed the grapes found in Shiraz so much that he took some clippings home to his farm in the Rh’ne region of France where the grapes later became known as Syrah. From France, Syrah immigrated to North America, Africa and Australia.

Shiraz grapes first planted in Australia in 1832 have since become the most popular red wine grape down under. Aussie Shiraz wines are full-bodied dry reds usually typified by powerful flavors of blackberry and cracked pepper with potential for blueberry, plum, chocolate, game and leather. The boldness of flavor means Aussie Shiraz pairs well with BBQ, a big juicy steak, lamb or grilled pork.

Yellow Tail Shiraz Reserve 2005 ($10.99 at CNG)

Using grapes grown from a variety of vineyards in the southern regions of Australia, the Yellow Tail Reserve smells of blackberries and alcohol with a touch of spice. Dark, jammy berries lead into a simple finish with hints of chocolate and alcohol.

Although this is an example of a deeper, heavier style Aussie Shiraz, this one comes off too tight, tannic and alcoholic.

Wolf Blass Yellow Label 2004 ($10.99 at CNG)

Also sourced from vineyards in the south of Australia, the Wolf Blass Shiraz shows fragrant aromas of raspberry, leather and pepper. On the palate, initially sweet blackberry leads into flavors of plum, American oak and game.

Big, round and fleshy, this is a tasty example of a full-flavored Aussie Shiraz.

Rosemount Estates Mudgee Shiraz 2003 ($12.99 at CNG)

The grapes used in this wine come solely from the Mudgee wine-growing region in Australia which is located in the New South Wales district. Wild animal aromas with ripe berries and tobacco spill from the glass. Bold fruit flavors of blackberry and red cherry followed by a strong gamey character and lots of pepper round out the taste profile. Lighter than the other two Shiraz with a much larger focus on the meaty aspect of the wine, this is an interesting and deserving example of the delicious wines Aussies can craft.