Ashia Ismail-Singer Creates Culinary Magic with Taylors Jaraman Shiraz

**Two worlds collide — and the flavour is unforgettable**. **Cookbook author Ashia Ismail-Singer has created two perfect dishes to pair with award-winning Taylors Jaraman Shiraz 2023**

When exceptional wine meets inspired cooking, something extraordinary happens — and Taylors Wines has found the perfect culinary partner in celebrated cookbook author Ashia Ismail-Singer. Together, they have crafted two bespoke recipes designed to elevate the award-winning Taylors Jaraman Shiraz 2023, showcasing the beauty of perfect pairing as part of the Food Comes Alive with Jaraman campaign. These dishes not only enhance the bold, expressive flavours of the wine but also celebrate the joy of shared meals, making them perfect for romantic dinners, special occasions, and unforgettable food-and-wine moments.

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, Taylors Jaraman Shiraz 2023 is a multi-award-winning wine, recently crowned World Champion Shiraz at the 2025 London Wine Show. With four champion trophies and 15 gold medals to date, it has captivated both judges and wine lovers alike. Sourced from premium Clare Valley (65%) and McLaren Vale (35%) fruit, its deep-crimson colour and vibrant purple hues hint at the beauty within.

The wine opens with seductive aromas of ripe mulberry, plum and dark berry fruits, lifted by subtle notes of violet, vanilla, and hints of tobacco from French oak. On the palate, it is rich and expressive, unfolding layers of blackberry, red fruit and cedar. Silky tannins and elegant acidity create a harmonious, lingering finish. Beautifully drinkable now, yet built to age gracefully until 2032 and beyond, Taylors Jaraman Shiraz 2023 is a wine made for special moments — and the memories that follow.

Mitchell Taylor, third-generation winemaker and Chairman of Taylors Wines, says: “We’re known for producing exceptional bold and beautiful reds, and our Jaraman Shiraz is simply stunning.”

While impressive on its own, Taylors Jaraman Shiraz 2023 becomes truly exceptional when paired with food that enhances its richness and spice. For this collaboration, Ashia Ismail-Singer has created two delicious recipes that pair seamlessly with the wine — a fragrant Lamb Curry with Turmeric Rice and a luxurious dessert of Pears Poached in Taylors Jaraman Shiraz 2023 with Mascarpone — each designed to bring the wine’s bold flavours and velvety texture to life.

Recipes to Enhance the Jaraman Shiraz Experience

Lamb Curry with Turmeric Rice

A fragrant, spice-layered curry slow-cooked with garlic, ginger, tomato passata, and a warming blend of chilli, coriander, cumin, and garam masala. Rich, aromatic, and comforting, it mirrors the deep mulberry and dark berry notes of the Jaraman Shiraz. Served with turmeric rice and poppadoms, this pairing enhances the wine’s depth and silky tannins — perfect for a cosy dinner for two.

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cooking Time: 60–90 mins

Ingredients:

750g lamb (or substitute beef or venison)
Juice of half a lemon
2–3 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1 tsp salt
2 tsp chilli powder
2 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp garam masala
1/4 cup oil
1 tsp chopped green chilli
350g tomato passata
Chopped fresh coriander, to garnish
1 onion, sliced into rings (optional)
1 large tomato, sliced into rounds (optional)

Method:

Marinate the meat with the lemon juice, garlic, ginger and all the spices in a covered bowl for 1–2 hours or preferably overnight - the longer you leave it the better
Heat oil in a large saucepan and add the marinated meat and cook for about 45 minutes, covered, on a low heat, ensuring it doesn’t catch on the bottom of the pan
Add the green chilli and then the passata and continue cooking on a very low heat for another hour or so. The meat should be extremely tender. Allow for 60–90 minutes cooking time for the meat to be cooked.
Serve with rice and poppadoms

Pears Poached in Taylors Jaraman Shiraz 2023 with Mascarpone

Firm-ripe pears are gently poached in Taylors Jaraman Shiraz 2023 with brown sugar, citrus, cinnamon and star anise, creating a jewel-toned syrup that echoes the wine’s red-fruit vibrancy. Served with mascarpone or ice cream, this luxurious dessert mirrors the Shiraz’s elegance and aromatic complexity — a beautiful finale for any special meal.

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cooking Time: 40–45 mins

Ingredients:

2 cups Taylors Jaraman Shiraz 2023
1 cup brown sugar
Juice of 1 large mandarin or orange
1 cinnamon stick
2 star anise
4 small firm-ripe pears, peeled (stems on)
Mascarpone or ice cream, to serve

Method:

For the pears: Cut a circle of baking paper slightly larger than the diameter of a deep saucepan large enough to hold the pears
Place all the ingredients, except pears, in the saucepan and bring to a boil until the sugar dissolves
Cut a thin slice off the bottom of each pear so it can stand upright
Place the pears in the saucepan and cover with the baking paper, tucking the sides down to stop the steam from escaping
Poach until the liquid is reduced and syrupy, about 25–30 minutes
The pears can be chilled and brought to room temperature when ready to serve
To serve, place a whole pear on a bowl and serve with your choice of cream or ice cream

Whether you’re preparing a romantic dinner, hosting friends, or simply indulging in the pleasures of good food and great wine, Taylors Jaraman Shiraz 2023 and Ashia’s beautifully crafted recipes promise an unforgettable pairing experience.

Taylors Jaraman Shiraz 2023 is available now at select bottle shops across New Zealand, priced at $27.99

taylorswines.com.au

**Ashia Ismail-Singer’s cookbooks** are available in bookstores and online: **www.ashiaismailsinger.com**

And that’s not all — we’re giving readers the chance to win a set of Ashia’s cookbooks, filled with vibrant spices, modern takes on tradition, and dishes perfect for romantic dinners or entertaining. Each book is packed with the flavours, stories, and recipes she’s loved for. Enter here: www.brideandgroom.co.nz/win/ashia-cookbooks