Australia Flashcards
Simply summarise the Australian GI hierarchy system
Zones - Can be huge, can be states or several states e.g. South Eastern Australia, but also Barossa
Regions - e.g. Coonawara, Clare Valley, Margaret River They must have consistent and distinct qualities from neighbouring regions.
Sub-regions - Notable areas with distinct and unique qualities
Generally Australia is pretty hot name three sources of cooling
Southern or Indian oceans
Murray River System
Altitude
What are the No.1 black and white grapes in Australia?
Shiraz and Chardonnay
What are the traditional and modern styles of Australian Shiraz, and what is the most notable winemaking difference
Trad - Full body, very fruity, earthy, spicy, leather with age
Modern - Leaner more peppery style achieved by controlling extraction
What is the common style of Australian Cabernet Sauvignon?
Darker, firmer tannins with higher acidity than Shiraz.
Ripe Black fruit; Blackcurrant, Black Cherry, with toasty oak
Where does the best Australian Pinot Noir come from and what is its style?
From cool - moderate sites, like Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, Tasmania
Medium body, med alc, med~hi acidity, Cherry and Strawberry
What is the style of quality Australian Chardonnay and what is the climate like in the best regions?
Fresh, vibrant fruit, subtle lees, MLF and/or oak
Cool, moderate or just warm regions
What is the style of the better Australian Sauvignon Blancs and what are the best sites?
Concentrated Passion Fruit with hi acidity
Moderate temp regions, like Adelaide Hils
What is Semillon like?
Youthful
With age
How is it fermented?
Which region has made it its own grape?
Youthful - Light body, neutral taste
With age- Develops honey and toast, can age 20 years
Fermened protectivly: SO2 and Stainless steel all the way
Hunter Valley
What is the predominant style of Australian Riesling and in which two regions is it most famous?
Citrus - Lime, lemon and grapefruit with high acidity.
It rapidly develops notes of toast, honey and petrol
Eden and Clare Valleys
Also, Tasmania & Frankland River sub-region in Western AU
Where will you find Botrytised Semillon produced?
Riverina
Where is Barossa Valley, what’s the climate like and what is it most famous for producing and what does it taste like?
North of Adelaide
Bush vine Shiraz - Full body, soft tannin, ripe Black fruit with sweet American oak
Which regions make up the Barossa Zone?
Barossa Valley + Eden Valley
Where is Eden Valley, what’s the climate like and what white wine is it renowned for making and what does it taste like?
In the hills East of Barossa valley
Cool~moderate varying with altitude
Outstanding Riesling - Lime, grapefruit and steely
After 10 years in bottle can develop marmalade and toast
Where is Clare Valley, what’s the climate like and what white wine is it renowned for making and what does it taste like?
NW of barossa Valley
Warm with cool afternoon breezes and cold nights, altitude 300~400m but can reach 570m
Riesling - Dry, intense citrus and lime with hi acidity
with bottle age, honey and toast
Clare Valley is renowned for Riesling but which 2 black grapes does it do well with and what do they taste like?
Shiraz - Fragrant, powerful with structure
Excellent Cab Sav - Diff styles depending on vineyard location
Where are the Adelaide Hills, what’s the climate like and what is it renowned for growing?
25km E of Adelaide
Moderate, all vineyards above 400m. Only rains in the Winter so irrigation often needed.
Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay
Pinot Noir
Where is McLaren Vale, what’s the climate like, what grapes does it mostly grow, vinified in what style?
Coast S of Adelaide
Warm climate tempered by afternoon breezes
Mainly black grapes; Shiraz, Cab Sav, Merlot and Grenache being intensely flavoured with dark fruit aromas and soft, ripe, tannins.
Old vine Shiraz and Grenache too
Name the 3 high-volume wine-producing regions in the South Eastern Australia ‘Super Zone’
Riverland
Murray-Darling
Riverina
What’s that soil in Coonawarra called and how is it made up?
Red Terra Rossa over a limestone subsoil
Where is Coonawarra, what’s the climate like, what grape is it most renowned for and what does it taste like?
Narrow strip 400km South-East of Adelaide in the Limestone Coast
Moderate Maritime cooled by current from the Antarctic
Cabernet Sauvignon - Concentrated, structured, Cassis, Eucalyptus or menthol
What is it that allows vineyards in the state of Victoria produce high quality wines?
Some of the coolest vineyards in Australia, cooled by ocean breezes. The Great Dividing Range provides aspects and altitude
In the state of Victoria what is generally grown
On the higher slopes?
On the lower slopes?
Higher - Elegant Pinot Noir, Chardonna, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc
Lower - Shiraz and Cab Sav in fresher, lighter styles
Where is Yarra Valley, what’s the climate like, what is it most renowned for producing and what does it taste like?
NE of Melbourne
Cool-moderate maritime, varied by altitude and aspects
Pinot Noir - Rich fruit; strawberries, plums and dark cherries. Careful use of oak adds complexity
