Everything You Need to Know About Australian Wine
Everything You Need to Know About Australian Wine
When the question is posed – “what exactly is Australian wine?” 15 or 20 years ago the answer would be pretty straight forward.Today, ask anyone from your local sommelier to the everyday wine drinker, they’ll tell you about Australian wine that is modern, versatile and vibrant– all of which have cemented its reputation as one of the world’s most thrilling wine countries. But the revolution of public opinion doesn’t happen overnight, it is testament to the people, places, and processes that make Australian wines unique.
The passion and excitement for winemaking is widespread across the country and it’s 65 diverse regions. From the ocean, to the mountains, the plains and the valleys, Australia has the microclimates and soil structure to appease even the most temperamental of grape varieties.
Thankfully for Australian winemakers, they are spoilt for choice, with over 100 grape varieties across many climates. Each region has its own unique traits that contribute to the flavor profiles of the fruit produced. They take great pride in understanding the land and fruit to deliver their own unique expression in the bottle. Producing wines that speak of their origins and celebrating the freedom to create wines without convention in their own way.
While Australia is considered a “new world” wine nation, they have been producing wine since the late 1700’s, with plenty of time to discover, experiment and explore what is possible to craft from their vast land and recognized as some of the most highly-rated wines.
Australia is also lucky enough to possess some of the oldest vines in the world, including the iconic ‘Barossa Ancestor vines’. Its isolation and pristine surroundings have meant custodial care of our most precious vines and wines.
Here are some exciting varieties to look out for in Australian Wine:
It’s Australia’s most planted white grape. A versatile variety that’s traversed a dramatic journey of evolution, from the rich, ripe wines of the 1980s and 90s to today, where you can find something more simple, crisp and elegant.
Margaret River in Western Australia is always noted as an impressive producer of Chardonnay with great complexity, while the cooler regions such as Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula and the interestingly named Tumbarumba all offer beautiful, elegant expressions of this wine.
Semillon Semillon wine is one of Australia’s most unique white wines. Diverse, fresh and citrusy, it’s the perfect partner for fresh seafood.
Semillon is often blended with other varieties, but also stands on its own. It can be anything from pale and delicate, to rich and oaked; from deeply golden aged wine to sweet dessert styles. Semillon has a long history in Australia, and thanks to a new wave of passionate winemakers it’s being discovered or rediscovered by wine lovers.
There are plenty of places in Australia that are delivering cracking Semillon however a must try is from the Hunter Valley. South Australian wine regions such as the Adelaide Hills also offer exceptional expressions of the variety. Both young or old Semillons offers incomparable depth of flavor and enjoyment.
Pinot Noir Silky and elegant Pinot Noir wine has claimed its place as one of Australia’s delicate reds and, thanks to the passionate winemakers, quality is at an all-time high.
Pinot Noir from Australia are generally more elegant styles of wines with bright cherry, strawberry and cranberry flavors that have a vibrant acid making them quite refreshing when lightly chilled in the summer months. It’s also commonly used in sparkling wines. Pinot Noir is one of the hardest grapes to grow, but producers in Australia’s cooler climates have mastered the art – and it’s never been better.
Some examples of this variety from regions such as Geelong can offer a bolder style of Pinot Noir with more savoury overtones with characters of charcuterie, darker fruits and spice.
Pinot Noir thrives in regions in the cooler parts of the country including the Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula in Victoria along with some lovely examples coming out of Tasmania.
Shiraz leads the charge as Australia’s most popular red wine variety. It’s bright and full of personality.
Shiraz has been in Australia longer than many other varieties and today it’s made in almost every wine region and loved around the world. Shiraz wines are known for their bold flavours and diversity of styles.
Warmer climates offer a powerful and rich Shiraz with intense black fruit and black pepper flavours, in a lot of occasions backed with lashings of chocolate, mocha and vanilla flavours. On the other hand, cooler climates shows a brighter red, with hints of blue fruits, white pepper and Christmas spice influences. While Shiraz can produce beautiful expressions in most regions for Australia, its most well-known home is the Barossa Valley in South Australia.
Australian wines are an expression like no other, allowing everyone the opportunity to discover a sense of place behind every wine. The variety and diversity of the wines allows Australian winemakers to showcase their crafts that celebrate the old but are continuing to push the boundaries. From the rogue to refined, discover Australian wines that are far from ordinary today.