Australia Flashcards

1
Q

Describe Australia’s wine law

A

there is a hierarchy of GIs incorporating zones, regions, and sub regions

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2
Q

what is a zone in Australia

A

a large area without any particular qualifying attributes

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3
Q

what can a zone be in Australia

A

either states (south Australia) or cover several states (south eastern Australia)

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4
Q

what type of zone is rarely seen on a label in Australia?

A

ones that make up part of a state - except for Barossa

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5
Q

Give some examples of regions in Australia?

A

Clare Valley, Coonawarra, and Margaret River

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6
Q

Describe a region in Australia

A

smaller than zones and can vary in size, they must have consistent and distinct qualities from neighboring regions.

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7
Q

When are regions split into sub regions in Australia

A

if there are notable areas that have distinct and unique qualities

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8
Q

Although a sub region must fall within one region explain zones ? and give an example

A

some regions are covered by several zones
Eden valley is a region within Barossa zone which is within the zone of south Australia which is in turn within the zone of South Eastern Australia

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9
Q

what has Australia been successful at

A

taking international grape varietals and crafting them into unique new styles.

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10
Q

Give examples of some of most famous varietals Australia has crafted new styles for?

A

lime flavored Rielsings, full bodied Shiraz, elegant Cabernets, and subtle Semillons that evolve for decades

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11
Q

What is Australia’s principle grape of either color

A

Shiraz - grown in most regions

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12
Q

What type of regions can produce full bodied intensely fruit flavored Shiraz in Australia

A

hot regions such as Hunter Valley and warm regions such as Barossa Valley

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13
Q

What are the characteristics of a Shiraz from Australia

A

earthy or spicy notes and develop leather aromas as they age.

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14
Q

Describe the climate of Australia

A

the land mass is similar to USA and larger than Europe giving a diverse set of climates, but due to latitude the main growing regions have hot or warm climates. most regions have low rainfall and irrigation in the growing season is essential.

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15
Q

Most of regions in Australia are tempered by what?

A

either the Indian or Southern Oceans or the Murray River system

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16
Q

what regions are cooled by altitude in Australia?

A

Eden Valley and Adelaide Hills

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17
Q

what is a major problem in Australia

A

drought - even years where the Murray RIver which supplies irrigation can be low

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18
Q

what else is a problem in Australia caused by hot summers and dry conditions?

A

bush fires even the smoke of the fires can cause a pungent taint in the wines

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19
Q

where have planting increases in Australia

A

higher altitudes on the mainland and in Tasmania which is more southerly in latitude

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20
Q

Wine makers are beginning to make more restrained styles of Shriaz in AUstralia - describe them

A

leaner more peppery - made in cooler regions such as Geelong and Heathcote. these are often combines with blends

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21
Q

What does Shiraz do when blended with Cab Sauv

A

gives a softness and body - similar to a Merlot in Bordeaux

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22
Q

Describe an Australian Cab Sauv

A

usually darker with firmer tannins and higher acidity than Shiraz displaying black fruits (black currant, black cherry) often underpinned with toasty oak notes.

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23
Q

what are classic regions in AUstralia for Cab Sauv

A

Coonawarra and Margaret River Valley.

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24
Q

Where is Merlot typically found in Australia

A

blended with Cab Sauv to prove plummy fleshy fruit and body

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25
Q

Where are the best PInot Noirs found in Australia

A

in cooler or moderate regions such as Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula and Tasmania

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26
Q

Describe characteristics of best PInot Noirs in Australia

A

med bodied, with med alcohol, med-high acidity, and typical flavors of cherry and strawberry.

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27
Q

What varietals is perfect to ripen in Australia’s hot regions

A

Grenache, Petit Verdot, and Mataro (mourvedre) - Tempranillo and Sangiovese have recently become popular as well due to the hot climate

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28
Q

what is the most planted white grape variety in Australia?

A

Chardonnay - made in a range of styles

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29
Q

Describe a basic Australian Chardonnay

A

a blend of fruit from different regions, produced unoaked to give peachy flavors or with the aid of oak chips or staves to add vanilla or hints of toast.

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30
Q

Describe a high end Chardonnay from a cool or moderate climate In regions such as Adelaide Hills, Mornington Peninsula and Yarra Valley or Margaret River

A

often beautifully balanced with fresh vibrant fruit complemented by subtle flavors from careful use of lees, MLF and oak Maturation.

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31
Q

What region is the benchmark of Sauvignon Blanc In Austrailia?

A

Adelaide Hills.

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32
Q

Describe a Sauvignon Blanc from Adelaide Hills

A

concentrated passion fruit with refreshingly high acidity.

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33
Q

What is the classic region for Semillon in Australia

A

Hunter Valley - although widely planted

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34
Q

Describe characteristics of Semillon wine from Hunter Valley

A

has distinctive style. harvested early, with low sugar levels and high acidity. contact with oxygen is kept at a minimum and inert vessels are used for fermentation and storage. resulting wines are light in alcohol, and almost neutral in flavors when first bottled, but develop extraordinary flavors with age of honey and toast.

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35
Q

How long can the best Semillon wines from HUnter Valley be aged in the bottle

A

20 years or more.

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36
Q

Describe a Semillon from Western Australia

A

more herbaceous style made which can be mistaken for Sauvignon Blanc

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37
Q

Describe a Barossa Valley style Semillon

A

fuller body softer style traditionally, but early picked unoaked versions now also being produced

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38
Q

Describe Riesling from Australia

A

style unique to Australia having pronounced citrus aromas (lime, grapefruit, lemon) in youth that quickly develop into toast, honey and petrol as the wine ages. typically unoaked with high acidity and are usually dry or off dry. although some sweet ones are made

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39
Q

what are classic regions for Rieslings in Australia

A

Eden and CLare Valleys, in South Australia. Tasmania and the Frankland River sub regions are also developing a reputation for reislings that are less citrus and more floral.

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40
Q

Describe the South eastern australian zone

A

“super zone” in Australia that covers all the GIs within south australia, Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland which allows for blending across of most of AUstralia’s ergions.

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41
Q

Wines labeled with South Eastern Australian zone are what kind of brands

A

high volume brands which take advantage of sourcing fruit from Riverland, Murray-Darling and Riverina, which have high yields of healthy grapes but lack the flavor concentration from high quality areas

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42
Q

How is wine enhanced that is made in high quantities but low qualities in AUstralia

A

blending components from regions such as Barossa, Adelaide Hills or McLAren Vale.

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43
Q

What does Riverina also speciailze in

A

Semillon made from botrytised grapes - morning fogs and mists help with development of noble rot

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44
Q

Where is the majority of Austraila’s wine produced

A

South Australia

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45
Q

where are the vineyards concentrated in South Australia

A

south east of the state

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46
Q

What is the heartland of wine production in Australia

A

BArossa Valley which is to the north of Adelaide

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47
Q

What kind of climate is seen in BArossa

A

warm dry climate that uses bush vines

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48
Q

What varieties are produced in outstanding quality in BArossa

A

Shiraz, CAbernet Sauvignon, and Grenache

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49
Q

Describe a classic SHiraz from Barossa

A

full bodied, with soft tannins, ripe black fruit complemented by sweet american oak. as it ages it develops aromas of spice and leather

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50
Q

what is the most notable white variety in Barossa

A

Semillon - made in fresh unoaked style

51
Q

Wines with a Barossa Label are made where?

A

come from Barossa zone and and can be made from fruits sourced from Barossa and Eden Valley

52
Q

Where is Eden valley

A

located in the hills to the east of Barossa Valley

53
Q

describe eden Valley climate

A

cool to moderate climate that varies with altitude

54
Q

Describe a Riesling from Eden Valley

A

outstanding quality made in cooler vineyards, having intesne lime and grapefruit characteristics with a steely character. the best have longevity displaying marmalade and toasty characters after 10 years

55
Q

besides reisling, what other varietals are seen in Eden Valley

A

shiraz, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon

56
Q

what is the specialty of Clare Valley

A

Rielsing

57
Q

where is CLare Valley

A

north west of barossa valley.

58
Q

describe climate of clare valley

A

warm climate is tempered by cool afternoon breezes and cold nights. many vineyards are planted at 300-400 m even as high as 570 m.

59
Q

Describe Clare Valley Rieslings

A

dry in style intense citrus and lime aromas and high acidity. can develop honey and toast characters with bottle age.

60
Q

Describe Clare Valley Shiraz

A

fragrant, powerful and structured,

61
Q

Describe a Cab Sauv from Clare Valley

A

can be produced with varying styles depending on soil and elevation. best ones have a long aging potential

62
Q

Where is Adelaide HIlls region

A

25 km east of Adelaide

63
Q

Describe the climate of Adelaide Hills

A

moderate where all vineyards are planted above 400 m in altitude. rainfall occurs mostly in the winter and soils have little water retaining capacity which means irrigation is necessary during the growing season.

64
Q

What is Adelaide Hills region known for

A

refreshing Sauvignon Blancs and elegant Chardonnays that have high neutral acidities and pronounced citrus and peach aromas.

65
Q

What other varietal is grown in Adelaide Hills

A

PInot noir for still reds and to blend with Chardonnay for sparkling

66
Q

Where is McLaren Vale located?

A

on the coast to the south of Adelaide.

67
Q

Describe the climate of McLaren Vale

A

afternoon breezes from nearby ocean temper the warm climate.

68
Q

What type of wine does McLaren Vale largely produce?

A

red wine - Cab Suav, Merlot. Shiraz, and Grenache

69
Q

Describe characteristics of red wines from McLAren VAle

A

intensely flavored with dark fruit aromas and have soft ripe tannins.

70
Q

Where is Coonawarra

A

narrow strip of land that is 1.5 km wide by 1.5 km long. it is 400 km southeast of Adelaide towards the Victorian border

71
Q

Describe Coonawarra climate

A

Has a distinctive red terra rossa soil over a limestone subsoil. under influence of cold currents from the Antarctic the maritime climate is moderate and cloud cover moderates summer temperatures

72
Q

What varietal predominates in Coonawarra?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon

73
Q

What varietals besides Cab are also planted in Coonawarra?

A

Shiraz, Merlot, and Chardonnay

74
Q

Describe characteristics of a Cab in Coonawarra

A

concentrated structured wines with characteristics of cassis, and eucalyptus, or menthol aromas- best examples age very well.

75
Q

Where is Victoria Austraila

A

located around Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay

76
Q

Describe the climate of Victoria Australia

A

some of the coolest vineyard locations on Austrailian mainland. Benefit from ocean breezes allowing to grow high quality Pinot Noir and CHardonnay for sparkling wine

77
Q

Where is the Great Diving Range found? and what does it provide

A

further inland from Victoria - a range of altitudes and aspects

78
Q

What varietals are seen in high altitude sites of Macedon Ranges and Upper Giulburn?

A

Elegant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay as well as aromatic Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc

79
Q

What do regions in Victoria on lowers slopes grow?

A

later ripening black varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz - often fresher and lighter then those from hotter regions

80
Q

Where is Yarra Valley located?

A

to the north east of Melbourne

81
Q

describe the climate of Yarra Valley

A

broadly speaking it is cool to moderate and maritime. but varied widely with wide range of altitude and aspect.

82
Q

What is the specialty varietal in Yarra VAlley

A

Pinot noir - making sparkling and table wines

83
Q

Describe Pinot Noir from YArra Valley

A

rich in fruit with strawberries, plums and dark cherries. Tannins are ripe and soft. careful oak handling adds complexity. age worthy wines are made by the best

84
Q

Besides PInot Noir what other varietals are found in Yarra Valley

A

Chardonnay, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon

85
Q

What varietals are prominent in Mornington Peninsula

A

PInot Noir and CHardonnay

86
Q

what is the climate of Mornington Peninsula

A

located to south of Melbourne, coastal wine region has a cool to moderate maritime climate. vintages can vary widely due to chance of cool wet and windy weather at flowering time and often at harvest.

87
Q

What do the best years look like in Mornington Peninsula

A

long growing season,, producing fragrant elegant wines with finesse.

88
Q

Describe a Pinot Noir from Mornington Peninsula

A

ranges from light and delicate to more structured but they all tend to display pure fruit characteristics

89
Q

Describe a Chardonnay from Mornington Peninsula

A

reflect cool conditions having citrus and pear and apple aromas, high acidities that are usually softened by MLF

90
Q

Where is the Geelong region in Australia

A

to the west of Melbourne

91
Q

What is the climate of Geelong

A

similar to Mornington Peninsula

92
Q

Describe a Geelong CHardonnay

A

renowned for its quality and tends to be complex concentrated and full bodied.

93
Q

What are the major red grapes planted in Geelong

A

pinot noir and shiraz - also used for sparkling

94
Q

Describe a PInot Noir from Geelong

A

it can take on many earthy flavors

95
Q

Describe a Shiraz from Geelong

A

generally fresh and peppery

96
Q

Where is Heathcote

A

located in the center of Victoria much further inland than Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula and Geelong.

97
Q

Describe the climate of Heathcote

A

cooling influences come from altitude rather than ocean giving a moderate climate

98
Q

Describe Shiraz from Healthcote

A

firmer structure and fresher fruit flavors than those of warmer reasons

99
Q

Besides Shiraz what other varieties are grown in Healthcote

A

Chardonnay and Cab Sauv as well as Mediterranean grapes like Sangiovese and Tempranillo

100
Q

Where is Gouldburn Valley located?

A

to the east of Healthcote

101
Q

What is the climate of Gouldburn?

A

heat is mitigated slightly by the lakes and creeks associated with the Gouldburn River

102
Q

What is the most planted variety in Gouldburn?

A

Shiraz

103
Q

What is the specialty grape of Gouldburn

A

Marsanne - producing wines of citrus fruits in youth and developing honeyed aromas with bottle age

104
Q

Which region has the longest history of wine production in Austrailia?

A

New South Wales

105
Q

What is the main region in New South Wales?

A

Hunter Valley - however, Mudgee, Orange and Cowra offer slightly cooler conditions.

106
Q

Where are vineyards in New South Wales located

A

inland from Sydney on the western slopes of the great Diving Range, planted at altitude

107
Q

What type of concentrated wines are produced in New South Wales

A

Chardonnay, and Cab Sauv

108
Q

WHat is the climate of Hunter Valley

A

hot humid climate. high cloud cover and ocean breezes reduce the effect of heat during peak of summer. Lots of rainy unsettled weather at harvest.

109
Q

What is needed in Hunter VAlley to minimise rot?

A

good canopy management techniques

110
Q

What is the most planted grape variety in Hunter Valley

A

Semillon - light bodied, low in alcohol, high acidity and flavors initially rather neutral but evolve into complex spectrum of toast, nut and honey flavors with bottle age

111
Q

What is another widely planted variety in Hunter Valley

A

Chardonnay - both oaked and unoaked

112
Q

What is the largest produced black variety in Hunter Valley

A

Shiraz - producing wines of black fruit flavors (cherry, and blackberry) soft tannins, med body and earthy undertones

113
Q

Where are wine regions of Western Australia located

A

south west tip of this large state

114
Q

Describe wines from Western Australia regions

A

only wines not part of South Eastern Australia Super zone. often blended together and labelled as Western Australia

115
Q

Where is Margaret River region located?

A

about 200 km south of Perth.

116
Q

Describe climate of MArgaret River ?

A

coastal region has warm maritime climate. rainfall is high compared to other Australian regions, but falls mainly in the winter.

117
Q

what variety is mainly planted in MArgaret River?

A

CAb Sauv and often blended with Merlot in a bordeaux like blend.

118
Q

Describe Chardonnay from MArgaret River

A

concentrated stone fruit flavors , high levels of natural acids, a range style is produced using barrel aging and MLF to add complexity

119
Q

Describe Sauvignon Blanc from Margaret River

A

also widely planted, often blended with Semillon resulting in wines with gooseberry and tropical fruit aromas with high acidity.

120
Q

What is included in the Great Southern region in Australia

A

the sub regions of Mount Barker and Frankland river

121
Q

What are the sub regions of Mount Barker and Frankland river known for

A

deeply colored Cab Sauvignon, elegant peppery Shiraz and floral Riesling

122
Q

Describe Tasmania’s climate

A

cool maritime cool by prevailing winds off teh SOuthern Ocean providing conditions generally free from extremes

123
Q

Describe wine styles in Tasmania

A

started as sparkling, but now also makes still wines

124
Q

What are prinicple varieties from Tasmania

A

Pinor Noir, CHardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris, but even Cab Sauvignon can ripen in the warmest driest areas.