Two Hands Shiraz Lily's Garden 2010

Winery: Two Hands

Varietal: Syrah

Known as Syrah in most countries around the world, and Shiraz in Australia and certain other regions of the New World, this grape varietal has proven over the centuries to be one of the most powerful and flavorful red wine grapes there is. It is now one of the planet's most widely grown grapes, and is a favorite with wineries as a result of its robustness and versatility. It isn't easy to identify many characteristics of this particular varietal, due to the fact that it is highly versatile and shows significant differences in flavor and character depending on the terroir it is grown in, and the climatic conditions of the region. However, Syrah is most widely associated with full bodied, strong and loud red wines, packed full of fruity and spicy flavors, held in a beautifully deep red liquid.

Region: Fleurieu

Made up of five distinct provinces, thanks to the range of micro-climates the region offers, the Fleurieu Peninsula has proven to be one of the most exciting and unique of all Australia's wine regions. Displaying excellent Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon vines, amongst many others, Fleurieu's superb Mediterranean style climate allows grapes to grow and ripen to their fullest. Typically, Fleurieu wines express plenty of fascinating features and delicious, fruit-forward flavors that come about from the brilliant sunshine, tempered by cooling oceanic breezes. Vintners in Fleurieu are renowned for their innovation, and for taking advantage of the range of topographical and geological features in the region, and as such, wines from Fleurieu have gained much attention over the past few decades for their excellence, and their fascinating characteristics.

Country: Australia

Whilst every Australian state has some level of wine production, it is in South Australia and on the island of Tasmania where the finest wines are made to the highest quantities. Here, the scorching Australian sun is a little tamer, and the heat is tempered by brisk oceanic winds, making the climate of these regions ideal for vineyard cultivation. The Tamar Valley on Tasmania has been making waves internationally in recent years, as both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grape varietals are thriving there and resulting in hugely flavorful wines, which are at once distinctly Australian, yet remain unique and interesting enough to surprise and impress. Elsewhere in the country, the Syrah grape (known locally as Shiraz) reigns supreme, as the long, hot summers allow these grapes to ripen fully and lend their intensely fruit-forward character to the ruby red Australian wines, which have such international appeal.