Australia

Question 1

Introduction of Australia sparkling.

Answer 1

• One of the most diverse ranges of sparkling wines of any New World country.
• Premium wines similar to Champagne (traditional method) using Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
• Tank method and carbonation preferred for wines from aromatic grapes like Muscat family.
• Australia has also made its unique contribution to the world of sparkling wines: sparkling Shiraz.

Question 2

Location of Australia sparkling.

Answer 2

1) White and Rosé
• Premium sparkling wines: predominantly cool Tasmania, Yarra Valley and Adelaide Hills and alpine regions of Victoria and New South Wales.
• Inexpensive sparkling wines: mainly Riverland, Riverina and Murray-Darling. Wines are often simply labeled as “South Eastern Australia”.

2) Sparkling Shiraz
• High quality examples from Barossa, McLaren Vale, Clare Valley, Coonawarra and Rutherglen, often specifying a region on the label.
• Cheaper versions: from Riverland, Riverina or Murray-Darling or be a blend of grapes from a number of regions.

Question 3

Climate of Australia sparkling.

Answer 3

White and Rosé
• Grapes for premium sparkling are grown in Australia’s coolest regions.
• Cooling influences in an otherwise hot climate may come from sea breezes (Tasmania) or altitude (Adelaide Hills).
• Riverland, Riverina and Murray-Darling are hot regions where irrigation is often essential.

Question 4

Vineyard of Australia sparkling.

Answer 4

1) White and Rosé:
• For premium, site location is key, and slow ripening in cool temperatures means grapes can be picked when they have lost unripe green flavors and yet still have high acidity and low sugar levels.
• In bulk wine areas, early picking may be needed.

2) Sparkling Shiraz:
Grapes are selected for ripe fruit and soft tannins.

Question 5

Grape varieties of Australia sparkling.

Answer 5

• Mainly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Small plantings of Meunier.
• Various grape varieties belonging to the Muscat family are also frequently used for lightly sparkling wines.
• Shiraz (and occasionally other red varieties).

Question 6

Winemaking of Australia sparkling.

Answer 6

1) White and Rosé:
• 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 with often extensive lees ageing.
• Inexpensive sparkling wines: tank method and carbonation are used to provide wines with clean, fresh fruit flavors. Acid additions met be necessary for grapes grown in warm regions.

2) Sparkling Shiraz
• Premium quality made using the traditional method.
• Lighter styles of wines made using the tank method or carbonation.

Question 7

Styles of Australia sparkling.

Answer 7

• A full range of styles are made: Non-vintage, Vintage, Rosé, Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs.
• If a region, grape variety or vintage is stated on the label, 85% of the grapes must come from that origin, variety or year.

Question 8

Important trade structures of Australia sparkling.

Answer 8

Producers either specialize in sparkling wine or make a sparkling wine to complement their wider product range. Most producers own some vineyards although larger businesses may buy in extra fruit.