Institute to host Australian Shiraz seminar

The Institute of Masters of Wine is to host an Australian Shiraz seminar this September.

The event, moderated by Sally Easton MW, will explore the myriad styles and expressions of this single variety in Australia.

The Institute has assembled a panel of Shiraz experts from Australia for the event, including Julian Castagna of Castagna in Victoria, John Duval of John Duval Wines in the Barossa Valley, Prue Henschke of Henschke Wines in South Australia, Tim Kirk of Clonakilla in Canberra District, and Ron Laughton of Jasper Hill in Heathcote, Victoria.

They will share their wisdom and insights as they explore the Barossa Valley heartland of Australian Shiraz and the subsequent migration of the variety to other regions. Different regional character traits will be discussed and stylistic variation analysed.

The panelists will each present an older and younger vintage of their chosen wine to highlight the variety’s ageing capacity.

As well as the panelists’ own regions, other areas which will be represented include Adelaide Hills, Denmark, Hunter Valley, McLaren Vale, Mornington Peninsula and the Yarra Valley.

Sally Easton MW said: “Australian Shiraz possibly provides the most complex category of different styles and expressions from a single grape in any one country.

“This seminar is a rare opportunity to taste established Barossa icons together with exciting new stars from other regions.”

The seminar will run from 9.45am to 12.30pm at Vintners’ Hall, Upper Thames Street, London, on Monday 12 September 2011.

Tickets are priced at £62.50 each. Further information and booking in the events section of the Institute’s website.