Australia Flashcards
When and where were the first vineyards planted in Australia?
The first vineyards were planted in New South Wales in the late eighteenth century, and commercial viticulture was established in multiple areas across the southern swath of the continent between 1820 and 1840.
When and how did Victoria recover from the phylloxera setbacks in the late 19th century?
Recovered quickly with a shift toward fortified wines from warmer regions located principally in South Australia.
What is unique about Australia’s climate?
- World’s driest inhabited continent with a hot desert interior that is inhospitable to viticulture.
- Most wine regions are clustered in the southeastern part of the continent in temperate latitudes near major cities.
What is the Australia soil types?
Ancient, eroded, and nutrient-poor soils with great diversity
What are the Australia white grape varieties?
- Chardonnay
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Semillon
- Riesling
What are the Australia red grape varieties?
- Shiraz
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
- Grenache
- Pinot Noir
What is imperative to viticulture on Australia?
- Irrigation
- The warm, dry climate tends to produce very ripe grapes. It is important — though often difficult — to maintain adequate natural acidity for achieving balance in finished wines.
What is important about the two style of wineries in Australia?
Boutique and industrial-scale wineries coexist.
Why has Australia’s wine industry long been a world leader in technological development?
- Strong innovative culture
- Expansion could only be achieved through mechanical innovation due to labor shortages
What is unique about the distance between vineyards and wineries in Australia and how does it affect vinification there?
- Often widely separated - Grapes are trucked hundreds of miles and blended from multiple growing sites to produce attain consistent flavors year to year.
When is picking often performed in Australia and why?
Picking is often performed at night to preserve freshness and acidity.
