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WSET 4 Unit 3 > Australia > Flashcards

Australia Flashcards

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1
Q

What is the climate in Australia?

A
  1. Overall the climate is hot Mediterranean with a maritime influence near the coast.
  2. There are cool climate regions such as Tasmania and high altitude mainland sites
  3. The climate in inland wine regions especially Victoria and South Australia is continental with hotter summers and milder winters than mainland Europe
  4. The Hunter Valley is subtropical with warm temperature, high humidity and cloud cover
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2
Q

What are these three biggest issues facing the Australian wine trade?

A
  1. Climate change and impact on water availability and quality
  2. Supply-demand imbalanced leading sometimes to over production while capacity grows
  3. Aggressive pricing with wine sold at heavily discounted prices with little profit for the company
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3
Q

What has been the cause of Australia’s success in the international wine world?

A
  1. Varietals labelled wines that give a wine drinker a clear idea of what they can expect when they buy a bottle
  2. Clear concept of marketing and creating labels, both back and front that appeal to the shopper
  3. Investment in wine technology and innovation
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4
Q

How big is the Australian wine trade?

A
  1. Australia is the 5th largest wine producer
  2. Australia is the 5th largest wine exporter
  3. Australia has ~135ha of vines
  4. Australia has ~2,500 wineries
  5. Australia has an annual production of over 1.37 litres
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5
Q

Is Australia in the top 5 wine exporting countries?

A

Yes, it is the fifth largest wine exporting country and the fifth largest wine producing country

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6
Q

Is Australia one of the biggest wine producing countries?

A

Yes it is the fifth largest wine producing country and the fifth largest wine exporter

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7
Q

What is the Australian hierarchy of production areas?

A 
Super zones - South Eastern Australia GI
State Zones - 
Area Zone
Regions - Eden Valley
Sub regions - High Eden
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8
Q

What percentage of Australian vineyards does the super zone ‘South Eastern Australia’ cover?

A

95% it allows blending from different regions whilst still allowing the region to be used on the label in Europe. It is typically used for cheap bulk wine from the Murray-Darling corridor

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9
Q

If a variety is included on a label of Australian wine how much of that stated variety needs to be in the blend?

A

85% blended wines often include the names of the predominant varieties which must be listed in decreasing order of importance

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10
Q

How many wine regions are there in Australia?

A

65 eg Eden Valley, Goulburn Valley

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11
Q

How many sub regions are there in Australia?

A

There are 14 subregions including High Eden and Nagambie Lakes

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12
Q

Which areas make up the Murray-Darling corridor?

A
  1. Riverina
  2. Murray-Darling
  3. Swan-Hill
  4. Riverland
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13
Q

Which did Australia phase out the use of Burgundy, Claret, Chablis etc?

A

Due to EU laws protecting denominations of origin

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14
Q

What are some of Australia’s oldest vines?

A

Un grafted, bush trained Shiraz

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15
Q

What is the topography like in Australia?

A

Vineyards are generally planted near the coast on flag rolling countryside due to arid, desert conditions inland, exception of Murray-Darling where the rivers once provided water for irrigation, drought is now threatening this

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16
Q

Are Australia’s vineyards wire trained?

A

Yes most young vineyards are wire training for ease of pruning and machine harvesting.

Some of the world’s oldest vines are in Australia, these are ungrafted, bush trained Shiraz

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17
Q

What is the only notable fine wine made in the Murray Darling corridor?

A

De Bortoli’s ’Noble One’ a botrytised Semillon from Riverina in the style of a fine Sauterne

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18
Q

Did Phylloxera reach Australia?

A

Yes. Historically important vineyards in Victoria were destroyed by Phylloxera and have had further recent outbreaks. March the second Phylloxera outbreak in a month was recorded.

South Australia has never been plagued by Phylloxera and has some very old ungrafted Shiraz vines.

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19
Q

How much of Australia’s total wine production does South Australia account for?

A

About half of Australia’s total wine production

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20
Q

What is more important in Australia white or black grapes?

A

Black grapes. Black grapes account for over 3/5 of Australian plantings. Of these almost half are Shiraz and almost a third Cabernet Sauvignon

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21
Q

How important is Victoria region of Australia?

A

Victoria accounts for 25% of total production

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22
Q

What is the climate in Tasmania?

A

It is a cool climate region

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23
Q

What percentage of production does Western Australia enjoy?

A

Only 3% of production but 30% of awards. High quality, commanding high prices on the international market.

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24
Q

How many different varieties are grown in Australia?

A

Around 90 but there are 8 main white and 8 main red varieties

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25
Q

What are the eight main red varieties in Australia? In order of importance.

A
  1. Shiraz
  2. Cabernet Sauvignon
  3. Merlot
  4. Pinot Noir
  5. Ruby Cabernet (bulk wine only)
  6. Grenache
  7. Mataro (Mourvèdre)
  8. Cabernet Franc
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26
Q

What is the most important grape variety in Australia?

A

Shiraz

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27
Q

What are the 8 most important white grape varieties in Australia?

A
  1. Chardonnay
  2. Thomson Seedless (bulk wine)
  3. Sauvignon
  4. Semillon
  5. Riesling
  6. Muscat Gordo Blanco (bulk wine)
  7. Colombard (bulk wine)
  8. Verdelho
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28
Q

What are the top 5 white grape varieties in Australia?

A
  1. Chardonnay
  2. Thomson Seedless (bulk wine)
  3. Sauvignon Blanc
  4. Semillon
  5. Riesling
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29
Q

What are the top five grape varieties in Australia?

A
  1. Shiraz
  2. Chardonnay
  3. Cabernet Sauvignon
  4. Merlot
  5. Sauvignon Blanc
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30
Q

What is the most important white grape variety in Australia?

A

Chardonnay

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31
Q

What is the Classic Australian region for Sémillon?

A

Hunter Valley, in New South Wales inland from Sydney

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32
Q

What are the two classic regions for Riesling in Australia?

A

Eden Valley

Clare Valley

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33
Q

What are the two classic regions for Cabernet Sauvignon in Australia?

A

Coonawarra

Margaret River

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34
Q

What is the only real quality wine from Big Rivers Zone in Australia?

A

Sweet botrytised Sémillon from Riverina, DeBortolli make a ‘Noble One’

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35
Q

Why is grey rot a problem in Lower Hunter Zone?

A

Due to high rainfall at harvest

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36
Q

Why does being close to Sydney help Hunter Valley?

A

The proximity to Sydney means it enjoys a lot of tourism and hence wine sales

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37
Q

What grape dominates in the Upper Hunter Valley Zone?

A

Chardonnay

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38
Q

Why is the Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon from Central Ranges Zone concentrated?

A

Cool climate

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39
Q

What is planted at higher altitudes in Australia’s Central Ranges Zone?

A

Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling
In the hilltop region Chardonnay and Sémillon is grown
Reds such as Cabernet Sauvignon are at lower vineyards

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40
Q

Why is frost a problem in Canberra district?

A

It is a problem at high altitude vineyards

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41
Q

What is grown at high altitude vineyards in Canberra?

A

Pinot Noir and Riesling?

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42
Q

Why are fungal diseases a problem in Port Philip Zone, Australia?

A

The climate is cool and wet, leading to under-ripeness and fungal diseases

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43
Q

What is the most widely planted grape in the Port Philip Zone?

A

Chardonnay with citrus character and crisp acidity due to cool wet climate

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44
Q

What is the climate in Mornington Peninsula?

A

Maritime

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45
Q

Where is the Mornington Peninsula?

A

South of Melbourne in Victoria

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46
Q

What do the boutique producers in Mornington Peninsula specialise in?

A

Chardonnay and Pinot Noir

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47
Q

What does the Central Victoria Zone - The Goulburn Valley and Heathcote regions specialise in?

A

Distinctive whites from Rhône Varieties, Marsanne, Rousanne and Viognier; Quality Rieslings, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon

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48
Q

What wines is Tasmania known for?

A

Sparkling wines, also producing elegant Pinot Noir and white wines from Alsatian varieties

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49
Q

Why is their lots of healthy fruit in Lower Murray Zone, Riverland region?

A

Hot climate, low rainfall

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50
Q

Why do wines from Riverland reach sugar ripeness before phenolic ripeness?

A

The hot climate

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51
Q

What is the Classic region for Shiraz?

A

Barossa Valley? It is full bodied, soft and spicy developing aromas of leather with age

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52
Q

What grape does Adelaide Hills specialise in?

A

Cool, climate Chardonnay with elegance, high acidity and nectarine and lemon character

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53
Q

What colour is the soil in Coonawarra?

A

Red terra Rossa soil over a limestone base producing excellent Cabernet Sauvignon.

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54
Q

What are the main viticultural problems in Coonawarra?

A

Spring frost
Rain at harvest
Under-ripeness of fruit due to cool climate as influenced by ocean currents.

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55
Q

Who coined the term ‘Flying winemaker’?

A

Tony Laithwaite

He hired a team of young Australian winemakers to work on the 1987 vintage in a French co-op winery

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56
Q

What was the original idea behind ‘flying winemakers’?

A

To apply Australian hard work and technological expertise to inexpensive grapes.

It worked as there was a number of highly trained winemakers who are relatively ideal during harvest time in the northern hemisphere

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57
Q

What three things can be considered a sign of Australian influence on the wine world?

A
  1. Wine production
    - flying winemakers - hard working
    - pioneered canopy management, irrigation techniques such as partial rootstock drying and high tech soil mapping
    - hygiene
    - water usage
    - research and innovation from Australian Wine Research Institute and Australian oenology and viticultural universities like Roseworthy, Adelaide and Charles Stuart University
  2. Marketing
    - developing and selling brands
    - varietal labelling
    - consumer-friendly labels
  3. Distribution
    5th biggest exporter of wines
    Important exporter to US & UK
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58
Q

Why is grafting commonly used in Australia?

A

Usually grafting is done to protect against Phylloxera.

Phylloxera has never entered the states of South Australian Western Australia and Tasmania nor Hunter Valley in New South Wales.

Top grafting is practiced to allow vineyards to respond to changes in market demand and fashion by changing just the fruiting varieties and leaving the established root system.

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59
Q

What does ‘Special Late Harvested’ mean in relation to Australian wines?

A

A term which according to EU law should be applied to wines of more than 15% made in Australia from fresh ripe grapes of which a significant proportion has been dried out using natural conditions in a manner favouring the concentration of sugars in the berries.

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60
Q

What is Roseworthy?

A

Australia’s first agricultural college established in 1883.

Located north of Adelaide in South Australia close to Barossa Valley

It trained a high proportion of winemakers and viticulturalists in Australia and New Zealand and contributed to the technical standing of the Australian wine industry.

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61
Q

What is Charles Sturt University?

A

One of Australia’s foremost research and teaching institutions for grape growers and wine makers.

Launched in 1976 to a satisfy the growing need for wine industry in addition to Roseworthy.

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62
Q

Who was Len Evans?

A

A promoter, taster, judge, teacher, writer and maker of wine that did more to advance the cause of wine in Australia than any other.

He was one of the few to see the future lay in table wine rather than fortified wines and helped establish table wine as important to Australia’s social life and economy.

A natural performer, he turned blind tasting into a competitive sport and convinced Australian’s that real men could indeed drink table wine.

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63
Q

Who was James Busby? And what are the 3 things he is celebrated for?

A

James Busby (1801-1871) is the so called father of Australian viticulture.

Celebrated for his:

  • enthusiasm for development of viticulture in Australia
  • writings on viticulture
  • vine importations

He was convinced of the future of viticulture in the colony and wrote several important books/manuals on how to cultivate wine in Australia

He created a significant collection of vine cuttings and important clones of Chardonnay and Shiraz vines can be traced back to his imports.

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64
Q

Which country established the wine show System?

A

Australia

Wine shows to place in each Australian state

Trophies and medals awarded are used extensions in marketing and promotions

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65
Q

What is a lifestyle winery?

A

A term coined in New Zealand for a small winery established and run , typically by an educated young to middle-aged couple who have access to funds generated by another career, more for its lifestyle appeal than as a strictly commercial proposition

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66
Q

How much of the trade does cellar door/direct to consumer sales account for in Australia?

A

~10% of total domestic sales volume and over 50% of revenue for half of Australian wine makers (those making up to 5,000 cases per year)

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67
Q

What affects the sun exposure of grapes in the Hunter Valley?

A

Significant fog which moderates the sub tropical climate

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68
Q

Which is Australia’s biggest export market by value?

A

China

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69
Q

How much of Australia’s total wine is exported?

A

60% Australia is the 5th biggest exporting country

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70
Q

What are Australia’s top 5 exporting markets?

A
  1. Mainland China (33% of value)
  2. USA (18%)
  3. UK (14%)
  4. Canada (7%)
  5. Hong Kong (5%)
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71
Q

How much of Australia’s exported wine is exported to China?

A

33% of Australian exports go to mainland China

5% to Hong Kong

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72
Q

How much of Australia’s exported wines go to the UK?

A

14%

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73
Q

How important to Australia is the US market?

A

The USA represents 14% of value of total exports

Canada is 7%

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74
Q

What is the climate in Clare Valley, Australia?

A

Continental

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75
Q

What moderates temperatures in Clare Valley?

A

Afternoon breezes moderate summer heat

Altitude - 400-500m

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76
Q

Where geographically is Clare Valley?

A

South Australia

Northern extremity of Mount Lofty Ranges

400-500m altitude

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77
Q

What wine is Clare Valley known for?

A

Riesling - Australia’s benchmark style of Riesling

Although it does make red wines of considerable weight. Cabernet Sauvignon either varietal or blended with Shiraz or Merlot

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78
Q

What is the soil in Clare Valley?

A

Free draining with significant limestone deposits

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79
Q

What altitude do vineyards sit at in Clare Valley?

A

400-500m

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80
Q

What is the taste profile of a Clare Valley Riesling?

A

Drier and leaner than Eden Valley.

Mouth puckering acidity, notes of citrus fruits, apples and minerals

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81
Q

What is varietal Cabernet Sauvignon like in Clare Valley?

A

Inky, rich and full bodied with a characteristic eucalyptus note

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82
Q

Name a top producer in Clare Valley?

A

Grosset (The Grosset Polish Hill Riesling is one of the region’s best with the winemaker Jeff Grosset strongly influenced by his early career experience in Germany)

Jim Barry

Kilikanoon

Wendouree

83
Q

Key facts re Clare Valley?

A
  1. Fine wine region in South Australia
  2. Strongly continental climates warm summer days and cool nights
  3. Altitude of 400-500m
  4. Afternoon breezes and altitude moderate climate
  5. Known for Benchmark Australian Riesling - drier and leaner than Eden Valley, mouth puckering acidity, citrus fruits, apple and minerals, evolving into more complex toasty character with age
  6. Also produces weighty reds - full bodied inky Cab Sav and Cab blends
  7. Free draining soils with limestone deposits
84
Q

The Barossa Zone incorporates which two quality wine regions?

A

Barossa Valley

Eden Valley

85
Q

Where is Barossa Valley?

A

In South Australia

North East of Adelaide

Sheltered from the sea by Mount Lofty Ranges of which the Barossa Ranges form part

86
Q

Who established vines in Barossa in 1842?

A

Silesian settlers, the Germanic heritage lingers in the architecture and cuisine of the region and the importance of Riesling and names of winemaking families

87
Q

What is the climate in Barossa Valley?

A

Continental with hot and dry summers

88
Q

How much of plantings are black grapes in Barossa Valley?

A

2/3 of plantings

89
Q

Why are the grapes remarkably concentrated in Barossa Valley?

A

Heat, drought and infertility

Vine stress means vine is focused its energy on grapes. Roots need to bore deep beyond the inferior clay soils to drink at the water table

90
Q

What is Barossa Valley known for?

A

It’s old vine Shiraz many are planted on own roots (ungrafted)

Dark, Rich, opulent, sophisticated Shiraz

91
Q

What is the classic Barossa Valley Shiraz style?

A

Extremely dark, rich, opulent and sophisticated Shiraz

92
Q

What is the most planted white variety in Barossa Valley?

A

Sémillon

Followed by Chardonnay and Riesling

Shiraz is king though

93
Q

What is Shiraz often blended with in Barossa Valley?

A

Old vine Grenache and Mourvèdre (Mataro) in a Southern Rhône style blend GSM

Or with Cabernet Sauvignon

94
Q

Key facts re Barossa Valley

A
  1. Heart of Australian fine wine
  2. The most famous wine region in Australia
  3. Increasing trend towards plantings off The Valley floor on higher ground on the hillsides
  4. Ungrafted 150 year old old vine Shiraz, Mourvèdre & Grenache - dry grown - unmatched anywhere else in the world
  5. Barossa Zone includes Barossa Valley and Clare Valley
  6. Continental climate
  7. 2/3 of plantings are red. Shiraz reigns supreme
  8. Top white variety is Sémillon, followed by Chardonnay and Riesling
95
Q

Where is Eden Valley?

A
  1. Wine region in South Australia
  2. North East of Adelaide
  3. Adjacent and South east of Barossa Valley
  4. Lies in the Barossa Ranges, vineyards at altitude
96
Q

What accounts for about half of all plantings in Eden Valley?

A

Black varieties

But Eden Valley is chiefly known for dry, austere Riesling

97
Q

What is the Shiraz in Eden Valley like compared to Barossa Valley?

A

Shiraz from Eden Valley is lighter in body, higher in acidity and more savoury than Shiraz from Barossa Valley

Elegant? Medium body Shiraz like Hill of Grace

98
Q

What is the style of Riesling from Eden Valley?

A

Dry, austere and textural Riesling that are long lived

99
Q

Where is Henschke’s Hill of Grace sourced from?

A

A single vineyard in the Eden Valley

100
Q

What is Penfold’s Grange?

A

A Shiraz dominated blend that is often thought of as Australia’s first growth sourced gem vineyards all around South Australia

101
Q

Key facts re Eden Valley?

A
  1. Wine region in South Australia (High Eden is a sub region)
  2. Reputation for lime juice accented long lived Riesling, high quality, medium bodied dry/off dry high acidity. Lemon and lime developing into honey, petrol and toast with age
  3. Elegant medium bodied Shiraz (Hill of Grace - Australian wine icon)
  4. Adjacent and south east of Barossa in Barossa Ranges, vineyards at altitude
102
Q

What is the signature Eden Valley Riesling style?

A
  1. High quality
  2. Medium bodied
  3. Dry/off dry
  4. High acidity
  5. Lemon and lime when young
  6. Developing honey, petrol and toast with age
103
Q

What is Coonawarra?

A
  1. Important wine region in South Australia’s Limestone Coast Zone
  2. Most important area for Cabernet Sauvignon
  3. Grown on famous ‘terra rossa’ red soils
  4. Cool, Mediterranean climate, similar to Bordeaux
  5. Slightly warmer and less growing season rainfall than Bordeaux
104
Q

What is the classic Coonawarra wine style?

A

The hallmarks of Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon is concentrated black currant and plum, verging on prune in hotter vintages

Along with a classic cedar note mingling with some eucalyptus

Fashion is for heavy structured tannins extracted in the winemaking

105
Q

What are two top producers in Coonawarra?

A

Balnaves

Majella

106
Q

What grape is Padthaway known for?

A

All major grape varieties are grown in Padthaway in South Australia but the regional speciality is long lived Shiraz

107
Q

What is the climate in Padthaway?

A

Moderately cool climate.

Warmer than Coonawarra due to more maritime influence

Richer fruit flavours than Coonawarra

108
Q

What five regions does the Fleurieu Zone encompass?

A

The Fleurieu Zone in South Australia includes:

  1. Currency Creek
  2. Kangaroo Island
  3. Langhorne Creek
  4. McLaren Vale
  5. Southern Fleurieu
109
Q

What is the climate in McLaren Vale, South Australia?

A

Mediterranean with significant maritime with considerable variations in meso climate

110
Q

Where is McLaren Vale?

A
  1. South Australia
  2. North of the Fleurieu Peninsula
  3. South of Adelaide
  4. South West of Adelaide Hills
111
Q

What tempers the climate in McLaren Vale?

A

Sea breezes from the Gulf St Vincent

112
Q

What increases the diurnal temperature in McLaren Vale and extends the ripening season?

A

Cool, nighttime air descending from the hills

113
Q

What are the soils in McLaren Vale?

A

Mostly sandy loam, significant patches of alluvial gravel, clay and lime

114
Q

What has led the most detailed terroir mapping of any wine region in the world in McLaren Vale?

A

The diversity of soils.

Mostly sandy loam with significant patches of alluvial gravels, yellow clays and lime

115
Q

What Southern Australian producer has been making exceptional Northern and Southern Rhône style wines for over 100 years?

A

D’Arenburg with its famous Dead Arm Shiraz

116
Q

What proportion of plantings are red in McLaren Vale, South Australia?

A

4/5 of plantings

117
Q

What is the flavour profile of McLaren Vale Shiraz compared to Barossa Valley?

A

McLaren Vale Shiraz is less enormous, flavour profile of chocolate, mocha, earth and spice that is more savoury than sweet.

118
Q

What is special about the Grenache in McLaren Vale?

A

Much is old vine and dry farmed - pre-Phylloxera plantings

119
Q

What is the climate in Adelaide Hills, South Australia?

A

Cool Climate

120
Q

What is the classic wine of Adelaide Hills?

A

Cool climate Chardonnay with elegance, high acidity and nectarine and lemon characters

121
Q

At what altitude must Vineyards be planted above to qualify for the Adelaide Hills GI?

A

400m +

122
Q

What is a top producer in South Australia’s Adelaide Hills?

A

Shaw + Smith
The Lane Vineyards
Tapanappa
Ashton Hills

123
Q

Who pioneered Chardonnay in Adelaide Hills in the 1970s?

A

Brian Croser one of the region’s pioneers

124
Q

What is the most planted variety in Adelaide Hills?

A

Chardonnay

125
Q

What is the their biggest wine producing state in Australia?

A

Victoria

126
Q

What is the climate in Victoria?

A

Coastal regions around Melbourne in Port Phillip Zone are cool and wet

Inland Victoria is very hot with long dry summers

127
Q

What three regions are in Port Philip Zone?

A

Mornington Peninsula
Geelong
Yarra Valley

128
Q

What are the dominant grapes in Mornington Peninsula?

A

Chardonnay

Pinot Noir

129
Q

What is the climate in Mornington Peninsula and why?

A

Maritime cool climate

South East of Melbourne on South of Australia

With water on three sides - Uber maritime

Has 740 mm of rain per year

130
Q

Where do vine grow in Mornington Peninsula?

A

On gentle sloped up to 250m in altitude

Site aspect and orientation are critical for ripening grapes and reducing disease in this cool, wet region

131
Q

What is the average rainfall in Mornington Peninsula?

A

740mm per year maritime climate

132
Q

Where is Mornington Peninsula?

A

Australia

Victoria state

SE of Melbourne

In Port Philip Zone

Water to three sides

133
Q

What is the dominant grapes in Geelong?

A

Pinot Noir
Chardonnay

Also Shiraz, Cab Sav further inland

134
Q

Where is Geelong?

A

Australia

Victoria

Port Philip Zone

West side of Port Philip Bay

135
Q

What is the climate in Geelong?

A

Similar to Mornington Peninsula

Maritime, cool climate by coast

Warmer inland

136
Q

What is the soil in Geelong?

A

Mostly red clay loam

137
Q

What can struggle to ripen in cooler year in Geelong?

A

Cab Sav and Shiraz planted inland

138
Q

Which still wine is Geelong known for?

A

Cool climate Pinot Noir

139
Q

What is the most important region in the Port Philip Zone?

A

Yarra Valley

140
Q

Where is Yarra Valley?

A

Australia

Victoria

Port Philip Zone

West of Port Philip Bay

141
Q

When did Phylloxera arrive in Yarra Valley?

A

As recently as 2006

It had been in neighbouring Geelong long before

142
Q

What geographical features define Yarra Valley?

A

The Yarra River and Yarra Ranges

143
Q

Where are vines cultivated in Yarra Valley?

A

On steep slopes and along flat alluvial riverbeds

144
Q

Why does Pinot Noir do so well in Yarra Valley?

A

Cool climate
Hilly topography
Free draining soils
Relatively dry climate

145
Q

Which grapes gives a classic Australian style in Yarra Valley?

A

Pinot Noir

146
Q

Which two grapes dominate plantings in Yarra Valley?

A

Pinot Noir

Chardonnay

147
Q

What is the altitude range in the Yarra Valley?

A

50-470m

148
Q

Which region is home to Moët and Chandon’s Australian venture?

A

Yarra Valley

149
Q

What two regions in Central Victoria specialise in Rhône varietals?

A

Goulburn Valley and Heathcote

Both make some great dry farmed Shiraz, Marsanne, Rousanne and Viognier

Goulburn has some of the oldest Marsanne plantings in the world

150
Q

What is the climate in Goulburn Valley?

A

Hot and dry but moderated by rivers and lakes

151
Q

What is the climate in Heathcote?

A

Hot and dry, although cool southerly winds help to temper the heat

152
Q

What is the soil in Heathcote?

A

Red clay soil on mountainous slopes

153
Q

What unique style is Heathcote known for?

A

Heathcote Shiraz

Dark and brooding

Notes of blackberry, plum, cherry, black pepper, leather, coffee and aniseed

Vibrant acidity

Firm and mouth coating tannins

Long finish

154
Q

What is the climate in the Pyrenees, Victoria?

A

Cool climate

155
Q

What are the two grapes most associated with the Pyrenees, Victoria?

A

Shiraz

Chardonnay

156
Q

What is the Shiraz of Pyrenees like compared to Heathcote Shiraz?

A

Pyrenees Shiraz is fruitier with less spice and smoother tannins

Heathcote Shiraz is dark and brooding, firm tannins, vibrant acidity - coffee, leather, aniseed with blackberry plum and cherry

157
Q

Which Western Victoria Zone never fell to Phylloxera?

A

Grampians

158
Q

What is Grampians best known for?

A

Shiraz

159
Q

What is the climate in Grampians?

A

Cool climate due to altitude in Great Dividing Range and inland location

160
Q

What is the style of Shiraz found in Grampians compared to other regions in Victoria or Southern Australia?

A

Shiraz with more pepper, liquorice and game notes and higher acidity

161
Q

What can help explain the low alcohol levels of Semillon in Hunter Valley?

A

Despite being essentially sub tropical there is a lot of fog/cloud cover that restricts sugar accumulation in grapes

162
Q

What wine is Hunter Valley known for?

A

Hunter Valley Sémillon is Australia’s gift to the wine world

Complex notes of toast, nuts, beeswax and tarragon, high acidity and low alcohol

Tyrell’s Vat 47 Chardonnay the classic oaked Chardonnay herolds from Hunter Valley

163
Q

Why does most Hunter Valley wine never leave New South Wales?

A

Relatively small production ~2,400 ha (less than 2% of national total) and thirsty Sydney on its doorstep

164
Q

How much of Australia’s total wine production comes from Hunter Valley?

A

Less than 2%, it has only ~2,400 ha of vineyards

165
Q

What is the classic taste profile of Hunter Valley Sémillon?

A

High acidity
Low alcohol
Complex notes of toast, nuts, beeswax and tarragon

166
Q

What is the difference between Hunter Valley Shiraz and other Australian styles?

A

More meaty, peppery, and medicinal

More muscular tannins

A touch less alcohol

167
Q

What is the climate in Hunter Valley?

A

Essentially sub tropical

750’m annual rainfall concentrated in period from Jan-April

Humid

Cloud cover and fog restricts sugar accumulation of grapes

168
Q

What is the soil in Hunter Valley?

A

Relatively infertile volcanic basalt and red clay

169
Q

What three wine regions in New South Wales make up the Central Ranges Zone?

A

Mudgee
Orange
Cowra

170
Q

What altitude must Vineyards been in Orange to qualify for the GI?

A

Above 600m

171
Q

Why are people excited by the potential for Pinot and Riesling in Orange, New South Wales?

A

The high altitude moderates hear

Warm dry summers and long dry autumns are perfect for late harvest and ripening varieties like Pinot Noir and Riesling

172
Q

What is the best performing wine in Cowra?

A

Chardonnay harvested early

173
Q

What is the climate in Cowra?

A

The flat plains of Cowra are hot and dry

174
Q

What leads to high acidity and concentration in wines of Mudgee, Central Ranges Zone - New South Wales?

A

Lack of irrigation which restricts yields and high altitude 450-1,000m

175
Q

What are the star performers in Mudgee, New South Wales?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay

176
Q

What is the climate in Mudgee?

A

As hot as Hunter Valley but with less cloud cover and rain

177
Q

What does ‘Mudgee’ translate as?

A

Nestle of hills

It is in the Central Ranges Zone of New South Wales

178
Q

How much of Australia’s wine production does New South Wales account for?

A

About a 1/3, most of this is bulk wine from Riverina and Murray-Darling

179
Q

What is the climate in Orange?

A

Cool continental climate due to altitude

Warm sunny summers and long dry autumns

180
Q

What are the two signature wines grown in Canberra District?

A

Riesling

Pinot Noir

181
Q

What is the climate in Canberra?

A

Continental

Hot dry summers and cold winters

Frost is a problem due to altitude 500-850m

Hills to the east block any sea influence

182
Q

Where is Swan District?

A

Western Australia on the coast

183
Q

Which district has the dubious honor of being the hottest district in Australia?

A

Swan District

184
Q

Which district had 90% of Western Australia’s production in 1970s and now accounts for less than 10%?

A

Swan District in the Greater Perth Zone, Western Australia

185
Q

What is the main producer in Swan District?

A

Houghton, part of Hardy’s

Produces a HWB blend Houghton White Burgundy from Verdelho, Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay

186
Q

What are the main grapes in Swan District?

A

Chardonnay
Chenin Blanc
Verdelho

Which make up the Houghton White Burgundy or HWB in Europe. Houghton part of Hardy’s is the region’s biggest producer

187
Q

How far away is Margaret River from Perth?

A

240km south

188
Q

What is the most important wine region in Western Australia?

A

Margaret River

189
Q

How much rain does Margaret River receive?

A

1100mm annually, mostly concentrated in winter

190
Q

What moderates the temperature of Margaret River?

A

Cool Indian Ocean currents

191
Q

What is the most planted variety in Margaret River?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon

192
Q

How does the Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaret River differ from Coonawarra Cabernet?

A

Margaret River Cabernet is more herbal and leafy and lacks the eucalyptus notes of Coonawarra

In short it is more French

The tannins are usually very firm and the wines reward cellaring

193
Q

What is considered by many to be Australia’s best Chardonnay?

A

The Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay from Margaret River, Western Australia

194
Q

Why did viticulture take off in Western Australia only in 1970s?

A

After a govt state commissioned report into viability of winemaking identified Margaret River as most closely matching Bordeaux

195
Q

What is the only major wine making state in Australia not to be included in the South Eastern Australia super Zone?

A

Western Australia

And the winemakers there are proud of it

196
Q

How does the Riesling of Great Southern compare to Clare and Eden Valley Rieslings?

A

Great Southern Riesling from coastal sub regions of Denmark or Albany is generally subtler, lighter in body with racy acidity

197
Q

What is the climate in Great Southern?

A

Maritime by the coast - Denmark, Albany

Continental inland - Mount Baker, Frankland River, Porongurup

198
Q

What is the soil in Great Southern, Western Australia?

A

Gravel and sandy loam

199
Q

What are the most important grape varieties in Great Southern, Western Australia?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon & Riesling

Pinot Noir, Shiraz
Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc also grown

200
Q

What are the two coastal sub-regions in Great Southern, Western Australia?

A

Denmark

Albany

201
Q

What are three inland subregions of Great Southern, Western Australia?

A

Mount Barker

Frankland River

Porongurup

202
Q

What is the Fremantle Doctor (Freo Doctor)?

A

Cooling afternoon sea breeze in Western Australia moderates Swan District

203
Q

Which three regions are in the Greater Perth Zone?

A

Swan District
Perth Hills
Peel

WSET 4 Unit 3 (42 decks)

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