Australia Laws Overview

Question 1

Oz Major Red Grapes

Answer 1

• Shiraz
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Merlot
• Grenache
• Pinot Noir
• Others [Petit Verdot, Mataro (Mouvedre), Sangiovese, Tempranillo]

Question 2

Oz Major White Grapes

Answer 2

• Chardonnay
• Sauvignon Blanc
• Semillon
• Riesling

Question 3

Oz Viticulture

Answer 3

• vine-growing concentrated in cooler coastal areas moderated by Southern and Indian Oceans
• vineyards also planted in higher elevation areas
• irrigation imperative [but water shortages major hazard/threat]
• warm/dry climate often produces very ripe grapes making retaining natural acidity/balance challenging
• combination of artisan and industrial wineries

Question 4

Oz Vinification

Answer 4

• leader in technological development/mechanization (due to labor shortages)
• technological precision lead to often clean/fruit driven wines
• Oak aging, American was prevalent but now French oak common
• Acidification often employed to balance
• leader in alternate closures (screwcaps, crowncaps)

Question 5

Oz Vintage/Varietal Labelling

Answer 5

Varietal = 85%
Vintage = 85%
Region = 85%

Question 6

South Eastern Oz Zone

Answer 6

• covers all GIs in South Australia,Victoria, NSW, Queensland
• allows blending from most of Oz regions
• high volume brands labeled South Eastern Australia
• sourced from: Riverland, Murray-Darling, Victoria, Riverina [high yields, less flavor]
• blending w Barossa, Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale
• Riverland also does botrytised Semillon