Firth & Vale 2021 Shiraz

Firth & Vale 2021 Shiraz McLaren Vale, Australia

Curated from the best regions, vineyards and vintages, the Fine Wine Collection is meant to celebrate winemaking at its finest. This wine represents our commitment to excellence, to exploration and to you.

Firth & Vale 2021 Shiraz McLaren Vale, Australia

Vintage The 2021 vintage started strong with abundant rainfall early in the season.

This was a welcome change after three years of uncommon dryness. Winter rains filled water reserves deep within the soil, setting the stage for a stellar growing season. As spring arrived, our vines used this moisture to grow lush green canopies, creating cozy homes for ripening grapes. Summer was cool, long and free from heat waves or worrying storms. These relaxed conditions ticked all the boxes of an exceptional vintage in McLaren Vale.

Region Shiraz is the signature of South Australia’s McLaren Vale. This region is home to some of the world’s most diverse and ancient soils, dating as far back as 550 million years. Vineyards are bordered by Gulf St. Vincent and the Mount Lofty Ranges. The region’s natural beauty is rivaled only by its stunning Shiraz wines, ranging from vibrant and red-fruited to spicy and dark-fruited. No matter the style, they feature velvety textures with complexity and concentration admired worldwide.

Tasting notes Our Shiraz offers an enticing contrast between uplifting aromatics and rich dark fruit flavor. On the nose, layers of bay leaf, cilantro, peppercorn and bacon are unlocked with each swirl. The palate is full and juicy, with seamlessly balanced tannins adding structure to the wine. Concentrated flavors of ripe blackberry, blueberry and plum join hints of vanilla spice for an almost cola-like character and a lasting finish.

Aromas and flavors

Bay leaf, peppercorn, bacon, blackberry, blueberry, plum, vanilla, cola

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Sweetness: Tannin:

Pairing logic This Shiraz is big, bold and packed with flavor. Its pairing selections should be the same. Choose main dishes with strong flavors that won’t back down. Peppered red meats and fatty bacon make excellent protein companions in taste and texture. They complement notes in the wine while giving its tannins and acidity protein and fats to break down. Select sturdy starches like lentils or potatoes for vegetarian dishes, and boost their flavor using dry, herbal seasonings and smoky barbecue sauces.

Menu suggestions • Slow-cooked herb and lentil stew

• Barbecue baked potato with bacon crumbles • Grilled portobello with peppercorn sauce • Smoky brisket pie

• Bacon-wrapped pork ribs

• Garlic and brown sugar lamb shank

Serving instructions Temperature: Room temperature (60–65°F) Decanting time: 45 minutes Glassware: Bordeaux glass

Winemaking Varietally expressive wines that showcase terroir over winemaking techniques are trending in McLaren Vale. This inspiration is evident when you pop the cork on our 2021 Shiraz to find a delightful element of freshness alongside plush fruit flavors. A stress-free summer provided us with quality fruit, requiring little sorting in the winery. By harvesting earlier, paying close attention to fermentation temperature and focusing less on oak influence, we have captured Shiraz’s unique aromatics and pure, fruit-driven character.

Spotlight Cellar • Sorting selects only the highest quality grapes for fermentation.

• Fermentation temperature affects wine’s flavor, color, and texture.

Vineyard • Rainfall early in the season keeps vines hydrated throughout ripening.

• Cool and consistent summer temperatures slow ripening, balancing acidity, tannin and flavor.

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