Australia Flashcards
When did the first vines arrive in Australia?
1788
Who is credited with spreading commercial viticulture through Australia the first half of the 19th century? Why?
James Busby: introduced European vine cuttings in the early 1830s
Has phylloxera been an issue in Australia?
It has been found in Australia, but strict quarantining regulations enabled most areas to remain phylloxera free
There are some very old ungrafted vines such as Shiraz, Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon
When were the first wine exports from Australia?
1850
What event in Europe gave Australian wine producers an opportunity?
What happened following this event?
Phylloxera outbreak
As EU vineyards recovered, focus moved back to the domestic market, particularly fortified Muscat Gordo Blanco, Shiraz and Grenache
What style of wine was in demand in Australia after world war two as immigrants and returning tourists came to the country?
Dry, non-fortified wines
Name four large companies that appeared in Australia in the 1950s.
How did these change the industry?
Penfold’s
Hardy’s
Orlando (Jacob’s Creek)
Lindeman’s
They began to modernise the industry, pioneering use of stainless steel and temperature control
What key events happened in the 1970s in the Australian wine industry?
- Planting of vines in cooler regions
- Boutique winery movement
Why did Australian wines become so successful on export markets in the late 1980s?
- Accessible flavours (vanilla and ripe fruit)
- Labelling using grape variety and providing taste descriptors
- Targeting the lower end of the market
What happened to area under vine in Australia between 1990 to the late 2000s?
How has this changed in the modern day?
Increased dramatically: 59,000ha in 1990 to 170,000ha in late 2000s
Plantings have since fallen to 146,000ha
Why did Australia end up with huge oversupply in the 2000s?
- Increased competition from other non-EU countries
- Australian dollar was strong, making wines look expensive compared to others
- The financial crisis led to decreased demand worldwide
How did large producers respond to the oversupply?
How did this effect other growers?
- Pushed down grape prices in order to stay competitive
- Many forced out of business
What natural factors have increased the cost of production in Australia?
Droughts - increasing frequency means the cost of essential irrigation has increased.
Wild fires - loss of crop and winery equipment
How has the focus of production in Australia shifted in the last ten years?
Moving away from high volume inexpensive wines to small production and higher priced bottlings
Vineyards in Australia fall mainly between which latitudes?
30 to 37 degrees south
How does Australia’s flat topography affect vineyards?
It allows cooling influence of the oceans to travel far inland
How does the Great Dividing Range effect vineyards?
- Creates a barrier protecting many of the southeastern vineyards from tropical weather systems coming off the Pacific Ocean
- Regions in the rain shadow receive little rainfall
What is the importance of the Murray Darling Basin?
Important source of irrigation water for many vineyards, although in recent serious droughts the supplies have started running low
Name two regions that would usually used underground water sources for irrigation
Coonawarra
McLaren Vale
Name two regions that have high winter rainfall and store water in dams until needed for irrigation.
Adelaide Hills
Margaret River
How is McLaren Vale innovative in its sourcing of some irrigation water?
Becoming more sustainable as some of its irrigation water is from recycled waste water from the suburbs of Adelaide
For new plantings in Australia, which training systems are commonly used to manage vigour and ensure vine balance?
Divided canopy systems like Scott Henry and Smart Dyson
What type of irrigation is encouraged in Australia?
Drip - it is more efficient and keeps usage more sustainable
Is hand harvesting or machine more common? Why?
Machine
- Most vineyards are flat or gently sloping
- Manual labour is expensive
- Allows harvesting at night - day time temperatures can be very high
Why are soils typically saline in Australia
What affect does this have on the vine?
How can producers mitigate the effects?
Rainfall does not carry away salts deposited in irrigation water or salt water in deep aquifers finds its way to the surface.
Saline soils make it difficult for the vine to get the water it needs, leading to reduced growth and possible death.
- Select suitable rootstock
- Change irrigation patterns to supply larger volumes of water at less frequent intervals
What percentage of Australian wine was produced by members of Sustainable Wine Growing Australia?
25%
How can producers in Australia protect vines from kangaroos and birds?
Birds can be stopped by netting, but no sustainable option has been found for stopping the roo
Why is it important that harvest is carried out as quickly and as efficiently as possible in Australia?
Due to the climate, many varieties reach optimum ripeness in a very narrow window of time
Name the five most planted varieties in Australia
Shiraz Chardonnay Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Sauvignon Blanc
How has winemaking for Shiraz wines in Australia changed over the last two decades?
Moving away from very concentrated ripe styles
Less intense, more approachable
Reduced extraction
Whole bunch ferments
Reduced new oak
Open fermentation tanks with punch downs for softer tannin extraction
Give a tasting note for a Shiraz from a hot climate.
Name two areas in Australia where this style is typical
Dark fruit, earth and spice, developing leather notes
High soft tannins
Full bodied
High alcohol
McLaren Vale
Barossa
Give a tasting note for a Shiraz from a cooler climate.
Name two areas in Australia where this style is typical
Red cherry, black cherry, black pepper.
Medium plus body
Medium alcohol
Grampians
Yarra Valley
Which Australian wine region is known for producing distinct Cabernet Sauvignons with a eucalyptus and minty note?
Coonawarra
Describe how Cabernet Sauvignons from Margaret River are in style?
Ripe wins with subtle herbal notes. Often blended with Merlot
Give a typical tasting note for an Australian Merlot single varietal wine.
Range from medium body, medium tannin with red fruit to fuller bodied wines with ripe black fruit
Name three quality wine producing areas for Pinot Noir in Australia. Why are these well suited to this grape?
Yarra Valley, Tasmania and Mornington Peninsula
Cool/ moderate climates, suited to this early ripening varietal
What winemaking choices are there for Pinot Noir producers in Australia?
Whole bunch
Stem inclusion
Cold maceration
Use of oak (although less new oak now)
All are variously used
Give a typical tasting note for Pinot Noir from Australia.
Cherry and strawberry
Medium to high acidity
Medium body
Medium alcohol
Where might you find quality old bush vines of Grenache in Australia?
McLaren Vale
Eden Valley
Barossa
What wine making techniques might Australian Grenache producers use to enhance aroma and tannin structure?
Some whole bunch or stem inclusion
What type of oak is often used with Grenache in Australia? Why?
Large old vessels
Grenache is reductive - more protective winemaking is preferred.
New oak flavours can overwhelm Grenache’s fruit
How are producers in Australia making leaner complex styles of Chardonnay
- Earlier picking
- Growing in cooler sites
- Complexity from barrel and lees ageing
- Use of ambient yeastes
Give a typical tasting note for a premium Australian Chardonnay
Ripe citrus and peach with integrated oak
Medium to medium plus acidity
How does Sauvignon Blanc production in Adelaide Hills and Margaret River differ?
Adelaide Hills: Less overtly herbaceous Intense ripe fruit - Citrus to tropical aromas High acid, medium ABV Good to v.good, mid priced
Margaret River:
Blended with Semillon for Bordeaux style
What styles of Semillon would you find in the following areas:
Hunter Valley
Barossa Valley
Riverina
Hunter Valley:
Low alcohol, high acidity, unoaked, more complex with age
Barossa Valley:
Fuller style, high alcohol, oaked
Riverina:
Botrytised sweet wines
Which two regions in Australia are known for producing outstanding quality Riesling? How do wines from here differ?
Clare Valley
Eden Valley
Clare Valley Riesling tends to be higher in acidity, but both are made in a dry style
Describe some winemaking techniques for premium Australian Riseling wines.
- Use of free run juice (low in phenolic compaounds, high in sugar and acid)
- Ferment to dry
- Protective winemaking in stainless steel
What type of wines is Colombard typically used for in Australia?
Where is it typically grown?
Used as a blending partner in cheap wines
Riverland
Murray Darling
Riverland
What is the Label Integrity Programme?
- Introduced in 1990
- Aims to ensure that Australian labels truthfully reflect what is in the bottle
- Producers, growers and suppliers are required to keep detailed records that are regularly audited by Australia Grape and Wine Authority
What are the three main wine producing regions in the Murray Darling Basin?
What is the general climate here? What type of production is this ideal for?
Which of the three benefits from some maritime cooling influence?
Riverina
Murray Darling
Riverina
Hot and continental, with some cooling influence from rivers - ideal for high yields for inexpensive wines
Riverina benefits from some maritime cooling influence
Why is rainfall so low in the Murray Darling Basin?
What type of soils further aggravate the short supply of water?
Where is irrigation water typically sourced from, and why has this become problematic?
In the rain shadow of the Great Dividing Range
Soils are sandy and free draining
Usually sourced from rivers, but recent droughts have seen water levels drop very low.
Significant rises in water prices and decreased prices for grapes is pushing some producers out of business
The regions in the Murray Darling Basin are known for producing high volumes of inexpensive wines, but some higher quality wines are emerging - what are these?
- Some Shiraz and Chardonnay from lower yielding vineyards
- Better wines from better adapted varieties e.g. Petit Verdot, Viognier, Vermentino, Nero d’Avola, Montepulciano
Which area in Riverina is known for producing botrytised Semillon?
Area around Griffith
The Barossa Zone is north of _____ and can be split in two:
____ Valley covers the flat valley floor.
____ Valley covers the hills to the east.
____ grapes dominate, with ____ as the most planted variety. Many producers blend grapes from both regions for balance.
North of Adelaide
Barossa Valley covers the flat valley floor.
Eden Valley covers the hills to the east.
Black grapes dominate, with Shiraz as the most planted variety
Barossa Valley protected on the west by ____ ____, on the east by ____ ____ and on the south by the ____ ____ Ranges.
How does this affect the climate in the region?
West: low hills
East: Eden Valley
South: Mount Lofty Ranges
Sheltered, warm climate with low rainfall
Where are most grapes planted in Barossa Valley and how does this affect the final wines produced here?
On flat plains at 250 to 370m above sea level
Most wines are full bodied with ripe fruit and high alcohol
Where are some of Barossa Valley’s most ageworthy wines produced?
Describe the soils here
In the northern part of the valley
There is an ironstone layer in the soils , prized for its water retention.
What was established in Barossa Valley in 2009? Why?
The Barossa Old Vine Charter
Barossa Valley is home to some of the world’s oldest vines, notably Grenache and Syrah, which are low yielding and dry farmed.
How is Cabernet Sauvignon from Barossa different to those produced in Coonawarra or Margaret River?
Richer and riper with softer tannins and higher alcohol
Which two white grapes are commonly grown in Barossa Valley? Describe the style.
CHARDONNAY
Some high quality, full bodied with ripe tropical fruit. Premium wines often fermented and aged in oak
SEMILLON
Fuller style with higher alcohol and lower acidity than those from Hunter Valley
Name two significant producers in Barossa Valley
Glaetzer Wines
John Duval
Describe the topography, elevation and rainfall in Eden Valley.
- Area of exposed rolling hills (part of Mount Lofty Ranges)
- Higher sites are more exposed (up to 600m)
- Rainfall is higher than in Barossa Valley
Where are drier, warmer sites found in Eden Valley?
On the valley sides where there is more shelter
What weather conditions can affect flowering and ripening in Eden Valley?
Winds
Why is dry farming in Eden Valley usually more possible than in Barossa Valley?
- Soils in Eden Valley generally have better water retention
- Rainfall is slightly higher
Old vine plantings of which varieties are common in Eden Valley?
Shiraz
Riesling
Grenache
Give a typical tasting note for an Eden Valley Riesling..
Pronounced intensity Apple, lemon, lime, grapefruit, peach Develop honey, toast, petrol aromas over time Dry High acidity Medium alcohol
Good to outstanding
How does Shiraz from Eden Valley differ to that produced in Barossa Valley?
Eden Valley Shiraz has more structured tannin with higher acidity.
Barossa Valley Shiraz is typically fuller bodied with high alcohol, high levels of soft tannins and pronounced ripe (cooked, dried, jammy) fruit aromas
Adelaide Hills and Clare Valley are located in which zone?
Mount Lofty Ranges Zone
Is harvest by hand or machine more common in Adelaide Hills? Why?
Hand - valleys and steep hillsides limit mechanisation
Describe the climate in Adelaide Hills.
What is the average rainfall during the growing season?
What are the main cooling influences
Cool to moderate maritime climate (temperature varies with altitude)
280 to 320mm rainfall during the growing season (dams and ground water used for irrigation when needed)
Cooling influence from altitude (400-500m) and proximity to the ocean
Describe growing conditions in the centre of Adelaide Hills.
What grapes are grown here?
Higher altitude in the centre: High diurnal range, but low latitude means sunlight is still intense, giving ripe fruit.
Area is cool enough for early ripening grapes like Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
Name the two subzones in the central area of Adelaide Hills
Lenswood
Picadilly Valley
What quality and price would you expect from Adelaide Hills Chardonnays?
What winemaking techniques are common?
Very good to outstanding, mid to premium
MLF, oak and lees ageing are all common
Describe the climate in Clare Valley.
What provides high diurnal range?
Warm climate - hot summers tempered by cool afternoon breezes and cold nights
300 to 500m altitude provides diurnal range
Where are white grapes typically planted in Clare Valley?
Black grapes?
White: higher altitudes on more exposed slopes
Black: lower, warmer sites
What can be an issue for Riesling grapes grown in Clare Valley and why?
What can be done to prevent this?
Sunburn - sunlight is very intense due to low latitude
Grow thick canopies on the western side for protection
Explain how the soils in Polish Hill and Watervale differ in Clare Valley and the resulting differences of Rieslings from these areas.
Polish Hill
- Slate soils
- Less aromatic, flintier style of Riesling
- Toast and honey with age
Watervale
- Limestone soils - more fertile
- More aromatic, fruity styles of Riesling to drink young
What quality and price would you expect from Clare Valley Riesling?
Good to outstanding, mid priced to premium
Name two significant Riesling producers in Clare Valley.
Jim Barry
Wendouree
Which two black grapes are planted in Clare Valley? What price and quality would you expect?
Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon
Good to outstanding, mid priced to premium
The Fleurieu Zone is ____ of Adelaide, with ___ ____ ____ to the north and the ____ ocean to the south.
Vineyards receive strong _____ influence with cool breezes tempering the ___ _____ climate.
South of Adelaide
Gulf St Vincent to the north
Southern ocean to the south
Strong maritime influence
Cool breezes tempering the warm, Mediterranean climate
What is the climate in Fleurieu Zone?
Warm, Mediterranean Climate
What is the best known region in Fleurieu Zone?
McLaren Vale
Describe the climatic conditions in McLaren Vale
- Warm to hot summers
- Low rainfall over the growing season (200mm) but winters can be wet
- Winds off the Gulf and down Adelaide Hills moderate temperature and reduce disease pressure
Describe the topography and elevation of vineyards in McLaren Vale.
Most vineyards planted on flat or gently undulated land 50 to 250m above sea level
How do soils in the north and south of McLaren Vale differ?
North:
Poor soils with fewer nutrients
South:
Deeper, more fertile soils, higher yielding
What type of wine production would you expect from McLaren Vale?
What are the three main grape varieties?
Ranges from inexpensive to super premium
Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache
Old vine Grenache is attracting attention in McLaren Vale; give a typical tasting note.
What prices can be achieved for these wines?
Is new oak used?
Fresh red fruit and herbal aromas
Medium acidity
Medium tannin
Medium to medium plus body
Premium - avoid new oak
Old vine plantings of which varietals are found in McLaren Vale?
Shiraz and Grenache
Which alternative varietals are gaining attention in McLaren Vale? Why?
Mediterranean varietals: Mourvedre, Sangiovese and Fiano.
These retain acidity well in heat
Limestone Coast zone is further ____ than other regions with a ____ climate. Although summer days are warm to hot, ____ ____ moderate temperatures. Nights are _____ and the diurnal range is _____.
Further south Cooler climate Sea breezes moderate temperatures Nights are cool Diurnal range is wide
Is Limecoast Zone hilly or flat? What effect does this have on the region?
Flat - maritime cooling influence can extend far inland
Describe the climate in Coonawarra.
What moderates the temperature in the growing season?
What is the topography like and what affect does this have on the climate?
Moderate climate - similar to Bordeaux but warmer and drier.
Cloud cover can moderate temperatures during the growing season.
Flat - the area receives coastal influence even 100km away
What weather hazards are there in Coonawarra?
Drought Strong winds (can disrupt fruit set) Spring frost (use sprinklers)
What is the name of key soil found in Coonawarra?
Give the key properties.
Terra Rossa
- Free draining, iron-rich loam over hard limestone base
- Roots may struggle to penetrate, restricting water access
- Soil is slightly alkaline, restricting nutrient uptake
- Low yields of concentrated grapes
- Softer limestone under the hard limestone retains water which can be used for irrigation when required
Where is Terra Rossa primarily found in the Coonawarra region?
Forms a narrow strip in the core of the region - land prices are more expensive here
Other than Terra Rossa, what other soils can be found in Coonawarra?
How do these soils affect the vines grown in them?
Limestone and black or brown clay soils.
These can hold more water, meaning vines are more vigorous, especially in wetter years. These produce higher yields of less concentrated grapes.
Give a tasting note for Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Pronounced intensity Concentrated dark fruit, cassis, plum, mint, eucalyptus, spice from oak Medium to full body Medium alcohol High levels of firm tannins
Outstanding quality
How does Shiraz from Coonawarra compare with those from Barossa?
Lighter in body than Barossa Shiraz, with concentrated blackberry and herbal, minty notes.
Sometimes blended with Cabernet Sauvignon
Name two significant Coonawarra producers
Wynns
Katnook
Coonawarra extends over how many hectares?
5000ha
What moderating effects are key in Port Phillip Zone?
What grapes are grown here?
- Proximity to the sea
- Altitude in certain areas
Suitable for early ripening varietals like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
Some sites are warm enough for Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz
How many hectares under vine in the Yarra Valley?
2,500ha
Is wine production in Victoria focused more on quality or volume production?
Quality - less wine from fewer hectares but at higher prices
Describe the general climate in Yarra Valley.
What is the annual rainfall here? Why is this an issue?
Cool to moderate climate
1,100mm - one of the wetter wine regions in Australia
Rot can be an issue
Where is upper Yarra?
Describe the soils here.
In the south east of Yarra Valley - higher altitude sites, cooler
Deeper, more fertile volcanic soils; dry farming is possible here
Where is Lower Yarra?
Describe the soils here.
In the north west of Yarra Valley - warmer, lower altitude sites
Well draining, low fertility, loamy clay soils; irrigation is often needed
What elevations would you find vineyard sites at in Yarra Valley?
50 to 350m - varied microclimates
Where and why is frost a risk in Yarra?
Risk in valley floor vineyards: cold air sinks from the hills above
What winemaking options are common for Yarra Valley Pinot Noir?
What price and quality are most examples?
- Whole bunch increasingly used for lighter wines from higher altitude
- More medium bodied wines from riper fruit grown in warmer sites
- Often larger oak barrels are used for maturation
Good to outstanding, mid to premium priced
What winemaking options are common for Yarra Valley Chardonnay?
Does this differ to other Australian wine regions?
What price and quality are most examples?
- Solids included in fermentation
- Lees contact
- Avoid MLF to retain acidity
- Mix of oak use (preference for large formats)
Yarra Valley was one of the first regions to move away from the big, oaky tropical Chardonnays - more white peach, grape fruit and melon, less overt new oak
Good to outstanding, mid to premium priced
Where might you find Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz in Yarra Valley?
In Lower Yarra, where it is warmer
What is the climate in Mornington Peninsula?
Cool to moderate climate
What are the main moderating influences on temperature in Mornington Peninsula?
- Proximity to water: gives mild autumns and extends the growing season
- Winds lower summer afternoon temperatures despite high sunshine hours
What effect do winds have on the Mornington Peninsula region?
- Keep summer afternoons cool
- Reduces risk of rot
- Reduces risk of frost
- Can inhibit flowering
How much rainfall is there in Mornington Peninsula during the growing season?
When does most rain fall?
320 to 390mm
Rain mostly falls in winter and spring but can threaten flowering and harvest
Where is Red Hill?
Describe the growing conditions and soils here.
- A ridge in the centre of Mornington Peninsula
- Provided different microclimates up to 250m
- Red basalt soils retain winter rainwater
- No need to irrigate
- Fertile soils mean vigour needs to be contained e.g. lyre system
How many hectares are under vine in Mornington Peninsula?
920ha
How do soils / topography away from the ridge of Red Hill in Mornington Peninsula differ?
- More free draining clay and sand soils (need for irrigation)
- Generally flat topography
Describe how Pinot Noir from Red Hill differs to those from other areas in Mornington Peninsula.
RED HILL:
Light and perfumed, medium plus acid
LOWER VINEYARDS:
More intense and ripe wines, with higher tannin
What price and quality would you expect for Mornington Peninsula Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs?
Good to outstanding
Premium price points
Why are land prices in Mornington Peninsula particularly high?
Competition from tourism - vineyards and wineries are therefore typically small
Describe the climate in Geelong.
Cool climate
Why did Geelong need to reestablish viticulture in the 1960s?
It was hit by phylloxera
Name the two bodies of water near Geelong that moderate the temperatures.
Bass Strait
Port Phillip Bay
What is the annual rainfall in Geelong?
500 to 600mm (lower than Yarra Valley)
How many hectares under vine in Geelong?
What grapes are planted there?
467ha
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in cooler sites
Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz in warmer sites
How would you describe the style of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay produced in Geelong compared to Yarra Valley?
What price and quality would you expect in Geelong?
They are typically riper in Geelong.
Good to very good.
Mid to premium priced.
The Macedon Ranges are part of which mountain range?
Describe the climate, altitude and hazards of viticulture here.
The Great Dividing Ranges
One of the coolest wine regions in Australia
300 to 800m
Frost can be an issue - site selection is vital
Describe the soils found in the Macedon Ranges
Hillside slopes:
Shallow, granitic, sandy loams (low yields)
Lower slopes:
Deeper loams
Which four grapes are commonly grown in the Macedon Ranges?
Chardonnay
Pinot Noir
Riesling
Shiraz
Describe the climate and moderating factors in Grampians.
Describe rainfall here during the growing season.
Moderate climate, moderated by altitude (240-440m)
Low growing season rainfall (220mm)
Describe the soils in Grampians and the effect these have on vines here.
Sandy, loamy soils with good water retention - irrigation is not needed.
Soils are acidic and can reduce vigour and yield unless treated with lime.
Describe the climate in Pyrenees - how does this area compare with Grampians?
Moderate climate
Climate and soils are similar but Pyrenees is lower and warmer than Grampians
What is the main grape planted in Grampians and Pyrenees? What price and quality would you expect from here?
Shiraz (peppery, medium bodied)
Good to very good, mid priced
Henty is the _____ corner of Victoria. It is influenced by cold winds from the _____, but a high number of sunshine hours aids ripening. It specialises in wines made from ______ (variety).
Southwest
Cold winds from the Antarctic
Specialises in Riesling
Describe growing conditions in King Valley in the North East Victoria Zone. (climate, altitude, rainfall, moderating influences)
- Cool temperatures (rise down the valley)
- Elevations up to 860m
- Relatively high rainfall (increased disease pressure)
- Some moderation from river and altitude
Describe the soils found in in King Valley
Varied, but are generally free draining loams with high fertility
Vine vigour needs managing
How many hectares under vine in in King Valley?
What types of wines are produced from higher sites?
From lower sites?
1,400ha
Higher sites:
Lighter whites with high acidity
Lower sites:
Fuller bodied whites and reds.
What is the main white grape grown in King Valley?
What style of wine is made from this?
Pinot Gris
Often made similarly to Veneto Pinot Grigio in a dry light style.
What red grapes are commonly planted in King Valley?
Which grapes are gaining recognition?
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Barbera and Nebbiolo.
Italian varietals, although internationally they are difficult to market due to competition from Italy
What grapes are typically grown in Beechworth?
What elevations are vineyards at?
Chardonnay and Shiraz dominate, but some Pinot Noir, Sangiovese and Nebbiolo is grown.
200-1000m (range of mesoclimates)
Goulburn Valley is in the _____ ____ zone. It has a ____ climate the the topography is _____. It is known to produce _____ bodied red wines, as well as wines from Rhone white varietals.
Central Victoria Zone.
Warm climate
Flat topography
Full bodied reds.
Describe the climate and topography in Bendigo.
What style of wine is typically produced here?
Warm and flat
Full bodied reds.
What type of wines are produced in Upper Goulburn?
High quality wines from Chardonnay and aromatic varieties like Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc
Heathcote is a narrow strip along the side of the ____ ____ range.
Mount Carmel Range
What are the main moderating factors on temperature in Heathcote?
- Altitude (160 to 320m) provides diurnal range (Shiraz has distinct high acidity here)
- Southerly winds funnelled along the slopes
Describe the soils in Heathcote and what effect this has on the vines growing here.
Calcareous red soils made from weathered green stone
Good water retention - dry farming is common here
Give a typical tasting note for Heathcote Shiraz.
Pronounced Ripe dark fruit flavours; black cherry, plum and sweet spice Medium plus acidity Full bodied High alcohol
Good to outstanding
Mid to premium
Name two significant Heathcote producers
Jasper Hill
Heathcote Estate
NEW SOUTH WALES
The Pacific coast north of Sydney has a ________ climate with ____ to ____ temperatures, _____ humidity and ____ rainfall.
____ ____ is heavily influenced by these conditions, but other New South Wales zones are protected by the ____ _____ ____.
Sub tropical climate
Moderate to high temperatures
High humidity
High rainfall
Hunter Valley is heavily influenced
The Great Dividing Ranges protect other areas
How many hectares under vine in the Hunter Vally Zone?
2,600ha
Hunter Valley has a ____ and ____ climate. Night time temperatures are typically _____. Low latitude means that sunshine hours are _____. ____ ____ in the afternoons can moderate temperatures.
Hot and humid climate
Nighttime temperatures are cool
Sunshine hours are long
Cloud cover in the afternoons can moderate temperatures
How do temperatures in upper and lower Hunter vary?
Lower Hunter:
Closer to the coast
Cooling breezes
Upper Hunter:
Warmer
Describe the topography and soils in Hunter Valley Zone
Undulating hills at low altitudes
Soils range from sandy loams to clay loams, often over a clay base
What winemaking options are typically used in the production of Hunter Valley Semillon?
- Pick early to retain acidity
- Soft press (avoid skins)
- Stainless steel ferments at moderate temperatures
- Rarely use oak
Give a typical tasting note for a Hunter Valley Semillon.
Delicate citrus fruit (fairly neutral in youth) developing complex, pronounced honey, nut, toast and hay with age Dry High acidity Light bodied Low alcohol
Good to outstanding
Mid to premium
Name two significant Hunter Valley Semillon producers
Mount Pleasant
Tyrells
Apart from Semillon, what other styles of wine are produced in Hunter Valley?
Chardonnay (medium to full styles, oaked and unoaked)
Some high quality Shiraz; medium body, medium to high alcohol, usually no dominant oak flavours
Central Ranges Zone is split into which three regions (north to south)?
Mudgee
Orange
Cowra
Describe the climate in the Central Ranges Zone.
Continental with cooling influence from altitude and low rainfall (irrigation is common)
The ____ ____ ____ protects the Central Ranges Zone from _____ ____.
Great Dividing Range protects from tropical storms.
Describe the topography and soils in Orange Region.
Vineyards on slopes of Mt. Canobolas at 600 to 900m
Deep, red volcanic basalt soils, yellow brown clay loams and shallow gravels
What effect does wind have in Orange Region?
Wind mitigates frost risk, but can affect fruit set
Are Mudgee and Cowra higher or lower altitude than Orange Region?
How does this affect temperature?
Lower - temperatures in Mudgee and Cowra are warmer
What area is covered by Southern New South Wales?
Describe the general climate
Broad inland area from just south of Sydney
Continental climate with altitude providing cooling influence
Sheltered from maritime influence by a range of hills and the snowy mountains
What factors contribute to high diurnal range in Canberra District?
- 500 to 850m elevations
- Continental climate
What weather hazards are common in Canberra District?
- Frosts (winter and spring are cold)
- Drought (summers are dry, irrigation is common)
Give a tasting note for a typical Canberra District Shiraz.
Deep colour
Ripe black cherry
High acidity
High, ripe tannin
Commonly blended with Viognier
Good to outstanding, mid to premium in price
Name two significant Canberra District Shiraz producers
Clonakilla
Ravensworth
What white grape produces very good to outstanding wines in Canberra District?
Riesling
What grapes are commonly planted in Tumbarumba?
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
What grapes are commonly planted in Hilltops?
Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay
How many hectares are under vine in Tasmania?
1,700ha
Describe the climate in Tasmania.
Cool, maritime climate
What is the latitude of Tasmania?
41 to 43 degrees south
Describe rainfall patterns in Tasmania - where does it mostly fall?
High rainfall
Brough int by westerly prevailing winds in the Southern Ocean
Most rain falls in the west and does not reach the vineyards in the east
Describe growing conditions in Southern Tasmania (climate, sunshine hours, exposure)
- Cooler due to latitude
- Long sunshine hours in the growing season, aiding ripening
- North and east exposures are favourable to maximise sunlight
What is rainfall like in South East Tasmania?§
Less rainfall than other parts of Tasmania - irrigation is common
What weather hazards affect the north and west of Tasmania?
- Rainfall during the growing season (raising disease pressure)
- Spring frost
What are the two most important grapes grown in Tasmania?
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
Most of Western Australia is too ____ for viticulture, but since the _____s, wine production has been increasing in the _____ south western corner, where _____ and _____ influences moderate temperatures.
Too hot
Since the 1990s
Cooler south western corner
Altitude and oceanic influences moderate temperatures
What type of production does South West Australia focus on?
Premium
Describe where Margaret River is located and how this affects the climate
- Located on the peninsula at the south western corner of South West Australia
- Surrounded by water on three sides
- 34 degrees south
- Warm, Indian ocean allows grapes to ripen for longer (less diurnal range as nights stay warm)
- Maritime influence means frost is rarely an issue
- High annual rainfall (1,000mm) although the growing season is reasonably dry
Describe the topography of Margret River
Relatively flat with gentle hills and valleys (40 to 90m)
Explain the role of the ridge in the centre of Margaret River.
- Shelters vineyards to the east giving warmer conditions
- Provides free draining gravel soils; need irrigating, but low fertility controls vigour
How many hectares under vine in Margaret River?
5,700ha
Describe a typical red wine from Margaret River, including tasting note.
Cabernet Sauvignon led Bordeaux blends (often with Merlot)
Blackberry, blackcurrant and spice (French oak, often lots of new oak)
Medium plus acidity
Medium plus to full body
High, ripe tannins
Good to outstanding
Mid to premium priced
What winemaking options are common for Chardonnay wines in Margaret River?
What price and quality do these tend to be?
- Usually block MLF to retain acidity
- Usually barrel fermented and matured (some may be new)
- Lees ageing for texture
Good to outstanding
Mid to premium priced
What winemaking options are common for Sauvignon Blanc wines in Margaret River?
What price and quality do these tend to be?
- Often blended with Semillon (either can lead)
- Usually tank fermented
- More expensive wines will ferment in barrel for texture, weight and depth
- Good to very good, mid priced
Name two significant producers in Margaret River
Leeuwin
Moss Wood
Name the five official sub regions within Great Southern. Note where these are found.
On the coast:
Albany
Denmark
Further north / inland:
Mount Barker
Porongurup
Frankland River
How does the climate in Great Southern’s subregions on the coast differ to those that are more inland?
- Albany and Denmark on the coast have a maritime climate
- In the north of Denmark and in Mount Barker, Porongurup and Frankland River, altitude begins to have more influence on climate
- Maritime influence decreases heading inland
Which of the Great Southern’s subregions has a more continental climate than the others? How does this affect viticulture?
Frankland River has the most continental climate
It has a wide diurnal range
Is irrigation common in Great Southern’s subregions?
Why is it difficult to irrigate here?
Many vineyards are dry farmed or only need minimal irrigation.
Frankland River is drier than the others and does require irrigation.
Irrigation is difficult in low lying areas due to high soil salinity; water needs to be pumped in from further away
Where is the majority of Shiraz planted in Great Southern?
In warmer Mount Barker and Frankland River
Give a typical tasting note for Great Southern Shiraz
Fresh blackberry, cherry, herbal, peppery, spicy, floral (whole bunch can enhance floral notes) High acidity High tannin Medium to full body
Good to outstanding, mid priced to premium.
Where is Cabernet Sauvignon typically planted in Great Southern? How do wines differ from different subregions?
Mount Barker and warmer parts of Denmark:
Intense, powerful wines with blackcurrant and herbal notes
Porongurup:
More elegant, medium bodied, savoury wines
Where is Riesling typically found in Great Southern?
Porongurup - makes light bodied wines with high acidity, floral aromas which develop nutty toast aromas with age.
Good to outstanding, mid priced
How many wineries were there in Australia in 2018?
Did this rise or fall from previously and why?
2,250
Fell - smaller wineries have dropped production and become grape growers
Production volumes in Australia is dominated by 5 main companies - what are they?
What percentage of all exports do these brands account for?
Accolade Wines Casella Family Brands Treasury Wine Estates Pernod Ricard Australian Vintage
These brands account for 87% of all exports
Are most producers in Australia small or large?
Small producers are still the norm; nearly 80% of producers crushed less than 250 tonnes in 2018
Name the Australian government authority that funds and co-ordinates research and development in the Australian wine industry.
How is it funded?
What other key activities does it do?
Wine Australia
Funded partly by a levy on grape growers
- Controls Australian wine exports
- Promotes marketing
- Promotes wine education (domestically and abroad)
How much of Australia’s annual production is exported?
Roughly 2/3
What are the top five export markets for Australian wine by volume?
UK China USA Canada Germany
Are Australia’s domestic sales increasing or decreasing?
They have slowly increased over the past two years
What is an important way for Australian producers to sell their wines domestically?
Through cellar door and through wine tourism; this is especially useful in areas close to big cities
