Australia Flashcards
When was Australia’s vine-pull scheme
Australia’s vine pull scheme was in the 1980’s which unfortunately saw the uprooting of many of Barossa’s oldest vines.
What was the first vintage of Penfold’s Grange Hermitage
1951
What was the first vintage of Henschke’s Hill of Grace. Where is this vineyard?
1958, Hill of Grace is a single vineyard in Eden Valley
When did Australia begin to use the idea of GI’s to delineate wine growing regions
1994
How does Wine Australia define a region and a sub-region
A single tract of land comprising at least five independently owned vineyards of at least five hectares a piece with a minimum annual output of 500 tonnes of wine grapes.
What are RDI and PRD and how do they differ
RDI is Regulated Deficit Irrigation and PRD is Partial Rootzone Drying. RDI is used at key points during the growth of the vine to induce stress. Used after fruit set, RDI could limit vegetative growth while reducing berry size and increasing color, but for aromatic grape varieties it may negatively impact the development of aromatic compounds. RDI, however, only marginally reduces total water use and isn’t very efficient. PRD reduces total water usage by up to 50% by alternating the application of drip irrigation from one side of a vine row to the other.
Is Chaptalization legal in Australia? Is Acidification legal in Australia?
Chaptalization is not legal, but acidification with tartaric acid is legal.
What are the classifications of the Barossa Old Vine Charter
Old Vine: 35 years old
Survivor Vine: 70 years old
Centenarian Vine: 100 years old
Ancestor Vine: 125 years old
What wine is Seppeltsfield best known for in Barossa
Seppeltsfield is best known for their 100 Year Old Para Liqueur, which is essentially cosidered a national treasure due to how rare it is and how little is released each year.
Name two factors that allow producers in McClaren Vale to pursue organic and biodynamic viticulture easily
They are phylloxera free, like all of South Australia, and they have a windy, warm climate that helps keep vines free of fungal disease.
What are “Scarce Earth” wines
The Scarce Earth project seeks to recognize the unique “terranes” or subsoils and microclimates of McClaren Vale. This allows members of the McClaren Vale Sustainable Winegowing Australia to submit Shiraz from a single site to be approved as a “Scarce Earth Wine.” To be considered, vines must be at least 10 years old, and the wines are judged based on taste factors such as not overshadowed by oak, general faults, or over/under ripeness.
Where would you find Lake Alexandrina
South Australia, specifically just south of Langhorne Creek GI and Currency Creek GI. (Fleurieu Zone)
What is the hottest GI of Fleurieu; What is the coolest GI; What is the wettest GI; What is the driest GI
Hottest GI: McClaren Vale
Coolest: Currency Creek
Wettest: Kangaroo Island
Driest: Southern Fleurieu
What GI’s of South Australia are directly influenced by the Gulf of St. Vincent
- Adelaide Plains
- McClaren Vale
- Southern Fleurieu
- Kangaroo Island
What GI’s of Fleurieu are directly influenced by Lake Alexandrina
Langhorne Creek and Currency Creek
Wendouree, Sevenhill Cellars and Jim Barry are all producers from which GI
Clare Valley, Mount Lofty Ranges, South Australia
Unofficial subregions of Clare Valley
- Polish Hill
- Watervale
- Auburn
- Sevenhill
- Clare
What’s the average elevation of vineyards in Clare Valley
400-550 meters
Subregions of Adelaide Hills GI
- Lenswood
- Piccadilly
(Mount Lofty Ranges, SA)
What is the most planted grape of Adelaide Hills and in what subregion is it the best quality. Name a producer
Sauvignon Blanc is the most planted grape of Adelaide Hills, specifically in the subregion Lenswood. Noteworthy producers include Geoff Weaver and Henschke who makes his Coralinga SB here.
What is the coolest region in the Adelaide Superzone, what is the warmest?
Coolest: Adelaide Hills
Warmest: Adelaide Plains
Who produces John Riddoch and where is it from
Wynns produces John Riddoch, which is a Cabernet Sauvignon from Coonawarra in the Limestone Coast
What South Australian GI’s are influenced by the Southern Ocean
Kangaroo Island, Southern Fleurieu and Currency Creek in Fleurieu
Mount Benson and Robe in the Limestone Coast
What is Australia’s oldest continuously-operating vineyard and where is it
Wyndham Estate, located in Hunter Valley, founded by George Wyndham in 1828 which then fostered the first commercial vineyard planting of Shiraz in 1830.
Subregions of Hunter
Upper Hunter
Broke Fordwich
Pokolbin
Where would you find Belford, Dalwood and Allandale
Lower Hunter. These are all considered unofficial subregions of Hunter.
Name three significant producers in the Hunter Valley
Tyrrell’s
Brokenwood
Wyndham Estate
Name the two most significant climatic influences on the vines of the Hunter Valley
The Pacific Ocean which provides humidity and the location of the GI on the Eastern side of the Great Dividing Range which means Hunter receives much more rainfall than the regions on the western side which have protection from the rain shadow. This also means producers have to pick much earlier in the summer due to fear of rain and rot, which means even though its a subtropical climate, wines tend to be high in acidity and lean.
What is the highest mountain range in Australia. Name the GI’s it directly impacts.
The highest mountain range in Australia is Snowy Mountain, which is part of the Great Dividing Range. This mountain directly impacts vineyards of Gundagai and Tumbarumba in Southern New South Wales, but has the most impact on vines in Tumbarumba, which is located right on the mountain’s foothills. In Tumbarumba, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay dominate due to the cold climate and the majority of the region’s wines are sparkling.
Who produces Vat 1? Who Produces ILR Reserve? Where do these wines come from and from what grape are they made?
Vat 1: Tyrrell
ILR Reserve: Brokenwood
Both of these wines come from Hunter Valley, Specifically in Pokolbin in Lower Hunter. They are both top examples of Semillon which are released 5 and 6 years, respectively, after the vintage
What winery takes credit for the first varietal bottling of Chardonnay in Australia?
Tyrrell’s, with their famous Vat 47 Chardonnay from Hunter Valley, first made in 1971. But, Craigmoor also made a Chardonnay in this vintage from their estate in Mudgee in the Central Ranges and its said that Alf Kurtz of Mudgee Wines released Chardonnay before either of these producers but just not very much of it.
Name the Zones of South Australia
- Barossa
- Fleurieu
- Mount Lofty Ranges (These first three constitute the Adelaide Superzone)
- Far North
- Limestone Coast
- Lower Murray
- The Peninsulas
Name the Regions of Barossa
- Barossa Valley
- Eden Valley
Name the Subregion of Eden Valley
High Eden
Name the Regions of Fleurieu
- Currency Creek
- Kangaroo Island
- Langhorne Creek
- McClaren Vale
- Southern Fleurieu
-Name the Regions of Mount Lofty Ranges
- Adelaide Hills
- Adelaide Plains
- Clare Valley
Name the Subregions of Adelaide Hills
- Lenswood
- Picadilly
Name the Region of Far North
Southern Flinders Ranges (South Australia)
Name the Regions of the Limestone Coast
- Coonawarra
- Mount Benson
- Padthaway
- Robe
- Wrattonbully
- Mount Gambier
Name the Region of Lower Murray
Riverland
Where do Majella, Penley Estate and Wynns produce wine?
Coonawarra in the Limestone Coast
Who was Maurice O’Shea
Maurice O’Shea was a winemaker in Hunter Valley at the Mount Pleasant winery. He is best known for his varietal Shiraz and Shiraz/Pinot Noir blend from this estate. The wines set the standard for Shiraz from Hunter Valley
Discuss the relationship between Mudgee GI and Hunter GI
Mudgee is located in the Northern portion of the Central Ranges. Mudgee borders Hunter, but is located on the Western side of the Dividing Range and has an altitude about 400-500 meters higher than Hunter. Mudgee has a drier, sunnier, less humid climate with greater diurnal shifts in temperature than Hunter with budbreak and harvest often occurring a full month after Hunter.
Where does Craigmoor produce wine? What is historically significant about this winery?
Craigmoor produces wine in Mudgee in the Central Ranges. Despite Tyrrel claiming to make the first varietal bottling of Chardonnay, Craigmoor had been cultivating the grape for half a century before Tyrrel released his wine. Craigmoor was also the first winery established in Mudgee in 1858. Pieter van Gent was the proprietor at the time.
What is the highest elevation vineyard site in all of Australia
The highest altitude vineyard is on Black Mountain in New England Australia in the Northern Slopes Zone. This vineyard sits at 1,320 meters above sea level. Orange GI in the Central Ranges contains Australia’s more productive highest vineyard sites, starting at the 600 meter mark and rising up to over 1000 meters. The highest point here is Mount Canobolas, an extinct volcano.
What is the coldest GI of the Central Ranges? What is the Warmest GI?
The coldest GI of the Central Ranges in Orange due to it’s extremely high elevation from the Dividing Range. The warmest is Cowra, which is the furthest south and lowest in elevation.
Which GI experiences more rainfall than any other GI in Australia
Hastings River, within the Northern Rivers GI.
For what red grape is Shoalhaven Coast GI best known
Shoalhaven Coast in the South Coast of New South Wales is best known for its plantings of Chambourcin
For what red grape is Southern Highlands GI best known
The Southern Highlands GI in the South Coast of New South Wales is best known for its plantings of Tempranillo
What two rivers is the Big Rivers Zone referring to?
The Murray and the Murrumbidgee Rivers
Who is the largest family-owned winery in Australia. Name three of their brands.
Casella, located in Riverina GI within the Big Rivers Zone of New South Wales. The winery is best known for Yellowtail and their other labels are Casella and Peter Lehmann
Who produces Noble One and where does it come from? What was the first vintage?
Noble One is a botrytis-affected Semillon made by De Bortoli. The wine comes from Riverina in Big Rivers in New South Wales. The first vintage was 1982
Where would you find the Snowy Mountain. Name two appellations most affected by it.
Snowy Mountain part of the Great Dividing Range. It has the most impact on GI’s in the Southern New South Wales Zone, specifically Canberra District GI and Tumbarumba GI, although it also provides a rain shadow for Gundagai
Where does Clonakilla produce wine? What label are they best known for. What was the first vintage?
Clonakilla is one of the most famous wineries in the Canberra District in Southern New South Wales. The most famous label from their estate was the Shiraz-Viognier which debuted in 1992.
What is significant about the producer Lark Hill
Lark Hill makes wine in the Canberra District GI in Southern New South Wales. They are famous for planting Australia’s first Gruner Veltliner vines.
What three GI’s in New South Wales does the Murumbidgee River run through?
- Murray Darling in Big Rivers
- Riverina in Big Rivers
- Gundagai in Southern New South Wales
What style of wine is Tumbarumba GI best known for? Why?
Tumbaruma, located in Southern New South Wales is best known for its sparkling wine made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. This GI is located in the foothills of the Snowy Mountain which is part of the Great Dividing Range, causing the area to be much cooler. Many of the vineyards are prone to frost which keeps the number of producers there small.
Name the Zones of New South Wales
- Northern Slopes
- Northern Rivers
- Hunter Valley
- Central Ranges
- Big Rivers
- Western Plains
- South Coast
- Southern New South Wales
Name the Regions of Big Rivers Zone
- Murray Darling**
- Swan Hill**
- *Shared with NW Victoria**
- Perricoota
- Riverina
Name the Regions of the Central Ranges from North to South
- Mudgee
- Orange
- Cowra
Name the Subregions of Hunter
- Broke Fordwich
- Pokolbin
- Upper Hunter
Name the Region of the Northern Rivers Zone
Hastings River
Name the Region of the Northern Slopes Zone
New England Australia
Name the Regions of the South Coast Zone and the most significant grape of each
- Shoalhaven Coast = Chambourcin
- Southern Highlands = Tempranillo
Name the Regions of the Southern New South Wales Zone. Which region is best known for sparkling wine?
- Hilltops
- Gundagai
- Canberra District
- Tumbarumba (known for sparkling)
What is the general climate of Port Philip Zone? Where is Port Philip?
The general climate of the Port Philip Zone is Mediterranean. Port Philip is located in Victoria, specifically in the South and the body of water connects to the Bass Strait.
What are the most planted red and white grape of Yarra Valley? Where is Yarra Valley?
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the most planted red and white grapes of Yarra Valley. Yarra Valley is within Port Philip in Victoria. The proximity to the South Ocean and the Great Dividing Range help to keep the climate cool here.
Which famous Champagne house established a winery for traditional method sparkling wine in Yarra Valley?
Moet Chandon with their Domain Chandon estate
What is MV6
MV6 is a clone of Pinot Noir brought to Australia from Clos Vougeot
What is the driest GI of Port Philip. Name two particular viticulture risks here.
The driest GI of Port Philip is Geelong. Sprint frosts and wind damage are often problems for the wineries
Where would you find Otways, Bellarine, and the Moorabool Valley
These appellations are all unofficial subzones of Geelong GI in the Port Philip Zone of Victoria
Where do By Farr and Bannockburn produce wine?
By Farr and Bannockburn produce wine in Geelong GI in Port Philip Zone within Victoria.
Where would you find the highest altitude vineyard sites in Port Philip
The highest altitude vineyard sites in Port Philip are within the Macedon Ranges GI. Generally these vines are between 400-600 meters in elevation
Where does Bindi Wine Growers produce wine, name two of their wines
Bindi Wine Growers makes wine in the Macedon Ranges GI in Port Philip, Victoria
They are best known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The Chardonnay is called Quartz and the Pinot has labels such as: Block Five Kaye Original Vineyard Dixon
They also make wine in Heathcote in Central Victoria under the Pyrette label.
Name the GI’s of Port Philip
- Geelong
- Sunbury
- Macedon Ranges
- Yarra Valley
- Mornington Peninsula
What GI separates the Port Philip Bay from the Bass Strait?
Mornington Peninsula in Port Philip
What is the coolest GI of mainland Australia
Macedon Ranges in Port Philip, Victoria
Where does Jasper Hills produce wine? What style of wine are they best known for?
Jasper Hills is one of the best wineries in Heathcote within Central Victoria. They are known for rich styles of Shiraz.
Name two major geographic influences on the vines in Heathcote
Volcanic Cambrian soil called greenstone which is prized for growing vines and the elevation influences from the Mt. Camel Range.
Where does Tahbilk produce wine? Name some of their flagship bottlings
Tahbilk produces wine in Goulburn Valley in Central Victoria. They are known for their pre-phylloxera 1860 Vines Shiraz and 1927 Vines Marsanne which are some of the oldest Marsanne vines in the world
Name the subregion of Goulburn Valley
Nagambie Lakes
Name the GIs of Central Victoria
Bendigo Heathcote Goulburn Valley Upper Goulburn Strathbogie Ranges
What is the general climate of Rutherglen? Name two geographic features that influence the vines here.
Continental. Rutherglen is influenced by the Murray River which is its Northern border and the Victorian Alps.
(North East Victoria)
What is “Black Dog”
Fine sandy loam encountered in Rutherglen
Name 4 Rutherglen Muscat producers
Campbells Chambers All Saints Morris Pfieffer Stanton & Killeen Rutherglen Estates Buller
What is the grape of Topaque
Muscadelle
Name the GI’s of Northeast Victoria
Rutherglen Glenrowan Alpine Valley Beechworth King Valley
What GI contains the highest elevation sites in Northeast Victoria
King Valley
Where does Giaconda produce wine? What are they best known for?
Giaconda produces wine in Beechworth. They are best known for their Estate Vineyard Chardonnay which is Exceptional classification from Langtons
Name the subregion of Grampians GI
Great Western
Where does Bass Philip produce wine? What style of wine are they best known for?
Bass Philip produces wine in Gippsland GI in southeastern Victoria. The winery sits by the Bass Strait body of water. They are best known for their Reserve Pinot Noir, which carries the Excellent distinction from Langton’s classification
Name the GI’s of Western Victoria
Grampians
Henty
Pyrenees
What is the hottest GI of Australia
Swan Valley in Swan District
Where would you find Yallingup, Carbunup, and Wilyabrup
These are unofficial subregions of Margaret River. Wilyabrup is essentially the heart of the region and home to Vasse Felix, Cullen and Moss Wood
Name two major geographical influences on the vines in Margaret River
- Proximity to water including the Indian Ocean to the west, Southern Ocean to the south and Geographe bay in the north.
- Leeuwin-Naturalist Ridge, which is a band of rolling hills.
What is “Gladstone’s Line”
Gladstone’s Line is 115 longitude 80’ E and marks the eastern border of the Margaret River GI
Who were the “First Five” of Margaret River
- Leeuwin Estate
- Cullen
- Cape Mentelle
- Vasse Felix
- Moss Wood
What is the general climate of Margaret River
Mediterranean with dry summers and rainy winters
For what grape is the Gingin clone commonly used in Western Australia. How else is the grape called and what is unique about how the grape grows.
Gingin is a clone of Chardonnay used in Western Australia and goes by the name Mendoza elsewhere. This clone is known for “Hen and Chicks” berries which basically means uneven size and ripening.
What was the first commercially released wine in Margaret River
Vasse Felix Cabernet 1972
Name the subregions of Great Southern GI
- Denmark
- Albany
- Porongurup
- Frankland River
- Mount Barker
(South West Australia)
What is the westernmost GI of West Australia
Margaret River
Name the GI’s of South West Australia
- Blackwood Valley
- Geographe
- Great Southern (with 5 subs)
- Manjimup
- Margaret River
- Pemberton
Name the GI’s of Greater Perth
- Peel
- Perth Hills
- Swan District
Where would you find Ferguson Valley and Donnybrook
These are unofficial subregions of Geographe GI, within South West Australia
Where would you find Pipers River and Tamar Valley
Northern Tasmania
Where would you find Derwent Valley, Huon Valley, and Coal River
Southern Tasmania
Where does Jansz produce wine? What style are they best known for?
Jansz produces wine in Tasmania and is best known for traditional method sparkling wine.
