C39 - Australia Flashcards
1
Q
Describe the size of Australia
A
Its land mass is similar to that of the United States and larger than that of Europe
2
Q
What is the general climate temperature in Australia? What is the main reason?
A
Warm or hot The southerly latitude
3
Q
What are the main climate tempering influences in Australia?
A
The Southern or Indian Ocean or the Murray River system
4
Q
Which areas of Australia are tempered by altitude?
A
Adelaide Hills and Eden Valley
5
Q
What is rainfall like in many growing regions of Australia?
A
Very low, so irrigation is necessary
6
Q
What can happen in Australia in years of extreme drought?
A
Waters from Murray River can run low (these are vital for irrigation)
7
Q
Murray River is a vital source of water for inland areas such as…
A
Riverland
Murray-Darling
8
Q
What is a risk in Australia as a result of high summer temperatures and drought?
A
Bush fires
9
Q
Why are bush fires a risk even if they do not destroy crops?
A
The smoke can come into contact with grapes, which can taint the flavour of resulting wine
10
Q
Many producers in Australia are seeking sites with…
A
Cool or moderate climates
11
Q
What has been the result of the search for cooler climates in Australia?
A
Plantings have increased in high altitude sites and in Tasmania (it has a more southerly latitude)
12
Q
What is Australia’s principal grape variety of either colour?
A
Shiraz
13
Q
…is grown widely in most regions of Australia
A
Shiraz
14
Q
Describe the Shiraz produced in hot and warm regions of Australia
A
Full-bodied and intensely fruity Often display earthy or spicy notes and develop leather aromas with age
15
Q
Describe the other style of Shiraz produced in the warmer areas of Australia
A
Producers are making a more restrained style by controlling the level of extraction in the winemaking process
16
Q
Where is the leaner, more peppery style of Shiraz made in Australia?
A
Cooler regions such as Geelong and Heathcote
17
Q
What are the styles of Shiraz available in Australia?
A
Full-bodied, lean and peppery or a multi-regional blend of the two
18
Q
What is the role of Shiraz in Australian multi-varietal blends?
A
It performs a similar role to Merlot in Bordeaux, adding softness to Cabernet blends
19
Q
Describe Australian Cabernet
A
Generally dark with firmer tannins and higher acidity than Shiraz
Ripe black fruit (blackcurrant, black cherry)
Toasty oak notes
20
Q
Give two classic regions for Cabernet Sauvignon in Australia
A
Coonawarra
Margaret River
21
Q
What is the role of Merlot in Australia?
A
Typically found in blended wines
Often alongside Cabernet, to provide body and fleshy, plummy fruit
22
Q
Where in Australia are the best examples of Pinot Noir grown? Give examples
A
Cool or moderate sites
Yarra Valley
Mornington Peninsula
Tasmania
23
Q
Describe the style of Pinot Noir from premium sites
A
Medium body Medium alcohol Medium to high acidity Typical flavours of cherry and strawberry
24
Q
Which varieties do best in Australia’s hot regions?
A
Grenache Petit Verdot Mataro
25
Besides Grenache, Petit Verdot and Mataro, which other varieties have gained in popularity in Australia's hot regions? Why?
Varieties from Italy and Spain such as Sangiovese and Tempranillo They are well adapted to high summer temperatures and a limited water supply
26
What is the most planted white wine grape in Australia?
Chardonnay
27
Describe basic Australian Chardonnay
Often a blend of fruit from different regions Unoaked for peachy flavours Oak chips/staves for toast/vanilla flavours
28
What are the cool/moderate sources of high quality Chardonnay in Australia?
Adelaide Hills
Mornington Peninsula
Yarra Valley
29
Name a warm region source of Chardonnay in Australia
Margaret River
30
Describe top examples of Chardonnay in Australia
Beautifully balanced with fresh, vibrant fruit complemented by subtle flavours from careful use of lees, MLF and/or oak maturation
31
What is now being planted widely in Australia, thanks to domestic and export market?
Sauvignon Blanc
32
Which area of Australia is said to produce its benchmark of Sauvignon Blanc?
Adelaide Hills
33
What is the general temperature of the climate in Adelaide Hills?
Moderate
34
Name the key features of Sauvignon Blanc from Adelaide Hills
Tend to show concentrated passion fruit flavours as well as refreshing high acidity
35
Which white grape makes a style which is unique to Australia?
Semillon
36
Where in Australia is Semillon planted?
It is planted widely
37
What is the classic region for Semillon in Australia?
Hunter Valley
38
How is Semillon typically made in Adelaide Hills?
It is harvested early with low sugar levels and high acidity Oxygen contact is kept to a minimum Inert vessels used for fermentation and storage
39
Describe the Semillons of Adelaide Hills
Low alcohol
Neutral in flavour when first bottled
Develop extraordinary flavours of honey and toast
Can age for 20 years or more
40
List the styles and locations of Semillon in Australia other than those made in Adelaide Hills
Western Australia: Herbaceous style, very similar to Sauvignon Blanc
Barossa Valley: Fuller bodied and softer. Some early-picked and unoaked styles being made
41
Describe the general style of Riesling in Australia
Dry/slightly off-dry (some sweet styles are made)
High acidity
Unoaked
Pronounced citrus fruit aromas and flavours of lime, lemon and/or grapefruit in youth
Flavours develop into toast, honey and petrol
42
What are the classic regions for Riesling in Australia?
Clare Valley and Eden Valley in South Australia
43
Which regions of Australia are beginning to develop a reputation for high quality Riesling?
Tasmania and the Franklin River sub-region of Western Australia
44
What is the flavour difference between the Rieslings of South Australia and those of Western Australia?
In western Australia they are more floral than citrusy
45
What is the largest zone in Australia?
South Eastern Australia Zone
46
What comprises the South Eastern Australia Zone?
It is a 'super-zone' comprised of all the GIs within South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland
47
What does the South Eastern Australia Zone allow for in winemaking?
Blending of grapes or wines from across most of Australia's wine regions
48
Describe wines labelled with South Eastern Australia
The majority are high volume brands and take advantage of being able to source fruit from the fertile , irrigated vineyards of Riverland in South Australia, Murray-Darling in Victoria and Riverina in New South Wales
49
Describe grapes of Riverland, Murray-Darling and Riverina
Can produce high yields of healthy grapes
Lack the flavour concentration of those from other, high-quality areas
50
How may the lack of flavour concentration from high yield areas of Australia be remedied?
By blending in components from regions such as Barossa, Adelaide Hills or McLaren Vale The choice of components depends on grape variety, style and price point
51
What else does Riverina specialise in?
The production of botrytised wines made from Semillon
52
What in Riverina encourages the development of noble rot?
Autumn morning mists and fogs
53
In which zone is the majority of Australia's wine produced?
South Australia
54
Where in South Australia are the vineyards mostly located?
They are mostly concentrated in the south east of the state
55
What are the advantages of labelling a wine with South Australia? What kind of producers use it?
It gives producers a range of premium vineyard locations, offering different characteristics Some of Australia's most prestigious and expensive wines take advantage of the opportunities provided by the GI
56
Which wine region is to the north east of Adelaide?
Barossa Valley
57
Which region of Australia is considered the heartland of the country's fine wine production?
Barossa Valley
58
Roughly what is the climate in Barossa Valley?
Warm and dry
59
What are vines like in Barossa Valley?
Bush vines
60
What are the outstanding grape varieties of Barossa Valley?
Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache
61
Describe classic Barossa Valley Shiraz
Full-bodied
Soft tannins
Ripe black fruit
Sweet American oak
Develops leather and spice with age
62
What is the most notable white variety of Barossa Valley?
Semillon
63
What style of Semillon is made in Barossa Valley?
Increasingly made in a fresh, unoaked style
64
Describe wines labelled Barossa
Come from Barossa zone and can be made from fruit sourced from Barossa Valley and Eden Valley
65
Where is Eden Valley?
In the hills to the east of the Barossa Valley
66
Describe the climate of Eden Valley
Cool to moderate climate that varies with altitude
67
What is made with success in the cooler vineyards of Eden Valley?
Outstanding quality Rieslings
68
Describe the best Rieslings of Eden Valley
Intense lime and grapefruit aromas Steely character The best display marmalade and toasty characters after ten years
69
Besides Riesling, what else is grown with success in Eden Valley?
Shiraz, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon
70
Where is Clare Valley?
To the north west of Barossa Valley
71
What is the speciality of Clare Valley?
Riesling
72
Describe the climate in Clare Valley
Warm climate
Tempered by cool afternoon breezes
Nights are cold
73
What is the topography of Clare Valley?
Many vineyards are planted at altitude (300 - 400m) Some vineyards as high as 570m
74
Describe Clare Valley Rieslings
Dry in style Intense citrus and lime aromas High acidity With age, they can develop honey and toast characters
75
Describe Clare Valley Shiraz
Fragrant, powerful and structured
76
What else is produced to a high quality in Clare Valley, besides Riesling and Shiraz?
Cabernet Sauvignon
77
Describe Cabernet in Clare Valley
It's made into different styles, depending on vineyard location, soil and elevation
78
Where is the Adelaide Hills region?
Twenty-five kilometres east of Adelaide
79
What is the climate of the Adelaide Hills region?
Moderate climate Rainfall in the winter
80
What are the growing conditions like in Adelaide Hills?
Vineyards are planted above 400m Soils have limited water holding capacity
81
What is the consequence of the low water-holding capacity of the soils in Adelaide Hills?
Irrigation is often necessary during the growing season
82
What are the specialities of Adelaide Hills?
Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay
83
Describe the style of Chardonnay made in Adelaide Hills
Elegant
High natural acidity
Pronounced citrus and peach aromas
84
What is the 'third' grape of Adelaide Hills?
Pinot Noir
85
How is Pinot Noir used in Adelaide Hills?
For still red wines For blending with Chardonnay for sparkling wine
86
Where is the McLaren Vale?
On the coast to the south of Adelaide
87
Describe the climate in McLaren Vale
Warm climate Tempered by afternoon ocean breezes
88
What is the majority of wine produced in McLaren Vale?
Red wines from Shiraz, Cabernet, Merlot and Grenache
89
What are wines generally like in McLaren Vale?
Intensely flavoured Dark fruit aromas Soft, ripe tannins
90
Some wines are made with depth and complexity in McLaren Vale. What are they made from?
Old vine Shiraz and Grenache
91
Which region is directly south of Riverland, within the Limestone Coast?
Coonawarra
92
Describe Coonawarra
A narrow strip of land 1.5 kilometres wide and 15 kilometres long
93
Where is Coonawarra?
400km south-east of Adelaide, towards the Victorian border
94
Describe the soil of Coonawarra
Distinctive red terra rossa soil over a limestone subsoil
95
What is the climate of Coonawarra?
Moderate maritime Influenced by cold currents from the Antarctic Summer temperatures moderated by cloud cover
96
What is the predominant grape in Coonawarra?
Cabernet Sauvignon
97
Describe Cabernet from Coonawarra
Concentrated, structured wines Characteristic blackcurrant and eucalyptus or menthol aromas Best examples age very well
98
Besides Cabernet, what else is widely planted in Coonawarra?
Shiraz, Merlot and Chardonnay
99
Where is the Victoria zone?
The far southern tip of Australia
100
What is the climate broadly like in Victoria?
It offers some of the coolest vineyard locations on mainland Australia
101
Describe the wine regions around Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay and their grapes
Benefit from ocean breezes, giving conditions cool enough to grow high quality Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and grapes for sparkling wine
102
What is further inland in Victoria? How does it affect growing?
The Great Dividing Range Provides a range of altitudes and aspects
103
Name two high altitude areas around Victoria's Great Dividing Range
Macedon Ranges Upper Goulburn
104
What's made in the higher altitude areas of The Great Dividing Range in Victoria?
Elegant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay Aromatic Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc
105
What do the regions of the lower slopes of The Great Dividing Range generally produce?
They grow later-ripening black varieties such as Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon
Fresher and lighter than those from Australia's hotter regions
106
Which region is directly to the north-east of Melbourne?
The Yarra Valley
107
What is the climate of Yarra Valley?
Cool to moderate Maritime
108
What is the terroir of Yarra Valley like?
Very varied with a wide range of altitudes and aspects
109
What is the speciality of the Yarra Valley?
Pinot Noir
110
What are the main styles of wine produced in Yarra Valley?
High quality table wines
Excellent quality sparkling wines
111
Describe Yarra Valley Pinot Noir
Ripe, soft tannins Rich fruit with strawberries, plums and dark cherries Complexity added by careful oak handling Age-worthy when made by top producers
112
Which grapes other than Pinot Noir can be made successfully in Yarra Valley? Why?
Chardonnay, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon (though never with quite the weight of similar wines made in other regions) Due to the wide geographical diversity
113
What is the speciality of Mornington Peninsula?
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
114
Where is Mornington Peninsula?
To the south of Melbourne, on the coast
115
What is the climate in Mornington Peninsula?
Cool to moderate maritime climate
116
What kind of wineries is Mornington Peninsula home to?
Small, boutique estates
117
What is vintage variation like in Mornington Peninsula?
It varies a lot, due to the chance of cool, wet and windy weather at flowering and often at harvest
118
Describe weather and wines in the best seasons at Mornington Peninsula
Long growing season, producing fragrant, elegant wines with finesse
119
Describe Pinot Noir from Mornington Peninsula
It ranges from light and delicate to more structured
All tends to display very pure fruit characteristics
120
Describe Chardonnays from Mornington Peninsula
High acidity (reflecting the cool climate) Usually softened by MLF Citrus, pear and apple aromas
121
Where is the Geelong region?
West of Melbourne
122
What is the climate of Geelong?
Similar to that of Mornington Peninsula
123
What is the reputation of Geelong Chardonnay?
It's renowned for its quality
124
Describe Chardonnay from Geelong
Complex, concentrated and full bodied
125
What are the major red grapes of Geelong?
Pinot Noir and Shiraz
126
Describe Pinot Noir from Geelong
Can take on earthy aromas
127
Describe Shiraz from Geelong
Fresh and peppery
128
What else is made in Geelong?
Sparkling wine from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
129
Where is Heathcote?
In the centre of Victoria, much further inland than the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula and Geelong
130
Where do Heathcote's cooling influences come from?
Altitude rather than the ocean
131
What is the climate of Heathcote?
Moderate
132
Describe Shiraz from Heathcote
Firmer fruit structure and fresher fruit than those of other regions
133
What is planted in Heathcote other than Shiraz?
Chardonnay and Cabernet Mediterranean varieties are showing promise e.g. Sangiovese and Tempranillo
134
Where is Goulburn Valley?
To the east of Heathcote in the Goulburn Valley Region
135
What is the climate in Goulburn Valley?
Warm
136
How is the temperature of Goulburn Valley mitigated?
By the lakes and creeks associated with the Goulburn River
137
What is the most planted variety in Goulburn Valley?
Shiraz
138
What is the speciality of the Goulburn Valley area?
Marsanne
139
What are the Marsanne wines of Goulburn Valley like?
Citrus fruit in youth Developing honeyed aromas with bottle age
140
What is the reputation of New South Wales?
The longest history of wine production in Australia
141
What is the main region of New South Wales?
Hunter Valley
142
What is the general temperature of Hunter Valley?
Hot
143
Which areas of New South Wales are slightly cooler?
Mudgee, Orange and Cowra
144
Where are the vineyards of Mudgee, Orange and Cowra?
Inland from Sydney on the western slopes of the Great Dividing Range
145
Describe the vineyards of New South Wales's cooler regions and what they produce
They are at altitude and are capable of producing some very concentrated Chardonnays and structured Cabernet Sauvignons
146
Describe the climate of Hunter Valley
Hot and humid Effect of summer heat reduced by high cloud cover and ocean breezes
147
Describe the main weather hazard of Hunter Valley
Unsettled rainy weather at harvest
148
How is rot minimised in Hunter Valley?
With good canopy management techniques
149
What is the most planted grape in Hunter Valley?
Semillon
150
Describe Semillon wines of Hunter Valley
Light bodied Low alcohol High acidity Neutral flavours that develop into toast, nut and honey with bottle age
151
What is the second most planted white variety in Hunter Valley?
Chardonnay
152
What style is Chardonnay made into in Hunter Valley?
Both oaked and unoaked
153
What is the black variety with the largest production in Hunter Valley?
Shiraz
154
Describe Shiraz from Hunter Valley
Medium body
Soft tannins
Black fruit flavours (blackberry and cherry)
Earthy undertone
155
Where are the wine regions of Western Australia?
In the south-west tip of the state
156
What is the largest appellation of Western Australia? Describe it
Western Australia
The fruit or wine from its regions can be blended together
157
What are the only Australian wines not part of South Eastern Australia?
Those of Western Australia
158
Where is Margaret River?
Western Australia 200km south of Perth
159
Describe the climate in Margaret River
Warm maritime climate High rainfall (but falls mainly in winter)
160
What is the most widely planted red grape in Margaret River?
Cabernet Sauvignon
161
How does Cabernet often appear in Margaret River?
As a blend with Merlot
162
What are the styles of Margaret River's Bordeaux blends?
From elegant and restrained to fruity and powerful
163
Describe Chardonnays of Margaret River
Concentrated stone fruit
High levels of natural acidity
A range of styles using MLF and barrel ageing
164
What other white grapes are widely grown in Margaret River?
Sauvignon Blanc Semillon
165
Describe the role of Sauvignon Blanc in Margaret River and its wines
It's often blended with Semillon
Attractive gooseberry and tropical fruit aromas with high acidity
166
Which area of Margaret River is relatively new? What is it called?
The area to the south
Great Southern region
167
Name two sub-regions within Margaret River's Great Southern region What are they known for?
Mount Barker and Frankland River Deeply coloured Cabernet Sauvignon, elegant, peppery Shiraz and floral Riesling
168
What is the climate of Tasmania?
Cool maritime Cooled by westerly winds off the Southern Ocean Generally free from extremes
169
What is Tasmania's original reputation in wine?
As a prime source of base wine for Australian sparkling wine
170
What are the principal varieties of Tasmania now?
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris and some Cabernet Sauvignon (in the warmest, driest areas)
171
What is the hierarchy of GIs in Australia?
Zones, regions and sub-regions
172
Describe what a zone is in Australia
A large area without any particularly qualifying attributes Can be a state or cover several states
173
... can also make up part of a state in Australia, but with the exception of ..., these are rare
Zones Barossa
174
Give examples of regions in Australia
Coonawarra, Clare Valley, Margaret River etc.
175
Describe what a region is in Australia
Vary in size, but are smaller than zones Must have consistent and distinct qualities from neighbouring regions
176
Many regions in Australia are split into...
Sub-regions
177
How many regions may a sub-region fall across in Australia?
One
178
T or F: Some Australian regions are covered by several zones
True
179
Give an example of a region in Australia which is covered by several zones
Eden Valley is in Barossa Zone, which is within South Australia Zone, which is in South Eastern Australia Zone
