Australia Copied & Amended Flashcards
Australian wines labeled with a grape varietal must contain what percentage of that grape?
85%
Name the grape which accounts for 45% of all vines planted in Australia?
Shiraz
Tumbarumba?
Tumbarumba:
- Quality wines
- Range of altitudes
- Continental climate
- Warm days and cooler nights
- Slightly cooler than Hilltops
- Pinot & Chardonnay for still and sparkling mainly
Which Australian region specializes in Botrytized Semillon?
Riverina in New South Wales
The Hunter produces a uniqe expression of Semillon - describe it and how is it made
-
Semillon
- Unique expression of the varietal
- Dry; light bodied; high Acidity; low alcohol (10-11%);delicate Citrus ch & fairly neutral in youth
- Can age for decades ; developing complex & pronounced Toast, Honey, Hay notes with bottle ageing
- Highest quality not released until 5 years old
- Grapes picked early; must gently pressed; no skin contact to avoid extraction of phenolic compounds as Tannins;
- Must fermented at moderate temps in SS tanks
- Bottled straight away: rarely see oak
- Good to Outstanding quality: Mid – Premium priced
- Significant producer: TYRRELLS & MOUNT PLEASANT
Where is Clare Valley, what’s the climate like and what white wine is it renowned for making and what does it taste like?
120 km north of Adelaide
Warm Mediterranean climate with a high diurnal range due to altitude on vineyards at 300-500mRL
Riesling - Dry, intense citrus and lime with hi acidity
with bottle age, honey and toast
What are the climate risks in Hunter Valley?
What are some natural / human factors that help mitigate these?
RISK: Rainy weather often at harvest
RISK: Hot climate can cause grapes to over-ripen
RISK: Rot from humid conditions
- Good canopy management essential
- Prevailing northeast winds from the Pacific help to cool the vineyards.
- Cloud cover helps to shield vines from the sun.
- Early harvesting can help alleviate high sugar levels.
Where is Mornington Peninsula, what’s the climate like, what two grapes is it most renowned for producing and what do they taste like?
South of Melbourne
Cool~Moderate Maritime. Vintages can vary due to cool, wet and windy weather around flowering and harvest
Pinot Noir - light, delicate and structured displaying pure fruit characteristics
Chardonnay - Citrus, pear, apple with hi acid usually softened with MLF
Also Pinot Gris
Where does Australia currently rank in terms of total production worldwide?
7th
Where is Geelong, how does its climate compare to Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula, what is it most renowned for producing and what does it taste like?
West of Melbourne
Cool~Moderate Maritime, but warmer than Yarra Valley / Mornington Peninsula
Very high quality Chardonnay; complex, concentrated with a full body
Also good earthy Pinot Noir, and fresh and peppery Shiraz
What is the most important GI for fine wines in the Limestone Coast?
Coonawarra GI
Which regions make up the Barossa Zone?
Barossa Valley + Eden Valley
Chardonnay from Tasmania - describe the wines
Chardonnay
- Around 25% of total plantings
-
Wines
- Medium Bodied with Medium Alcohol
- Flavours of apple, white peach, pear
- High Acidity often with full MLF (softens & enhances texture)
- Generally Barrel ferment (texture & Integration of Oak)
- Matured in old Oak , with some new
What 5 grapes are predominant in Margaret River?
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc
Semillon
What is Australian Semillon like
Youthful
With age
When is it picked?
How is it fermented?
Which region has made it its own grape?
Youthful - Light body, neutral taste
With age- Develops honey and toast, can age 20 years
Harvested early with low sugar levels and high acidity
Fermented protectively, SO2 and Stainless steel all the way
Hunter Valley
Where is Barossa Valley, what’s the climate like, what is it most famous for producing, and what does it taste like?
North of Adelaide
Warm, dry climate
Old Bush vine Shiraz, Cab Sauv, and Grenache - Full body, soft tannin, ripe Black fruit with sweet American oak
South Australia wine regions are based around which city and name the 6 premier regions
Centered around Adelaide
Barossa Valley
Eden Valley
Clare Valley
Adelaide Hills
McClaren Vale
Coonawara
In which Australian wine region is the Tamar valley, and what are they famed for producing?
Tasmania
Mainly Pinot Noir / Chardonnay, but cool climate Cabernet Sauvignon can also be successful.
What five companies dominate Australian wine production?
- Five companies dominate
- Accolade wines
- Casella Family brands
- Treasury Wine Estates
- Pernod Ricard
- Australian Vintage
What is the style of quality Australian Chardonnay and what is the climate like in the best regions?
Fresh, vibrant fruit, subtle lees, MLF and/or oak
Cool, moderate (Adelaide Hills, Mornington Peninsula, Yarra) or just warm regions (Margaret River)
What 3 zones does the Adelaide Superzone include?
Barossa / Fleurieu / Mt. Lofty Ranges
What are the No.1 black and white grapes in Australia?
Shiraz and Chardonnay
Pinot Noir from Tasmania - describe the wines
Pinot Noir
- Almost 50% of total!
-
Wines
- Light to Medium bodied
- Medium to High Acidity
- Medium Alcohol
- Strawberry and cherry aromas
- Warmer sites more Riper, Intense style
- Matured in older oak, with some new oak for premium examples
Generally, Australia’s main growing regions have warm or hot climates.
What are 3 sources of cooling and examples of regions:
Southern or Indian oceans (Tasmania, Coonawarra)
Murray River System (Goulburn, Murray-Darling)
Altitude (Clare Valley, Adelaide Hills)
What percentage of Australian wine is exported?
- In 2018 it exported 8.5m hl – about 66% of its total production
Where is Goulburn Valley, what’s the climate like, what is it most renowned for producing and what does it taste like?
East of Heathcote
Warm, mitigated slightly by lakes and creeks
Shiraz is the most planted, but Marsanne is the speciality; citrus fruit in youth developing honey aromas with age
The Goulburn Valley & Bendigo are part of Central Victoria, what are they known for?
-
Goulburn Valley & Bendigo
- well suited to ripe, full bodied reds
- Goulburn produces whites with Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier
- Marsanne long history in zone
What is the second most planted red grape in Australia?
Cabernet Sauvignon
Where is Margaret River, what’s the climate like and what is it most renowned for producing?
200km South of Perth
Warm Maritime with fairly high rainfall
Cab Sav, mainly blended with Merlot in a Bordeaux style
Chardonnay / Sauvignon Blanc / Semillon
What’s that soil in Coonawarra called and what is it made up?
Where else in the world is this soil found?
“Terra Rossa”
Red clayey topsoil over a limestone subsoil
La Mancha, Spain
Where does the best Australian Pinot Noir come from and what is its style?
From cool ~ moderate sites (Yarra, Mornington Peninsula, and Tasmania)
Medium body, med alc, med~hi acidity, Cherry and Strawberry
Vineyard planted in hectares? and name the top three varieties
- Vineyard planted in 2017 – 146,000 Ha.
- Shiraz – 40,000 Ha.
- Cabernet Sauvignon - ~25,000 Ha.
- Chardonnay – over 20,000 Ha.
Simply summarise the Australian GI hierarchy system
Zones - Can be huge, can be states or several states e.g. South Australia, South-Eastern Australia Zone
Regions - e.g. Coonawara, Clare Valley, Margaret River They must have consistent and distinct qualities from neighbouring regions.
Sub-regions - Notable areas with distinct and unique qualities
Terra Rossa soils in Coonawarra produce the best wines, describe them.
- Best wines from Terra Rossa soils
- Free draining iron-rich loam, avg 50cm depth over hard limestone base that roots struggle to penetrate, restricting access to water
- Soils slight Alkaline; restricting nutrients
- these restrictions control vigour & produce lower concentrated yields
- Under hard limestone- water retaining softer limestone ; used for irrigation
- Terra Rossa soils form narrow strip in central core of region; land expensive
What is the predominant style of Australian Riesling and in which two regions is it most famous?
Citrus - Lime, lemon and grapefruit with high acidity.
It rapidly develops notes of toast, honey and petrol.
Usually dry or slightly off-dry
Eden and Clare valleys
What type of oak barrel was most commonly used in Australia until recent times?
300l American Hogshead
Heathcote - what are the % of black varieties planted, and Shiraz in particular - describe the Shiraz wines made
- 84% of plantings are Black varieties
- Shiraz is 50% of Black varieties
- Shiraz:
- Medium (+) Acidity
- Full bodied; High Alcohol
- Pronounced aromas of ripe dark fruit; Cherry & plum; Sweet spices
- Good to Outstanding quality - Mid to Premium priced
Where is McLaren Vale, what’s the climate like, what grapes does it mostly grow, vinified in what style?
Coast S of Adelaide
Warm climate tempered by afternoon breezes
Mainly black grapes; Shiraz, Cab Sav, Merlot and Grenache being intensely flavoured with dark fruit aromas and soft, ripe, tannins.
Old vine Shiraz and Grenache too
Clare Valley is renowned for Riesling but which 2 black grapes does it do well with and what do they taste like?
Shiraz - Fragrant, powerful with structure
Excellent Cab Sav - Diff styles depending on vineyard location
The King and Alpine Valleys are located in which zone of which Australian state?
Northeast Victoria
Wines labelled “Barossa” may source their fruit from which regions?
Barossa Valley and Eden Valley
climate of Tasmania?
cool Maritime climate with weather coming off the Southern ocean
Grampians wine regions - describe it and name a key producer
Grampians
- 130 kms inland
- Moderate climate
- Temps moderated by Altitude-240-440m
- Wide diurnal range; thus retaining acidity
- Slopes reduce risk of spring frosts; lower vineyards at risk
- Rainfall low in growing season-250mm
- Sandy, Loamy soils retain water well-No irrigation
- Some soils acidic- resulting in reduced vigour & yields unless treated with Lime
- MOUNT LANGI GHIRAN (GRAMPIANS)
Which country has the fastest growing consumption levels of Australian wine?
China
Where is Hunter Valley?
What’s the climate like and how is it mitigated?
What is it most renowned for producing and what does it taste like?
What is the most popular grape planted now?
North of Sydney in NSW
Sub-tropical, the warmest of Australia’s traditional wine regions. cloud cover and ocean breezes mitigate
Semillon - Light body, low alc, high acidity, neutral flavour
With age - Toast, nuts and honey
Chardonnay is most popular; White wine accounts for 60% of wines produced.
What two varieties add up to more than 50% of total Australian exports in volume and value terms
- Over 50% of all exports are Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon
Which zone is the Cowra GI located in?
What grapes are mainly cultivated (3 red / 4 white)?
New South Wales
Red Grapes: Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
White Grapes: Chardonnay, Semillon, Verdelho, Sauvignon Blanc
Identify the correct designation for the following GIs:
- Hunter Valley
- Hunter
- Upper Hunter Valley
- Zone
- Region
- Sub-Region
Where is Yarra Valley, what’s the climate like, what is it most renowned for producing and what does it taste like?
NE of Melbourne
Cool~moderate maritime. Varied by altitude and aspects
Pinot Noir - Rich fruit; strawberries, plums and dark cherries. Careful use of oak adds complexity
Macedon Ranges - describe it and what varietals it is known for
Macedon Ranges:
- North of Melbourne (not NE as in the book!)
- 143 ha only – very small region
- 40 small quality focused wineries
- Macedon ranges are on the SW part of the Great Dividing Range
- Vineyards at altitude from 300-800mRL
-
Climate
- One of the coolest climate in mainland Australia
- Careful site selection needed to reduce frost risk & enhance ripening
-
Viticulture, soils, etc
- Shallow, Granitic, sandy loams found on hillsides, which naturally reduce yields
- deeper loams found on lower slopes
-
Winemaking
- Chardonnay & Pinot Noir widely grown
- elegant Riesling is a specialty with intense lime & lemon
- Shiraz
- distinctive black pepper character
- needs a warm site & sunny year to ripen fully
Which 2 Australian states have been affected by phylloxera?
New South Wales.
Victoria.
Which region is larger in both size and production: Barossa Valley or Napa Valley?
Napa Valley
What is the common style of Australian Cabernet Sauvignon?
Darker, firmer tannins with higher acidity than Shiraz.
Defined by elegance, soft tannins, red fruit, and a telltale note of eucalyptus
Which 2 regions in Australia are best known for their dry Riesling production?
Clare Valley
Eden Valley
Give an example of 1 cool climate region and 1 warm region in Australia where Chardonnay is grown.
What is the impact that climate has on the fruit characteristics of these wines?
Cool Climate:
Mornington peninsula. Chardonnays here reflect the cool growing conditions by having citrus, pear and apple aromas and high acidities, usually softened with MLF.
Warm Climate:
Margaret River in Western Australia, wines display concentrated stone fruit aromas and retain high acidity; sometimes produced using barrel-aging and MLF to add complexity.
Which states are at least partially included in the Southeast Australia Multistate Zone?
- South Australia
- Victoria
- Tasmania
- New South Wales
- Queensland
What is the body of water that features Geelong to its west and Mornington Peninsula to its east?
Port Phillip Bay
Which country imports the most Australian wine?
USA
What are the traditional and modern styles of Australian Shiraz, name regions of each:
Warm/Hot - opaque, dense, heavily extracted, dark fruit and chocolate notes. (Barossa/Hunter)
Cool - Leaner more peppery style (Geelong/Heathcote)
Top export markets for Australia by volume?
- Top export markets by volume:
- United Kingdom
- China
- USA
- Canada
- Germany
Besides Riverina, what is the main wine producing region in New South Wales?
Hunter Valley
What is Tasmania’s top 3 planted grape varieties?
- Pinot Noir
- Chardonnay
- Sauvignon Blanc
what temp is Hunter Semillon typically fermented at?
A moderate temperature
Where is Tasmania, what’s the climate like, what is it most renowned for producing and what does it taste like?
An island south of Victoria.
Australia’s coolest grap-growing area. Maritime climate with cooling westerlies from Southern Ocean
Pinot Noir, Cab Sav
Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris
Where is Eden Valley, what’s the climate like and what white wine is it renowned for making and what does it taste like?
In the hills East of Barossa valley
Cool~moderate varying with altitude
Outstanding Riesling - Lime, grapefruit and steely
After 10 years in bottle can develop marmalade and toast
Match the Australian GI with its most famous style of wine:
Eden Valley
Yarra Valley
Barossa Valley
Hunter Valley
Margaret River
Coonawarra
Clare Valley
McLaren Vale
Eden Valley: Dry Riesling
Yarra Valley: Pinot Noir
Barossa Valley: Bold Shiraz
Hunter Valley: Dry Semillon
Margaret River: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc blends.
Coonawarra: Cabernet Sauvignon
Rutherglen: Muscat-based sweet wine.
Clare Valley: Dry Riesling
McLaren Vale: Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon
Where are the Adelaide Hills, what’s the climate like and what is it renowned for growing?
25km E of Adelaide
Cool to Moderate mediterranean, all vineyards above 400m.
Maritime influence means 280-320mm of rainfall during growing season
60% white varieties
Sauvignon Blanc (25% all plantings) and Chardonnay
plus Pinot Noir
Where is Coonawarra, what’s the climate like, what grape is it most renowned for and what does it taste like?
Narrow strip 400km SE of Adelaide
Moderate Maritime cooled by current from the Antarctic and cloud cover.
Cabernet Sauvignon - Concentrated, structured, Cassis, Eucalyptus or menthol
Approximately how many wineries are currently producing wine in Australia?
Approximately 2,500 wineries are currently operating
What is it that allows vineyards in the state of Victoria produce high quality wines?
Some of the coolest vineyards in Australia, cooled by ocean breezes.
The Great Dividing Range provides aspects and altitude
In the state of Victoria what is generally grown
On the higher slopes?
On the lower slopes?
Higher - Elegant Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc
Lower - Shiraz and Cab Sav in fresher, lighter styles
Northern Tasmania’s climate is similar to that of which 2 regions?
Champagne / Rheingau
Is chaptalization legal in Australia?
No
Name 5 wine regions in Victoria centered around the city of Melbourne:
Yarra valley
Mornington Peninsula
Geelong
Sunbury
Gippsland
Yarra Valley Pinot Noir, describe the winemaking and the wines made
Pinot Noir
- 1/2 of all black grape plantings
- Light to medium style
- Lighter wines come from cooler, higher vineyards;
- Whole bunch ferment used increasingly to enhance perfumed fruity aromas
- Strawberry, red cherry, plum characters
- Medium bodied wines
- warmer sites
- riper fruit character
- Mix of old & new oak in maturation bigger barrels (500L); some foudres (over barriques)
- Good to outstanding quality; mid to premium pricing
What is the style of the better Australian Sauvignon Blancs and what are the best sites?
Concentrated Passion Fruit with hi acidity
Moderate temp regions (Adelaide Hills)
Name the 3 major regions (and their states) for high-volume production in the South Eastern Australia ‘Super Zone’
Riverland / S.Australia
Murray-Darling / Victoria and NSW
Riverina / NSW
Grapes destined for high-volume brands like Yellow Tail and Jacob’s Creek are most likely to come from what GIs and be labelled under what GI?
From Riverland (SA), Murray-Darling (VIC/NSW) and Riverina (NSW)
South East Australia GI
What body of water is directly west of McLaren Vale GI?
Gulf of St. Vincent
Clare Valley Riesling is the region’s premier white varietal - describe how it is made and tastes
Sub regions?
Riesling
- 25% of plantings
- Intense sunlight at low latitude, sunburn an issue
- Canopies allowed to be thick and shade providing on western side to protect vines from afternoon sun
- Fermented dry; medium alcohol; lime aromas
- Higher acidity than Eden Valley
- Riesling highlights diff soils found
- Slate soils of Polish hills
- Low in fertility, gives less aromatic flintier style; neutral in youth & develops honey & toasty notes with long bottle ageing
- Limestone soils of Watervale
- more fertile; more aromatic, floral style drunk young
- Good to Outstanding in quality and Mid to Premium priced
The Central Ranges zone in NSW has three key regions, name them and give some details on zone
CENTRAL RANGES ZONE
- Split into 3 regions: From N to S
- Mudgee: Orange: Cowra- Along western, inland side of the Great Dividing Ranges
- Long history of wine production
- Orange has grown recently and built reputation for high quality producers
- But Cowra and Mudgee have shrunk in that same time
Sustainable Winegrowing Australia
- Sustainable Winegrowing Australia
- own sustainable programme:
- improving quality & minimize environmental impact
- Feature of SWA is sustainable water use
- many rely on irrigation- now sourced almost entirely from sustainable resources such as Dams and
- recycled waste water from Adelaide
Describe the Canberra district and wines made there
Canberra District:
- Planted between 500-850mRL
- Continental & high Altitude results in large Diurnal range - warm summers with cool nights
- Altitude means Intense sunshine=helps ripening
- Spring cold, frost an issue so site selection essential
- Dry summers - irrigation necessary
- Autumn rains can be challenging for some seasons
- Black varieties most planted with Shiraz the most planted
- Delicate, floral Rieslings and elegant peppery Shiraz as well as opulent Pinot noir.
-
SHIRAZ:
- Most planted black grape
- Warm temps; Intense sunlight;
- Wide diurnal range contribute to deep colour ;Ripe Black Cherry flavours
- High Tannins; High Acidity
- Shiraz Viognier blends common
- Good to Outstanding quality, mid to premium priced
RIESLING:
- Most important white varietal
- Dry, High Acidity; Delicate Floral & Citrus character
- Very good to outstanding in quality
- Key producers - CLONAKILLA & RAVENSWORTH
What are viticultural conditions for Tasmania and what are hazards during the growing season?
-
Viticulture
- Regions of:
- Coal River Valley close to Hobart (South)
- Tamar Valley & Piper’s River Close to Launceston (North)
- Freycinet on the east coast is close to nothing
- These Easterly regions sheltered by mountains from westerly winds and rain
- They are drier than expected but still, particularly in the Tamar have reasonable levels of humidity and disease pressure
- Risks of wind, rain, frost, drought & pests windbreaks, Drip irrigation, Netting, Leaf removal
- Same levels of Plantings for Black & White
- Regions of:
