Australia Flashcards
What are the three levels of Australian GI hierarchy?
- Zones
- Regions
- Sub-regions
What is the most widely planted white grape in Australia?
Chardonnay
What are the advantages to labeling a wine with the GI “South Eastern Australia?”
The wine can be a blend of many GIs across southeastern Australia, and high-volume brands can take advantage of being able to source fruit from the fertile, irrigated vineyards of Riverland, Murray-Darling, and Riverina and incorporate it into blends with higher-quality fruit.
What kinds of wines is the Riverina region known for?
- High-yields of healthy fruit from irrigated, fertile vineyards that can be used in high-volume, inexpensive wines.
- Botrytised wines made from Semillon, which thrive in the autumn morning mists and fogs.
What kinds of wines is the Barossa Valley known for?
- Warm climate Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Grenache from old bush vines.
- Semillon made in a fresh, unoaked style.
Where is Eden Valley located?
In the hills east of Barossa Valley, north of Adelaide, South Australia.
What wines is Eden Valley known for?
Outstanding quality Rieslings with intense lime/grapefruit aromas and a steely character that can age gracefully, developing notes of marmalade and toasty characters after 10 years.
What is the climate of Clare Valley?
The climate is generally warm, but is tempered by cool afternoon breezes and cold nights.
What is the climate and topography of Adelaide Hills?
Moderate climate, with all vineyards planted at altitude (400+ meters). Rainfall mainly occurs in winter.
What are the primary grape varieties grown in Adelaide Hills and what style are the wines made in?
- Sauvignon Blanc: refreshing, high-acid
- Chardonnay: elegant
- Pinot Noir: some still reds but also sparklers with Chard
What is the climate of McLaren Vale?
Warm climate, tempered by the ocean and afternoon breezes.
What types of wines are produced in McLaren Vale?
Red wines from Shiraz, Cab Sauv, Merlot, and Grenache. Intensely flavored / dark fruit aromas / soft, ripe tannin
What are the key geographic and climactic characteristics of the Coonawarra region?
- Narrow strip of land (1.5 km wide x 15 km long)
- Distinct red “terra rossa” soil over limestone subsoil
- Moderate maritime climate
- Cloud cover moderates summer temps
What is the climate of the Yarra Valley and what wines is it known for producing?
- Cool to moderate maritime climate, with very varied range of altitudes and aspects
- Known for high quality Pinot Noirs, but Chard, Shiraz, and Cab are also successful
What is the climate of the Mornington Peninsula and what wines is it known for producing?
- Cool to moderate maritime climate, with wet and windy weather that leads to high vintage variation
- Known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
What are the primary grapes of Geelong and their characteristics?
- Chardonnay: complex, concentrated, full-bodied
- Pinot Noir: earthy aromas
- Shiraz: fresh, peppery
- Sparkling wines made from PN and Chard
Where is Heathcote located and what is the factor influencing its climate?
- In the center of Victoria, further inland than Yarra/Mornington/Geelong
- Cooling influences from altitude create a moderate climate
Besides the typical Australian varieties, what other grapes have shown promise in Heathcote?
Tempranillo and Sangiovese
What is the speciality of Goulburn Valley?
Marsanne
What is the climate of Hunter Valley and what ways do vintners mitigate the climactic issues?
- Hot, humid climate tempered by high cloud cover and ocean breezes at the peak of summer. Often gets rainy weather at harvest.
- Good canopy management is essential to minimize rot.
What is the climate of Margaret River?
Warm, maritime climate with high rainfall compared to other Australian regions.
What are the main grapes of Margaret River and in what styles are the wines made?
- Cabernet Sauvignon: often blended with Merlot
- Chardonnay: stone fruits / high acid
- Sauvignon Blanc: often blended with Semillon, gooseberry and tropical fruit / high acid
What is the Great Southern region known for?
- Deeply colored Cabernet Sauvignon
- Elegant, peppery Shiraz
- Floral Riesling
What is the climate of Tasmania?
Cool maritime climate, cooled by prevailing westerly winds off the Southern Ocean.
