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WSET Diploma D3 > Australia > Flashcards

Australia Flashcards

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1
Q

Who brought European vines to Australia? What kind of wines were first produced?

A
  1. James Busby in 1830.
  2. Fortified wines from Muscat Gordo Blanco (Alexandria). Mostly for the domestic market. It stopped after WWII as many Europeans arrived in Australia demanding more dry wines.
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2
Q

How Australia dominated the export market in the 80s?

A
  1. Orlando (Jacobs Creek), Lendemans, Hardys and Penfolds brought stainless steel and temperature control from the 50s to modernise the industry.
  2. Marketing based on labelling varietals and tasting notes on the back label.
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3
Q

Why since 2000 plantings have fallen back?

A
  1. Oversupply of inexpensive to mid-priced wines.
  2. Other non-European countries copied the Australian marketing model.
  3. Strength of Australian dollar after the crisis of 2008 made wines more expensive.
  4. Series of serious droughts.

Focus has moved from inexpensive to premium.

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4
Q

In which part of Australia viticulture is present?

A

South-east corner. 30-37 latitude.

Most of the country is desert or rainforest.

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5
Q

What are the two main climatic influences of Australia?

A
  1. Coastal influences (Indian/Southern Ocean). As Australia is mostly flat breezes can reach more inland. Some of those winds helps also with spring frost in cooler areas.
  2. Great Dividing Range mountains. They offer aspect, altitude and rain shadow effects (problems of drought). They also protect from tropical weather systems coming from the Pacific.
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6
Q

Main problems/hazards/diseases in Australia.

A
  1. Drought.
  2. High vigour.
  3. Soil salinity.
  4. Bush fires.
  5. Birds and kangaroos.
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7
Q

Lack of water remedies in Australia. Where irrigation water is coming from?

A
  1. Rivers of the Murray-Darling Basin.
  2. Winter rainfall stored in dams.
  3. Underground water sources.
  4. Recycled wastewater from cities.

Systems are mostly drip.

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8
Q

How vine vigour is reduced in Australia?

A
  1. Old vines (naturally produce less).
  2. Divided canopy systems: Scott-Henry and Smart-Dyson.
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9
Q

Advantages of machine and hand-picking during harvest in Australia.

A

Machine:
1. Less labour cost.
2. Can cover large areas in short time.
3. Harvesting at night is easier.

Hand:
1. Better selection.
2. Limit grape splitting.
3. Maintain whole bunches.

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10
Q

Soil salinity in Australia. Why is it a problem and what are the remedies?

A

Saline soils can make it difficult for the vine to collect water. It happens because there’s not enough water to carry away the salts.

Use suitable rootstocks and change irrigation patterns.

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11
Q

Natural pests and remedies in Australia.

A
  1. Birds (netting).
  2. Kangaroos (no solution).
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12
Q

Does Australia has phylloxera?

A

Strict quarantine and biosecurity laws permit high ungrafted phylloxera-free old vines.

Rootstocks are still used to combat the salinity and acidity of the soils or prevent a phylloxera outbreak.

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13
Q

Main varieties planted in Australia.

A
  1. Shiraz (25%).
  2. Chardonnay (20%).
  3. Cabernet Sauvignon (15%).
  4. Merlot (5%).

Also Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Muscat Gordo Blanc, Semillon, Colombard, Pinot Noir, Riesling.

Alternative varieties (mostly around the Mediterranean) are rising such as Tempranillo, Sangiovese, Fiano, Assyrtiko.

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14
Q

Function of Shiraz in Bordeaux blends in Australia.

A

Replaces Merlot.

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15
Q

Gi system of Australia.

A
  1. Zones - larger areas that can cover an entire state. Also Adelaide “super zone” (includes Barossa, Mount Lofty Ranges and Fleurieu).
  2. Regions - smaller areas (e.g. Coonawarra). Needs to have distinct qualities.
  3. Sub-regions - areas with particular climates or topography.

If a GI is mentioned in the label 85% of the grapes must come from the stated GI.

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16
Q

South Australia zones and regions.

A
  1. Barossa - Barossa Valley, Eden Valley.
  2. Mount Lofty Ranges - Adelaide Hills, Claire Valley.
  3. Fleurieu - McLaren Vale.
  4. Limestone Coast - Coonawarra.
  5. Lower Murray - Riverland.
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17
Q

Two main areas of Barossa Valley.

A
  1. Plains (250 to 270mt), warm climate. Ripe full-body wines.
  2. Valley sides (they offer protection), cooler and fresher style.
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18
Q

How producers are making a fresher style of Barossa.

A
  1. Blend from plains and valleys.
  2. French oak instead of American.
  3. Harvest early.
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19
Q

What is the Barossa Old Vine Charter?

A

Association founded in 2009 to record, preserve and promote old vines.

Barossa has the world’s oldest vines. They were originally planted in 1840s but many were taking off because of a vine pull scheme in the 80s.

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20
Q

Main varietals planted in Barossa.

A
  1. Shiraz (66%).
  2. Cabernet Sauvignon.
  3. Grenache (Rhone-style blends).
  4. Chardonnay.
  5. Semillon (more full body than Hunter Valley).
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21
Q

Main soil of Barossa.

A

Ironstone. Good water retaining properties to ripen Shiraz.

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22
Q

Famous producers in Barossa Valley.

A
  1. John Duval.
  2. Glaetzer Wines.
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23
Q

Eden Valley main climatic and topographic influence.

A

600mt exposed hills - high rainfall (dry farming is possible, also good water retention soils) and winds can affect flowering and ripening.

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24
Q

Main varietals planted in Eden Valley.

A
  1. Riesling (more than 1/3).
  2. Shiraz (higher acidity, less body than Barossa)
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25
Q

Famous producers in Eden Valley.

A
  1. Henschke.
  2. Pewsey Vale.
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26
Q

Adelaide Hills general climate.

A

Cool to moderate maritime.

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27
Q

Main climatic influences in Adelaide hills.

A

Valleys and steep hillsides.

  1. Altitude - aspect, high-diurnal
  2. Proximity to the ocean - high rainfall (320mm during the growing season) disrupt fruit set and brings fungal.
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28
Q

Varietals planted in Adelaide Hills.

A
  1. Sauvignon Blanc (28%)
  2. Chardonnay (oaked, LMF).
  3. Pinot Noir (sparkling an dry).
  4. Shiraz (less planted).

Experimentation with Gruner, Blaufrankisch, Arneis, Fiano, Sangiovese, Nebbiolo.

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29
Q

Famous producers in Adelaide Hills.

A
  1. Shaw + Shaw.
  2. Penfolds.
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30
Q

Where are vineyards located in Clare Valley?

A
  1. On the hills and ridges.
  2. Valley floors running in between hills and ridges.
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31
Q

Main problem and how to solve it with Riesling in Clare Valley.

A

Sunburn.

Thick shading canopy.

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32
Q

Soil types and styles of Riesling in Clare Valley.

A
  1. Slate (Polish Hill) - low fertility, less aromatics, long bottle age.
  2. Limestone (Watervale) - fertile, aromatic, drink young.
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33
Q

McLaren Vale moderating influences.

A
  1. Proximity to the sea.
  2. Altitude.
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34
Q

McLaren Vale two main areas.

A
  1. North - altitude, poor low fertility soils. Premium producers.
  2. South - flatter, high fertility. Large vineyards (majority).
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35
Q

McLaren Vale is famous for what type of wine.

A

Red, inexpensive, high volumes.

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36
Q

Most planted varietals in McLaren Vale.

A
  1. Shiraz (45%)
  2. Cabernet Sauvignon.
  3. Grenache.
  4. Chardonnay.

Also Mediterranean varieties such as Mourvedre, Sangiovese, Fiano.

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37
Q

Main sub-zone for old bush vines Grenache in McLaren Vale. What is the main feature?

A

Blewitt Springs.

Sand over clay soils to help water retention. Premium prices.

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38
Q

How the sustainable program of McLaren Vale is called?

A

Sustainable Winegrowing Australia.

Focus on sustainable water use.

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39
Q

Famous producers in McLaren Vale.

A
  1. Hardys (started with fortified wines in the 19th century).
  2. Mollydooker.
  3. Yangarra.
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40
Q

What contributes to the moderate maritime Bordeaux-like climate of Coonawarra?

A
  1. Flat land - sea breezes reach inland.
  2. Cloud cover.
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41
Q

Main climatic hazards in Coonawarra?

A
  1. Rain (even if low) affects mainly flowering and fruit set.
  2. Spring frost (spriklers are used).
  3. Lack of water - underground aquifers under hard limestone used for irrigation.
42
Q

Terra rossa soils of Coonawarra. How do they work.

A

3 layers.

  1. Iron-rich loam - alkaline so restricts nutrient access.
  2. Hard limestone - vines cannot penetrate, water access restriction.
  3. Soft limestone with water - mainly used for irrigation.

Control vigour, lower yields.

43
Q

Is terra rossa the only soil in Coonawarra?

A
  1. Limestone.
  2. Brown/black clay.

Higher yields, less concentrated grapes. They retain more water.

44
Q

Varietals planted in Coonawarra.

A
  1. Cabernet Sauvignon (eucalyptus, concentrated).
  2. Shiraz (more herbal and minty).
  3. Chardonnay (pineapple).
  4. Riesling (lower acidity and fruitier).
45
Q

Main problem of Coonawarra regarding wine production.

A

Is isolated so labour is low.

Mostly is mechanised or migrants are taken to work during summer pruning (leaf removal, green harvesting).

46
Q

Main producers in Coonawarra.

A
  1. Wynns.
  2. Katnook.
47
Q

South Eastern Australia Zone. What includes and why it was created?

A

Includes the zones of Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania, a corner of South Australia and Queensland.

GI to allow blends from different zones.

48
Q

Where wines from SE Australia zone are coming from mainly.

A

Murray-Darling Basin Area
includes Basin and Riverland (Victoria, New South Wales) and Riverina.

49
Q

Murray-Darling Basin climate and varietals.

A

Hot, continental, inland.

Moderated by rivers (Murray/Darling), but low rainfall requires irrigation.

Mostly Chardonnay and Shiraz. Mostly bulk, some small high quality.

50
Q

Producers from the Murray-Darling Basin.

A

Casella Family Brands (Yellow Tail).
De Bortoli.
Australian Vintage.
Lindeman’s (Treasury Wine Estate).

51
Q

Victoria Zones

A
  1. Port Philip Zone.
  2. Western Victoria Zone.
  3. North East Victoria Zone.
  4. Central Victoria Zone.
52
Q

History of Victoria.

A
  1. 1830s plantings in Yarra Valley.
  2. Big export when philloxera arrived in Europe.
  3. Philloxera arrival blocked sales, now replanting and focus on high quality.
53
Q

Why you can grow Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in Port Phillip?

A
  1. Altitude.
  2. Proximity to the sea.

Moderate climate.

54
Q

Yarra Valley 2 main areas and soils.

A
  1. Lower Yarra - low altitude (50mt) and loam/clay soils (irrigation needed).
  2. Upper Yarra - up to 250mt, volcanic soil (dry farming).
55
Q

Hazards in Yarra Valley.

A
  1. Cold air/frost (cool to mod climate).
  2. High rainfall (1100mm).
  3. Fungal diseases.
56
Q

Yarra Valley main grapes and styles.

A
  1. Pinot Noir (cold maceration, larger barrels rather than barriques).
  2. Chardonnay (before leaner after more oak, MLF, new oak).
  3. Shiraz/Cab Sauv (single varietal or blend, good ageing potential).
57
Q

What contributes in having a cool to moderate climate in Mornington Peninsula?

A
  1. Proximity to the sea.
  2. Wind (afternoon temp remain low).
58
Q

Hazards of Mornington Peninsula.

A
  1. Wind (even if reduce fungal can inhibit flowering).
  2. Frost.
59
Q

Soils in Mornington Peninsula.

A
  1. Flat land, high fertility, clay (needs irrigation and Lyre system to control vigour).
  2. Red Hill ridge (up to 250mt), red basalt soil.
60
Q

Why land cost is high in Mornington Peninsula?

A

Because of tourism.

Famous for holidays home and golf courses.

61
Q

Varieties in Mornington Peninsulta.

A
  1. Pinot Noir (all styles, whole bunch and French oak are now common).
  2. Chardonnay (lees, oak/new).
  3. Shiraz (high quality).
  4. Pinot Gris.
62
Q

GI within Port Phillip.

A
  1. Yarra Valley.
  2. Mornington Peninsula.
  3. Geelong.
  4. Macedon Ranges.
63
Q

Geelong moderating influences.

A
  1. Sea.
  2. Port Phillip Bay and Bass Strait.
  3. Southern winds.
64
Q

Varieties and style of Geelong.

A
  1. Pinot Noir.
  2. Chardonnay
  3. Shiraz.
  4. Cabernet Sauvignon.

All riper styles than Yarra.

65
Q

Why Geelong was important?

A
  1. Phylloxera was found here in Australia.
  2. Used to be made of small vineyards that were supplying wines to Melbourne.
66
Q

Macedon Ranges climate and location.

A

Coolest inland area of Australia.
Part of Great Dividing Range (300-800mt).

67
Q

Macedonian Ranges varietals.

A
  1. Pinot Noir.
  2. Chardonnay.

Both still and sparkling.
Also Shiraz.

68
Q

Western Victoria Zone GI.

A
  1. Grampians/Pyrenees.
  2. Henty.
69
Q

Grampians and Pyrenees climatic advantages.

A
  1. Gentle lower slopes - reduce frost risk.
  2. Low rainfall (250mm) but sand/loam soils to retain.
  3. Altitude tup to 440mt.
70
Q

Grampians and Pyrenees main varietals.

A

Shiraz.

From fresh to more full bodied styles.

71
Q

Henty climatic advantages and main varietal.

A
  1. Cold antarctic winds.
  2. High sunshine hours.
  3. Altitude up to 460mt.

Riesling (but also Pinot Gris, Noir, Chardonnay, Shiraz and Cab).

72
Q

North East Victoria Zone GIs.

A
  1. King Valley.
  2. Becchworth.
73
Q

King Valley location and climatic features.

A

Foothills of Great Dividing Range.

  1. Altitude up to 860mt.
  2. High rainfall levels.
  3. River influences.
74
Q

King Valley: who planted there and influences.

A

Italian immigrants after WW2.

  1. Sparkling Prosecco style from Glera.
  2. Pinot Grigio.
  3. Nebbiolo/Sangiovese (even if Cab and Merlot are mostly planted).
75
Q

Beechworth main climatic feature and varietals.

A

Altitude (up to 1000mt).

Chardonnay, Shiraz, Sangiovese, Nebbiolo.

76
Q

Central Victoria Gis.

A
  1. Heathcote.
  2. Goulburn Valley. (warm plains, Rhone varietals also white)
  3. Bendigo (warm plains, reds)
  4. Upper Goulburn (cooler, Chardonnay)
77
Q

Heathcote climatic feature and main varietal.

A
  1. Foothills Great Dividing Range up to 320mt,
  2. Strong southern winds.

Shiraz.

78
Q

Gippsland Zone climatic specs and varietals.

A
  1. Tropical wet weather. 500mm.
  2. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot.
79
Q

New South Wales zones.

A
  1. Hunter Valley.
  2. Central Ranges.
  3. Southern New South Wales.
80
Q

New South Wales general climate.

A

Warm. Sub-tropical.

  1. High humidity/rainfall.
  2. Protected by tropical weather system by Great Dividing Range.
81
Q

Hunter Valley Zone climate.

A
  1. Hotter, tropical
  2. High diurnal range.
  3. 500mm during mainly growing season (high fungal).
  4. Some areas are directly looking towards the coast, other are not covered by Great Dividing Range so have tropical storms.
  5. Sand/clay loams.
  6. First region to start and finish harvesting.
82
Q

Varietals in Hunter Valley.

A
  1. Semillon - picked early, no skin contact (gentle press) or oak. mod temperatures.
  2. Chardonnay - both oaked or easy.
  3. Shiraz - oak, foudres.
83
Q

Central Ranges 3 main GIs.

A
  1. Orange.
  2. Mudgee.
  3. Cowra.
84
Q

Main climate specs for Central Ranges zone.

A
  1. Altitude (inland side of Great Dividing Range).
  2. Protected by tropical storms.
85
Q

Orange climate specs, soils and varietals.

A
  1. Slopes of Mount Canobolas (ancient volcano).
  2. Red volcanic basalt, clay loams, shallow gravel.
  3. High winds (less spring frost, more disrupt fruit set.

Shiraz, Cab Sauv, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc. Also inexpensive Pinot Gris.

86
Q

Southern New South Wales GIs.

A
  1. Canberra.
  2. Hilltops.
  3. Tumbarumba.
87
Q

Southern New South Wales climate.

A
  1. Continental.
  2. Sheltered from maritime influences by hills and Snowy Mountains,
  3. Altitude up to 850mt.
  4. Winter freeze and frost hazards.
  5. Mostly Shiraz production (e.g. Clonakilla) and Riesling.
88
Q

Tasmania climate and specs.

A

Cool maritime.

  1. Southern Ocean.
  2. West winds.
  3. High rainfall.
  4. Mountains sheltering from winds in certain areas.
  5. High risk of spring frost.
89
Q

Tasmania famous subzones.

A
  1. Coal River
  2. Piper’s RIver
  3. Tamal Valley
90
Q

How is southern Tasmania compared to the north?

A
  1. Much cooler (latitude).
  2. Long sunshine hours.
  3. More dry/less humid.

Site selection is fundamental for maximum sunlight exposure.

91
Q

Main varieties planted in Tasmania.

A
  1. Pinot Noir.
  2. Chardonnay (both also for sparkling).
  3. Also Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Shiraz in warmer sites.
92
Q

South West Australia Zone (Western Australia) most important GIs.

A
  1. Margaret River.
  2. Great Southern.
93
Q

Margaret River climatic specs.

A
  1. Cold Southern Ocean and warm Indian Ocean (temperatures are moderated but they don’t drop).
  2. 1000mm rainfall, mostly in winter.
  3. Flat area with a central ridge with gravel soils. Generally everything is low fertility.
94
Q

Varieties in Margaret River.

A
  1. Cabernet Sauvignon most planted (blend with Merlot).
  2. Chardonnay (MLF blocked to retain acidity).
  3. Semillon/Sauvignon blanc blends in Bordeaux style.
95
Q

Great Southern two main areas (divided in sub-zones) and climates.

A
  1. Albany/Denmark - maritime climate.
  2. Mount Barker, Porongup, Frankland River - continental (altitude).

Mostly no more than 350mm rainfall.

96
Q

Varieties in Great Souther,

A

1, Shiraz.
2. Cabernet Sauvignon.
3. Riesling (Porungup, cooler).

Also Sauvignon Blanc (single varietal) and Chardonnay.

97
Q

Are growers still a thing in Australia?

A

Still strong growers present but many are stopping producing and selling grapes now.

98
Q

What companies are making the most of Australian wines and export?

A
  1. Accolade Wines.
  2. Casella Family Brands.
  3. Treasury Wine Estates.
  4. Pernot Ricard.
  5. Australian Vintage

87% of exports.

99
Q

Major exporting countries for Australian wines.

A
  1. UK.
  2. China.
  3. USA.
  4. Canada.
  5. Germany.
100
Q

China and Australian exports history.

A
  1. China led export rising in the last 5 years. 18% rise because of China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (reduce tariff and shipping).
  2. Suddenly was dropped, China put high tariffs on Australian wine.
101
Q

Where is most wine sold in Australia?

A

Domestic market - cellar doors. Over 50%.

Also much interest in new varietals - producers are experimenting more and more.

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