31 - Australia (NSW + South Western Australia) Flashcards
Outline the range of climates in New South Wales.
Hunter Valley sub-tropical with warm-hot temps, high humidity and rainfall
Remaining zones/regions protected by GDR so have hot, dry and continental climate with altitude moderating temps
Describe the growing conditions in the Hunter Valley.
Climate sub-tropical –> hot with intense sunlight due to low latitude, high humidity and ~500mm of rainfall during growing season
- Nights are relatively cool and afternoon clouds help to shield vines from most intense sunlight
- Tropical storms in late summer can present a challenge during harvest
- Lower Hunter closer to sea so cooler
Soils are clay based –> in addition to rainfall, no irrigation needed
Topography low, undulating hills
Identify the challenges of growing grapes in the Hunter Valley. (3)
- High humidity –> disease pressure
- Vigour due to clay and higher rainfall
- Summer storms –> harvest early
Name the three regions of the Central Ranges zone. Briefly describe their growing environment and the wine produced.
Mudgee, Orange and Cowra
All have continental climates, with low rainfall and altitude provides moderating influence
Orange vineyards 600-900m on volcanic soils and gravel with very windy conditions
In Orange… Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon in a fresh, spicy, herbal, med ABV, medium-bodied style; Chardonnay, Sauvignon and Pinot Gris also popular; generally mid-priced/good-VG
Elsewhere … warmer conditions mean fuller-bodied Shiraz and Cab + Chardonnay
Describe the styles of wine that the Hunter Valley is known for.
Semillon harvested early, neutral in youth developing pronounced toast, honey and hay aromas with ageing; dry, low-alcohol, high acid; often released after five years of ageing; varying quality but not cheap
Chardonnay full range of styles
Shiraz red/black fruit + oak, medium-bodied with med-high ABV
What are the advantages and disadvantages of strong winds?
+ Moderates temperatures
+ Reduces disease pressure
+ Reduces frost risk
- May disrupt fruit set
Describe the size and nature of production in the South West Australia Zone.
Represents 3% of total production by volume but focusses on premium wines
Describe the growing conditions in Margaret River and the wine produced as a result.
Warm, maritime climate
Southern ocean provides cooling influence, Indian Ocean keeps temps warm at night
Relatively dry growing season ~275mm (with a total of 1000mm falling during the year)
Flat region but gravelly ridge runs through centre –> free draining, poor nutrition; warmer vineyards to its east
Cabernet Sauvignon + Merlot produces BDX-style wines with blackberry, blackcurrant and spice, med(+) acid, high/ripe tannin, med(+)-full body
Chardonnay stone fruit, with high acid and med-full body w oak ageing but w/o malo
Sauvignon Blanc + Semillon gooseberry –> tropical fruit and grassy, herbaceous aromas with high acid and various vessels from SST to barrels
Describe the growing conditions of Great Southern vary and how this affects the style of wine produced.
Coastal regions like Albany and Denmark have maritime climate; inland regions like Frankland River is more continental –> warmer, drier but larger diurnals
Rainfall differs depending on proximity to coast –> coastal regions can be dry-farmed
Altitude important moderating factor in-land e.g. highest vineyards at 300m
Shiraz is the most popular grape and planted in warmer areas like Frankland River with style ranging from medium-full body with high acid and tannins; herbal, pepper and spice notes common; use of wholebunch common
Cabernet Sauvignon varies depending on region - intense, full-bodied from Mount Barker vs. cooler and elegant from Porongurup
Riesling flagship white grape with Porongurup leading region; toasty, stoney character with age and light-body
Aromatic Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay in range of styles also produced
