Local heroes

Generously flavoured reds can be found right across the country. Here are some of my favourite regions.

Barossa Valley One of Australia’s premium regions for luscious red wines. Varietal shiraz is the flagship wine. Also look out for blends of shiraz, grenache and mourvèdre, which are supple and delicious.

Heathcote Located in central Victoria, this region’s fertile soils produce deeply coloured, structural wines with excellent flavour. Shiraz is a highlight.

Margaret River Pure fruited wines with consistent quality throughout the region. The cabernet produced is some of Australia’s best.

McLaren Vale The region produces wines of substance and value. Excellent shiraz, cabernet and grenache.

Coonawarra Numerous age-worthy wines. The cabernet sauvignons are concentrated and structural, and the shiraz savoury and spicy.

Yarra Valley Although best known for its fine pinot noir and chardonnay, there are also many excellent examples of cabernet sauvignon and shiraz to be found.