Australia Flashcards
Australia
Australia has one of the most diverse ranges of sparkling wines of any New World country. Premium wines take their lead from Champagne, made using the traditional method and using Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. However, tank method and carbonation are often preferred when making sparkling wine from aromatic grape varieties, such as those of the muscat family. Of course, Australia has also made its own unique contribution to the world of sparkling wines: Sparkling Shiraz
Location- Australia
White and Rose
Premium Sparkling wines- Predominately cool Yarra Valley, Adelaide Hills and Tasmania, and alpine region of Victoria and New South Wales
Bulk Sparkling wines- Mainly Riverland, Riverina and Murray- Darling. Wines are often simply labelled as ‘South Eastern Australia’
Sparkling Shiraz
High quality examples can be found from Barossa, Mclaren Vale, Clare Valley, Coonawarra and Rutherglen, often specifying a region on the label. Cheaper wines may come from Riverland, Riverina or Murray- Darling or be a blend of grapes from a number of regions.
Climate- Australia
White and Rose
Grapes for premium sparkling wines are grown in Australia’s coolest regions.
Cooling influences in an otherwise warm climate may come from sea breezes (Tasmania) or altitude (Adelaide Hills).
Riverland, Riverina and Murray- Darling are hot regions where irrigation is often essential.
Vineyard- Australia
White and Rose
For premium sparkling wines site location is key, and slow ripening in cool temperatures means grapes can be picked when they have lost unripe green flavours and yet still high acidity and low sugar levels.
Early picking may be needed in bulk wine areas.
Sparkling Shiraz
Grapes are selected for ripe fruit and soft tannins.
Grape Varieties- Australia
Mainly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Small plantings of Pinot Meunier.
Various grapes varieties belonging to the Muscat family are also frequently used for lightly sparkling wines.
Shiraz (and occasionally other red varieties).
Winery- Australia
White and Rose
Premium Sparkling Wines- Where volumes allow transfer method may be practiced to avoid the riddling process, however the most expensive sparkling wines are made by traditional method. These wines often see extensive lees ageing.
Bulk Sparkling Wines- Tank method and carbonation are used to provide wines with clean, fresh fruit flavours. Acid additions may be necessary for grapes grown in warm regions.
Sparkling Shiraz
Premium quality wines are made using the traditional method. Lighter styles of wine are made using the tank method or carbonation.
Styles- Australia
A full range of styles are made; Non- vintage, Vintage, Rose, Blanc de Blanc, Blanc de Noir.
If a region, grape variety is stated on the label 85% of the grapes must come from that origin, variety or year.
Important Trade Structures- Australia
Producers either specialise in sparkling wines or make a sparkling wine to complement their wider product range. Most producers own some vineyards although larger businesses may buy in extra fruit.
