Nine Vines Shiraz Viognier

 

 

 

 

Varietal:  Shiraz/Viognier (94% Shiraz 6% Viognier)
Region:  South Australia – Australia
Cost:  $20.49

Big aromas of berry, especially blackberry, fruit, vanilla, and spice that only increase as the wine has time to aerate.  Smooth on the palate, berry and vanilla flavors lead into a long finish, compliments of the slightly higher alcohol content of this wine (14% by volume).

Recommendations:  I’m a fan of Shiraz and Viognier, so I was very interested in a blending of the two.  I was not disappointed.  The Viognier adds great spice to the wine, while mellowing it out on the palate.  My wife and I paired this with grilled pork chops and risotto with basil and sun-dried tomatos in it, but this would go great with beef, lamb, or even ribs.

One of my biggest keys to a wine is whether or not it can be enjoyed without being paired with food, and this medium-bodied wine certainly passes that test.  While it was great with the meal, I continued to enjoy the wine well after the meal had been completed and my wife and I had settled in to watch some TV.

Even if you’re not a fan of Shiraz, I would recommend the Nine Vines Shiraz/Viognier blend.  It will go great with a good range of meals, but is just as enjoyable by itself.  

Special thanks to the International Wine of the Month Club. 

Can’t find the Nine Vines Shiraz/Viognier at your local store?  Find it here.