Australia Flashcards
Simply summarise the Australian GI hierarchy system
Zones - Can be huge, can be states or several states e.g. South Australia
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
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
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
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