Barossa Valley Red Wine: A comprehensive guide
Brush up on your grape knowledge and discover the best the Barossa has to offer
It is no secret that the Barossa Valley produces some of the world’s best reds. From the bold, rich Shiraz that dominates the region, to the silky Cabernet Sauvignon, to the aromatic Grenache, to up-and-coming varietals entering the market, the Barossa is synonymous with spectacular red wine.
Here at Peter Lehmann, we source our grapes from the best vineyards across the Barossa, from the floor of the Barossa to the high hills of the Eden Valley, selecting only the best fruit from the vintage. Explore the best of the Barossa with our guide to red wine.
Barossa Valley Shiraz
Shiraz is the beating heart of the Barossa Valley and the perfect grape to showcase the terroir of the region. Perhaps more than any other varietal, Shiraz reflects the climate and site of where it was grown. The Barossa Valley boasts rich red-brown earth comprised of complex rock and soil profiles which adds to the intensity and depth of the fruit. Barossa Shiraz such as the Peter Lehmann Master’s Collection Eight Songs Shiraz tend towards dark-bodied rich drops, with notes of blue-black fruit, ripe plums, and dark chocolate. For an exceptional showcase of the best the Barossa has to offer, try the Stonewell Shiraz, lauded as one of the world’s greatest wines and Langton’s classified ‘Outstanding’. We select only the best quality grapes from the best vineyards in the region to create this classic full-bodied, Barossa Shiraz. Enjoy this world-famous wine with a rich winter meal or an opulent cheese platter for a true epicurean experience. Stonewell Shiraz can be enjoyed now or saved for a special occasion with careful cellaring.
Barossa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The second most popular varietal of the Barossa is the Cabernet Sauvignon, a firmly structured, richly fruited wine herbaceous undertones, which pairs wonderfully with meat dishes. A fantastic example is the Peter Lehmann The Master’s Collection Mentor Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine was named after Peter Lehmann himself, a man who mentored so many of the Barossa region winemakers in his 50-year career. The grapes are sourced from mature low-yielding vines in the region for their bold, complex flavour. The wine is then matured in French oak barrels to develop mouth-coating silky tannins and enhance the blackberry, vanilla, and plum characteristics of the grape. Cabernet Sauvignon on its own typically benefits from ageing, rounding out the mid-palate for a more full-bodied drinking experience. The Mentor is released a minimum of 2 years after bottling for optimum enjoyment, and will continue to age gracefully for many more years in your cellar.
Barossa Valley Grenache
Grenache is one of the original vines planted in the Barossa Valley and has experienced a recent rise in popularity. The Barossan Grenache is extremely fragrant, revealing aromas of fresh raspberries, maraschino cherries and peppery spices. It is a medium-bodied wine with flavours of juicy berries and soft tannins and a perfect wine for enjoying with a meal or light snack.
With its unique history, climate, soil, and community spirit, the Barossa Valley is one of those rare pockets of earth perfectly designed for spectacular wine production. So go ahead and try out some of our finest, or better yet, come down to South Australia and visit us at our cellar door for the full Peter Lehmann experience.