Australia Flashcards
What is the most widely planted red grape variety in Australia?
Shiraz.
What is the most widely planted white grape variety in Australia?
Chardonnay.
What are Australia’s three largest wine-producing states?
South Australia, New South Wales, and Victoria.
What is the labeling law for varietal wines in Australia?
At least 85% of the wine must be made from the stated variety.
What is the role of the Great Dividing Range in Australian viticulture?
Creates microclimates by influencing rainfall and temperature.
What is the primary export market for Australian wines?
China, followed by the United States and the United Kingdom.
What is the significance of the “Bin Number” system on Australian wines?
It is a proprietary labeling system often used by producers like Penfolds to identify specific blends or batches.
What is the climate of most of Australia’s wine regions?
Mediterranean or warm climate, with cooling influences from oceans and altitude.
What is the primary organization for Australian wine regulation?
Wine Australia.
What percentage of Australia’s vineyards are certified sustainable?
Over 75%.
What percentage of Australia’s wine production comes from South Australia?
Approximately 50%.
What is the primary grape variety of Barossa Valley?
Shiraz.
Describe Shiraz from Barossa Valley.
Bold, full-bodied wines with ripe black fruit, chocolate, and spice.
What is a notable producer in Barossa Valley?
Penfolds, known for its Grange Shiraz.
What is the primary style of Grenache from McLaren Vale?
Juicy and fruit-driven with red berry and spice notes.
What is the primary white grape variety of Clare Valley?
Riesling.
Describe Riesling from Clare Valley.
Dry and high-acid with citrus, lime, and mineral notes.
What is a notable producer in Clare Valley?
Grosset, known for its Polish Hill Riesling.
What is the role of elevation in Clare Valley?
Higher elevations provide cool nights, preserving acidity in whites.
What is the typical alcohol range for Shiraz from Clare Valley?
13.5–15%.
What is the primary grape variety of Coonawarra?
Cabernet Sauvignon.
Describe Cabernet Sauvignon from Coonawarra.
Medium- to full-bodied with mint, eucalyptus, and cassis flavors.
What is the significance of terra rossa soils in Coonawarra?
These red, clay-loam soils over limestone are ideal for premium Cabernet Sauvignon.
What is a notable producer in Coonawarra?
Wynns Coonawarra Estate.
What is the climate of Coonawarra?
Cool maritime, with significant ocean influence.
What is the primary white grape variety of Hunter Valley?
Semillon.
Describe Semillon from Hunter Valley.
Low-alcohol, high-acid wines that develop complex toasty, honeyed flavors with age.
What is a notable producer of Semillon in Hunter Valley?
Tyrrell’s Wines.
What is the typical alcohol range for Hunter Valley Semillon?
10–11.5%.
What is the primary red grape variety of Hunter Valley?
Shiraz.
What is the climate of Mudgee?
Warm and dry, suitable for bold reds like Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.
What is the primary grape variety of Orange, New South Wales?
Chardonnay.
What is the altitude range of vineyards in Orange?
600–1,100 meters, making it one of the coolest regions in New South Wales.
What is a notable sparkling wine producer in Tumbarumba?
Courabyra Wines.
What distinguishes Riesling from Canberra District?
Elegant and aromatic with floral and lime notes.
What is the primary grape variety of Yarra Valley?
Pinot Noir, followed closely by Chardonnay.
What distinguishes Pinot Noir from Yarra Valley?
Elegant and medium-bodied with red fruit and earthy undertones.
What is a notable producer in Yarra Valley?
De Bortoli, known for its premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
What is the role of altitude in Yarra Valley vineyards?
Elevations up to 400 meters provide cooler temperatures.
What is the average growing season temperature in Yarra Valley?
19–21°C (66–70°F).
What is the primary style of wine from Rutherglen?
Fortified Muscat and Topaque.
What grape variety is used for Rutherglen Muscat?
Muscat à Petits Grains Rouge.
What distinguishes Pinot Noir from Mornington Peninsula?
Light-bodied with bright acidity and red cherry flavors.
What is the primary soil type in Mornington Peninsula?
Volcanic and sandy loam.
What is a notable producer in Rutherglen?
Campbells Wines.
What is the primary style of wines from Margaret River?
Bordeaux-style red blends and Chardonnay.
What distinguishes Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaret River?
Medium- to full-bodied with blackcurrant, mint, and fine tannins.
What is the typical alcohol range for Chardonnay from Margaret River?
13–14.5%.
What is a notable producer in Margaret River?
Leeuwin Estate, known for its Art Series Chardonnay.
What is the climate of Margaret River?
Mediterranean with significant maritime influence, ensuring consistent ripening.
What is the role of the Australian Geographical Indication (GI) system?
Defines wine regions and subregions based on geographical and climatic characteristics.
What is the oldest continuously operating winery in Australia?
Yalumba, established in 1849.
What is the role of blending in Australian winemaking?
Regions and grape varieties are often blended to create balanced and consistent wines.
What is the significance of GSM blends in Australia?
Grenache, Shiraz, and Mourvèdre blends are inspired by Rhône wines but are typically riper and fuller-bodied.
What is the primary export market for Australian Shiraz?
The United States.
What is the influence of diurnal range on Australian vineyards?
Large temperature swings between day and night help preserve acidity and develop ripe flavors.
What is a “single vineyard” designation in Australian wines?
Indicates all grapes are sourced from a specific vineyard, highlighting terroir.
What is the role of screw caps in Australian winemaking?
Widely adopted to prevent cork taint and preserve freshness, particularly for white and aromatic wines.
What is the typical alcohol range for Australian Shiraz?
13.5–15.5%.
What is the significance of fortified wine production in Australia?
A historic tradition, particularly in regions like Rutherglen, producing Muscat and Topaque.
What is the average vine age in Barossa Valley?
Many vineyards have vines over 100 years old, some dating back to the 19th century.
What distinguishes Grenache from Barossa Valley?
Rich and full-bodied with red fruit, spice, and floral notes.
What is a notable producer of old-vine Grenache in Barossa Valley?
Cirillo Estate, known for its 1850 Grenache.
What is the role of the Mediterranean climate in McLaren Vale?
Warm days and cooling sea breezes create ideal conditions for Shiraz and Grenache.
What is a notable producer in McLaren Vale?
d’Arenberg, known for its “Dead Arm” Shiraz.
What is the primary white grape of Adelaide Hills?
Sauvignon Blanc.
What distinguishes Chardonnay from Adelaide Hills?
Cool-climate style with vibrant acidity and citrus-driven flavors.
What is a notable producer in Adelaide Hills?
Shaw + Smith, known for Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz.
What is the primary style of Riesling from Eden Valley?
Dry and high-acid with lime, floral, and mineral notes.
What is a notable producer in Eden Valley?
Henschke, known for its Hill of Grace Shiraz and premium Riesling.
What is the primary focus of wine production in Riverland?
High-volume wines, often used for blends and bulk production.
What is the role of sustainability in Riverland viticulture?
Many vineyards adopt water conservation and solar energy practices.
What distinguishes Langhorne Creek Shiraz?
Soft, approachable wines with red fruit and spice.
What is the primary soil type in Langhorne Creek?
Alluvial soils with good drainage.
What is a notable producer in Langhorne Creek?
Bremerton Wines, known for Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.
What distinguishes aged Semillon from Hunter Valley?
Gains complexity with toasty, honeyed, and nutty flavors while maintaining low alcohol and high acidity.
What is the primary soil type in Hunter Valley?
Sandy loam and volcanic soils.
What is the role of vintage variation in Hunter Valley Semillon?
Wet vintages can dilute quality, while dry vintages enhance ripeness and acidity.
What is a notable producer of Shiraz in Hunter Valley?
Brokenwood, known for its Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz.
What is the typical style of Shiraz from Hunter Valley compared to Barossa?
Lighter-bodied with softer tannins and earthy, savory notes.