Ch. 31 – Australia Flashcards
Australia
Australia
Wine history of Australia
Vines arrived with first settlers in 1788
- 19th century commercial viticulture
- cuttings by James Busby
Phylloxera - eventially found
- strict quarantine regulations
- some areas Phylloxera free
- some of oldest vineyards (Shiraz, Cabernet, Grenache)
Phylloxera in Europe started export from Australia
- after focus returned to domestic market
- fortified wines
1950s
- Orlandos (Jacob’s Creek), Lindemans, Hardys, Penfolds - started to modernize the industry (steel and temperature control)
- 1970 Boutique winery movement and wineries in colder regions
Wine of Australia 1980 - export market
- modern, varietal labelling with descriptors
- world’s fifth largest exporter
- followed by oversupply and higher competition
- shift towards quality
Climate in Australia
Very favourable environment for viti
- intense sunshine, low rainfall, low humidity,
- grapes ripen reliably
Most vineyards 30’-37’S (North Africa, South Europe)
- Strong sunlight
Wide range of climates.
- most vineyards rely on cooling influences
Relatively flat - cooling influence of ocean can travel long distance inland
Spring frost can be issue in colder areas
Winds from ocean can disrupt flowering
Drought is constant problem
Great Dividing Ridge creates barrier - protecting southern regions from tropical weather coming from Pacific in North
- also creates rain shadow in some regions
Soil in Australia
Very complex geology, all known rock types can be found
Some regions are known for distinct soils
- Terra rossa - Coonawara
Vineyard management
Irrigation - even in wet regions (free-draining soils)
- Murray-Darling Basin rivers
- Rainwater collected in dams
- Underground water sources
- recycled wastewater
- as sustainable as possible -drip irrigation
High vigour - heat+ sufficient water
- canopy management
- old vines - lower vigour
- Scott-Henry, Smart-Dyson
Heavily mechanized
- gentle slopes or flat, wide spacing
- relatively high labour costs, remote locations
- some harvest by hand
Soil salinity
- not enough rain to carry away salt deposited
- more difficult for vine to get water - reduced vigour
- Chardonnay very sensitive
- managed by rootstock and changing irrigation patterns to larger volumes of water at less frequency
Bush fires and smoke taint
Phylloxera
- many regions did not have problem
- quarantine and biosecurity laws
- rootstock as assurance
- present in Victoria and NSW
Low humidity - ideal for sustainable/organic
Pest - kangaroos and birds
Common pests in Australia
Kangaroos and birds
Phylloxera in Australia
- many regions did not have problem
- quarantine and biosecurity laws
- rootstock as assurance
- present in Victoria and NSW
Managing high soil salinity
Not enough rain to carry away salt deposited
more difficult for vine to get water - reduced vigour
Chardonnay very sensitive
Managed by rootstock and changing irrigation patterns to larger volumes of water at less frequency
Irrigation in Australia and its sources
Irrigation - even in wet regions (free-draining soils)
- Murray-Darling Basin rivers
- Rainwater collected in dams
- Underground water sources
- recycled wastewater
- as sustainable as possible -drip irrigation
Main grape varieties in Australia
Shiraz 30% Cabernet Sauvignon Chardonnay Merlot Sauvignon Blanc Pinot Noir Semillon Pinot Gris Riesling
Original cuttings brought from Europe by:
James Busby
and European immigrants
Australian Wine Research Institute is located at:
Adelaide
Progress of Australian wine styles
Original full bodied, ripe, fruity wines with plenty of oak
Now diversification - new site selections, vineyard managemet and precise harvest dates.
Experimentation - ambient yeast - skin contact - lees contact - solids in ferment . whole bunch and stems
Screwcap is most common closure
Shiraz
30% of all plantings (successful on export)
Adaptable - wide variety of styles
Usually full bodied, high in alcohol, high level of soft tannins
Pronounced aroma of dark fruits and earthy, spicy tones
Develops leatherly
Cooler regions - less fruit intensity and distinct black pepper aroma
Trend toward less intense, more approachable style
- reducing extraction
- whole bunch
- reducing new oak
(American traditional, French increasing)
Widely used in blends (GSM, Shiraz-Viognier, Bordeaux varieties)
- premium usually co-fermented (Cheaper blended)
Blending partners of Shiraz
GSM blends
- Grenache, Shiraz, Mataro
Shiraz-Viognier
- premium usually co-fermented
- cheaper blended
Cabernet
- Shiraz has similar function as Merlot in Bordeaux
Cabernet Sauvignon
Single varietal or blends (Bordeaux or Shiraz)
Cooler or warmer climate (higher acidity and tannin than Shiraz)
- Ripe black fruit (blackcurrant and cherry)
- oak
Leading regions:
- Coonawara - distinctive mint and eucalyptus aroma
- Margaret River - often blended with Merlot, riper, more subtle herbal notes
Merlot
Widely used in blends but also single-varietal
Wìde range of styles
Better clones - raising quality
Pinot Noir
Cool or moderate climate
- Yarra Valley
- Mornington Peninsula
- Tasmania
- med body, med alcohol, high acidity, red fruit (cherry, raspberry)
Whole bunch, cold maceration, stem inclusion
Often matured in French oak (new oak is reducing)
Grenache
Rhone style blends with Shiraz and Mataro
Old bush wines (McLaren Vale, Eden Valley, Barossa Valley)
- modern style is greater freshness, higher acidity, lower alcohol and fresher fruit
- sometimes proportion of whole bunches or stems
- Small new oak barrels tend to overwhelm it
- large barrels or old oak
Chardonnay
Almost in every region
Ripe fruit (citrus, peach), med (med+) acidity and well-integrated oak
- ambient yeast
- high levels of solids
- barrel ferment
- lees ageing
- barrel maturation (French oak)
- malo (partial or full or none - depending on climate)
Sometimes blended with Semillon
Sauvignon Blanc
Cooler climate regions
- Mornington Peninsula
- Tasmania
Adelaide hills (reputation for) - citrus, tropical notes
Less herbaceous
Fermented in steel
Lees contact sometimes or barrel ferment (Margaret River)
Sometimes blended with Semillon
Semillon
Single varietal or blended with SB or Chardonnay
Hunter Valley
- Low alcohol, high acidity, unoaked style
- fairly neutral in youth
- develops with bottle age
Barossa
- fuller bodied, higher alcohol and oak notes
Frequently affected by botrytis (Riverina)
Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio
picked early (Grigio) riper, fruitier, spicier, fuller bodied (Gris)
Mornington Peninsula, Tasmania
Riesling
Cooler regions
- Clare and Eden Valleys
- Great Southern
- Canberra
- Tasmania
Bone dry, high acidity (apple, lemon, lime, grapefruit)
Fermented in steel
System of GIs in Australia
Geographical Indications (1990s)
Zones
- no rules regarding boundaries and no requirements for shared geographic or climatic characteristics
- can cover entire state
Regions
- 65 regions registered
- must have consistent and distinct qualities
- must produce at least 500 tonnes of grapes a year across at least 5 differently owned vineayrds (each at least 5ha)
- Tasmania is region (not a zone)
Sub-regions
- 14 sub regions registered
- particular topography, climates soils
Gives range of labelling options
Eden Valley can be labelled:
- Eden Valley
- Barossa
- Adelaide
- South Australia
- South Eastern Australia
Labelling law
governed by: Label Integrity Programme (LIP)
If GI, vintage or grape is stated 85% of grapes must conform
If multiple grape varieties - listed in descending order of how much they contribute
Growers, producers, suppliers are regularly audited by Australia Grape and Wine Authority (Wine Australia) which oversees LIP
No GI based rules for growing or winemaking
South Eastern Australia Zone
Covers whole Victoria, NSW and Tasmania + corners of South Australia and Queensland
Allows blending across the zone - high volume wines
Mostly from Murray-Darling Basin
- Riverland
- Riverina
- Murray-Darling
Hot continental climate
Rivers provide slight cooling influence and water for irrigation
Ideal conditions for high volume production
Rain shadow of Great Dividing Range
Casella Family Brands (Yellow Tail), De Bortoli, Australian Vintage, Lindeman’s
Shiraz, Chardonnay, Semillon
- med body, high alcohol, low acidity
Area in Riverina known for botrytised wines
Griffith
Semillon grape
South Australia Zones and Regions
Barossa Zone
- Barossa Valley
- Eden Valley
Mount Lofty Ranges Zone
- Adelaide Hills
- Clare Valley
Fleurieu Zone
- McLaren Vale
Limestone Coast Zone
- Coonawara
Victoria Zones and Regions
Port Phillip Zone
- Yarra Valley
- Morninton Peninsula
- Geelong
- Macedon Ranges
Western Victoria Zone
- Grampians
- Pyrenees
- Henty
North East Victoria Zone
- King Valley
- Beechworth
Central Victoria Zone
- Goulburn Valley
- Bendigo
- Uppel Goulburn
- Heathcote
Gippsland Zone
Barossa Zone regions
- Barossa Valley
- Eden Valley
Mount Lofty Ranges Zone regions
- Adelaide Hills
- Clare Valley
Region in Fleurieu Zone
McLaren Vale
Region in Limestone Coast Zone
Coonawara
Port Phillip Zone Regions
- Yarra Valley
- Morninton Peninsula
- Geelong
- Macedon Ranges
Regions in Western Victoria Zone
- Grampians
- Pyrenees
- Henty
Regions in North East Victoria Zone
- King Valley
- Beechworth
Regions in Central Victoria Zone
- Goulburn Valley
- Bendigo
- Uppel Goulburn
- Heathcote
New South Wales zones and regions
Hunter Valley Zone
- Hunter
Central Ranges Zone
- Orange
- Mudgee
- Cowra
Southern New South Wales Zone
- Canberra District
- Hilltops
- Tumbarumba
Big Rivers
Western Australia Zones and regions
South West Ausralia Zone
- Margaret River
- Great Southern
- Albany
- Denmark
- Mount Barker
- Frankland River
- Porongurup
Greater Perth
Sub Regions in Greath Southern
- Albany
- Denmark
- Mount Barker
- Frankland River
- Porongurup
South Australia
Largest wine producing state by volume (50%)
Diversity of climate, topography and soils
South Australia Zone covers the whole state and is also part of South East Australia Zone
Barossa Valley
Plain protected by low hills on the west and Adelaide Hills on the south
One of Australia’s largest wine regions (9,000ha)
Sheltered location - warm climate
- low rainfall (160mm) irrigation necessary
- low disease pressure
- valley sides a bit cooler
Complex soils
- ironstone layer (north) - water retaining - some of the most ageworthy wines
Large stock of old vines
- Shiraz, Grenache (low yielding, dry farmed)
- Barossa Old Vine Charter (appears on label)
Shiraz (60%) - full body, high alcohol, soft tannins, ripe (cooked, dried) fruit. American oak is traditional (French is on increase)
- spicy, leatherly with bottle age
Cabernet Sauvignon - cooler, higher sites
- richer, riper than Coonawara or Margaret
Grenache and Rhone blends
Some Chardonnay and Semillon (barrel aged)
Producers: John Duval, Glaetzer Wines
Which Australian region has a chart for old vines which appear on the label
Barossa
Eden Valley
In Barossa Zone (not valley at all, rolling hills)
Can be steep enought to limit mìechanization (over 600m)
- cooler with altitude
Higher rainfall than Barossa (230mm) Strong wind (affecting flowering)
Soils with good water holding capacity - dry farming common
Known for old vines - Shiraz, Riesling, Grenache
Equal production of white and red
Riesling signature
- dry, high acidity, med alcohol (lemon, lime)
- can age very well (honey, nuts, toast)
Shiraz - higher acidity, more structured tannins,lower alcohol (compare to Barossa)
Producers: Henschke, Pewsey Vale
Adelaide Hills region
(part of Mount Lofty Ranges Zone)
One of Australia’s oldest regions
- characterised by valleys and steep hillsites (restrict mechanization)
Maritime cool to moderate climate (altitude moderation and ocean) - high diurnal range - retain acidity
Relatively high rainfall levels (300mm) - collected in dams (irrigation) + underground water for irrigation
- relatively high humidity (fungal diseases)
Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay (both still and sparkling)
Gruner Veltliner, Arneis, Fiano
Pinot Noir (also for sparkling)
- tend to have more tannins than Victoria
Shiraz and Italian varieties - Sangiovese, Nebbiolo
Alternative varieties and low intervention styles
Producers: Penfolds, Shaw + Smith
Clare Valley
(part of Month Lofty Ranges Zone)
Warm climate (tempered by cool afternoon breezes and cold nights) - wide diurnal range 300-500m
Not particularly steep slopes (mechanization possible)
Rain (250mm), Dams for irrigation
- low humidity (low disease pressure)
Small family owned vineyards (72% black varieties)
- Shiraz, Cabernet (eucaluptus, minty notes)
Well known for Riesling (25%)
- sunburn issue (thick canopies)
- dry fermented, lime aroma, higher acidity than in Eden
- Polish Hill - slate soil - less aromatic and suitable for bottle ageing
- Waterwale - more fertile soils - more aromatic
Producers: Jim Barry, Wenduree
Two sites for Riesling in Clare Valley
Polish Hill - slate soils
- less aromatic
- more suitable for ageing
Watervale
- more fertile soils
- more aromatic
McLaren Vale
(part of Fleurieu Zone)
Gulf St. Vincent to west and Adellaide Hills to east
Warm to hot summers (maritime) with winds from Gulf (moderating temperatures and lowering disease pressure)
Low rainfall (less than 200mm) - low disease pressure - ideal for organic
Altitude and proximity to ocean decides on site
Complex geology - sand to loam to clay
- Poor north, fertile south
90% red wine (high volume to premium)
- Mainly Shiraz then Cabernet, Grenache
- large stock of old vines - Shiraz, Grenache
- increased interest in Sangiovese, Fiano, Vermentino
Dominated by large vinayards (planted to allow mechanization)
Sustainable Winegrowing Australia (water use)
Producers: Hardys, Mollydooker, Yangarra
Coonawara
Part of Limestone Coast Zone
Reputation for excellent quality Cabernet
Moderate climate
- moderated by sea breezes - compared to Bordeaux
- wide diurnal range
- relatively flat, so maritime influence can travel far inland
- Cloud cover moderates temperature
Relatively low rainfall (260mm)
- irrigation used but some dry-farm
- water from uderground aquifers
Strong winds
Spring frost can be problem (sprinklers)
Terra rossa soil (expensive locations)
- free draining iron-rich loam over limestone base
- slightly alcaline - reduces uptake of nutrients
- Controls vigour
- low yields of concentrated grapes
Cabernet (mint, eucalyptus, oak ageing)
Shiraz (lighter than Barossa)
Chardonnay, Riesling,
Remote location - problem with labour (mechanization)
Producers: Katnook, Wynns
Soil typical for Coonawara
Terra rossa
- free draining iron-rich loam over limestone base
- slightly alcaline - reduces uptake of nutrients
- Controls vigour
- low yields of concentrated grapes
Victoria general
Split into six smaller zones
3rd state in terms of production
- more focused on quality (beside Murray-Darling Basin)
Phylloxera remains threat here - number of recent outbreaks (Yarra Valley)
- replanting program underway
Yarra Valley
part of Port Phillip Zone
Cool to moderate climate with maritime influence
- 50-350m
- Upper Yarra - cooler, higher altitude
- Lower Yarra - warmer, lower altitude
- frost can be danger (cool air sinking from gentle hills)
450-500mm (one of wettest regions)
- high humidity
- fungal disease threat
- Lower Yarra - well drained (loamy clay) - irrigates
- Upper Yarra - deeper, volcanic soils - dry farmed
Pinot Noir (50+ %)
- whole bunch increasing
- Mix of new and used oak
Chardonnay (25%)
- white peach, grapefruit, melon
- one of firts regions to move from oaky tropical full style
- new and old oak used
- may use high degree of solids (smoky, reductive)
- some lees contact, malo often avoided
Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon (lower warmer parts)
Producers: Mount Mary, Yarra Yering
Mornington Peninsula
Part of Port Phillip Zone
Port Phillip Bay on one side and Bass Strait (separates from Tasmania) on the other
Cool to moderate climate
- strong cooling influence of wind (avoids frost)
- moderating influence of water
- mild autumn conditions
- high humidity (disease limited by wind)
- up to 390mm
Relatively flat (Red Hill runds along centre of Peninsula)
- up to 250m
- red basalt soils (Red Hill) - retain winter water
- no irrigation needed
- fertile soils (vigour can be problem - Lyre trellising)
- away from the ridge - freedraining soils - irrigation needed
Pinot Noir (45%) range of styles - cold soaking often practised - whole bunch or stem inclusion may be - many aged in French oak (proportion new) Chardonnay (25%) - med body, high acidity - lees ageing and oak ageing (only small % of new) - some use malo for rounder style Shiraz, Pinot Grispa
High land prices (tourism and holiday homes) - small vineries with cellar doors and restaurants
Producers: Yabby Lake, Paringa, Paradigm Hill, Ten Minutes by Tractor, Mooroodoc Estate, Kooyong
Soil in Red Hill (Mornington Peninsula)
Red basalt
- retains winter water
- no irrigation needed
Geelong
Part of Port Phillip Zone
where Phiylloxera was first discovered in Australia
Cool climate
- close Port Phillip Bay and Bass Strait - moderating
- strong south west winds - reduce humidity (disease)
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (cooler sites)
- riper and fuller (than Yarra)
- proportion of whole bunch
Shiraz, Cabernet (warmer)
Producers: Paradise IV Wines, Wines By Farr
Macedon Ranges
Part of Port Phillip Zone
around 40 quality focused wineries
part of Great Dividing Range
- 300-800m (one of coolest vineyards in mainland)
- careful site is essential - reduce frost and enhance ripening
- granitic sandy loam - naturally reduces yield
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (Still and sparkling) Elegant Riesling (specialty) Shiraz - distinctive black pepper (needs warm vineyard and sunny year)
Grampians
Part of Western Victoria Zone
Extention of Great Dividing Ridge
Moderate climate (by altitude 240-440m) - wide diurnal range (retaining acidity) - slopes reduce risk of spring frost (lower vineyards are at risk) - relatively low rainfall (250mm) - sandy loamy soils retain water well - many vineyards do not need irrigation - quite acidic soils - reduced vigour
Shiraz -medium body, peppery and spicy
- vary from fresh red fruit (cool sites) to concentrated black fruit (warmer sites)
Producer: Mount Langi Ghiran
Pyrenees
Part of Western Australia Zone
Extention of Great Dividing Ridge
relatively gentle slopes (lower than Grampians - warmer)
Moderate climate - wide diurnal range (retaining acidity) - slopes reduce risk of spring frost (lower vineyards are at risk) - relatively low rainfall (250mm) - sandy loamy soils retain water well - many vineyards do not need irrigation - quite acidic soils - reduced vigour
Shiraz -medium body, peppery and spicy
- vary from fresh red fruit (cool sites) to concentrated black fruit (warmer sites)
Producer: Dalwhinnie
Henty
Part of Western Australia Zone
One of coldest mainland regions
- influenced by cold Antarctic winds
- but high number of sunshine hours
- 0-460m
Riesling (signature) - high acidity, pronounced lemon, lime
Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Cabernet (all fresh styles with moderate alcohol)
King Valley
Part of North East Victoria Zone
up to 860m
- very cool temperatures
- relatively high rainfall - disease concern
- temparatures rise down the slope (still moderated by river)
- generally well drained loam with high fertility (vigour)
Higher sites - lighter bodied whites
Settled by Italian immigrants
- Pinot Gris (often in Pinot Grigio style)
- Glera/Prosecco (for sparkling wine)
- Sangiovese, Barbera, Nebbiolo
Majority consumed domestically (difficult to sell internationally - relatively expensive due to small volume)
Producers: Pizzini, de Bortoli
Beechworth
Part of North East Victoria Zone
in hills south of Rutherglen
- 200-1,000m
- wide range of mesoclimates
Chardonnay, Shiraz (med bodied), Pinot Noir, Sangiove, Nebbiolo
Rutherglen
Part of North East Victoria Zone
Continental climate
Flat plains
Famous for fortified and full-bodied reds
Goulburn Valley
Part of Central Victoria Zone
warm flat plains
Ripe full bodied reds
+ Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne
Bendigo
Part of Central Victoria Zone
warm flat plains
Ripe full bodied reds
Upper Goulburn
Part of Central Victoria Zone
cooler region in foothills of Great Dividing Range
- high quality Chardonnay and aromatic whites
- Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc
Heathcote
Part of Central Victoria Zone
narrow strip along Mount Carmel Range at 160-320m
- altitude moderates temperature
- southerly winds funnelled along slopes
- wide diurnal range
- consistent rainfall over 250mm (no frost problems)
- calcareous red soil from weathered greenstone - good water retention - dry farming common
84% red wine
- Shiraz (distinctive high acidity, full body, high alcohol)
- up to outstanding quality
Producers: Jasper Hill, Heathcote Estate
Gippsland Zone
unofficially divided into 5 regions
Mostly small family owned wineries
Coastal flats and hillside slopes
420-530mm rain
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
New South Wales general information
Second largest producing state
Moderate to high temperatures sub-tropical climate noth of Sydney, high humidity and rainfall
- Hunter Valley heavily influenced
Most of regions protected from tropical weather by Great Dividing Range
- continental climate - hot and dry
- Big Rivers - Riverina
Altitude also plays role as cooling influence
Hunter Valley Zone
One region - Hunter (slightly smaller area than Hunter Valley)
3 official sub-regions but also often split unofficially into Lower Hunter and Upper Hunter
32-33’S almost tropical climate
- one of hottest and most humid regions in Australia
- relatively cool nights
- low latitude - intense sunshine
- afternoon cloud cover
- 500mm - high humidity (fungal diseases!)
- irrigation not required
Lower Hunter
- sea breezes (closer to coast)
- relatively low altitude
Equal part of white and red
Famous for unique Semillon
- dry, light bodied, high acidity, low alcohol
- delicate citrus, neutral in youth
- can age for decades - toast, honey, hay
- usually picked early, pressed without skin contact
- fermented at moderate temp in steel and finished in bottle shortly after
- rarely see any oak
Producers: Tyrrell’s and Mount Pleasant
Also: Chardonnay (oaked and unoaked)
Shiraz
Hunter Semillon expression and winemaking
- dry, light bodied, high acidity, low alcohol
- delicate citrus, neutral in youth
- can age for decades - toast, honey, hay
- usually picked early, pressed without skin contact
- fermented at moderate temp in steel and finished in bottle shortly after
- rarely see any oak
Producers: Tyrrell’s and Mount Pleasant
Regions producing high volume wines
Riverina
Murray-Darling (together Big Rivers)
Riverland
Orange
Part of Central Ranges
Often labelled ‘Orange Region)
Continental climate
- altitude cooling influence (spring frost issues)
- wide diurnal range
- Shaded by ranges from tropical weather and rain
Vineyards on slopes of Mount Canobolas (volcano)
- 600-900m
- deep red volcanic basalt, yellow/brown clay and shallow gravel
- windy - lower frost pressure
Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon Chardonnay (planted higher) - malo is usual - subtle oak, potential to age Sauvignon Blanc (high quality) Pinot Gris
Producers: Ross Hill, Tamburlaine
Mudgee
Part of Central Ranges Zone
(adjacent to Hunter Valley)
Lower and warmer than Orange (riper fruit)
Continental climate
- altitude cooling influence (spring frost issues)
- wide diurnal range
- Shaded by ranges from tropical weather and rain
Black varieties dominated - Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon
Cowra
Part of Central Ranges Zone
Lower and warmer than Orange (riper fruit)
Continental climate
- altitude cooling influence (spring frost issues)
- wide diurnal range
- Shaded by ranges from tropical weather and rain
Dominated by Chardonnay
Cowra
Part of Central Ranges Zone
Lower and warmer than Orange (riper fruit)
Continental climate
- altitude cooling influence (spring frost issues)
- wide diurnal range
- Shaded by ranges from tropical weather and rain
Dominated by Chardonnay
Canberra District
Part of Southern New South Wales (only 2 vineyards in Canberra)
Sheltered from maritime influence by Snowy Mountains
- continental climate
- cooling influence from altitude
- 500-850m - large diurnal range, high light intensity
- frost can be issue
- relatively dry summer - irrigation
Mainly black varieties - Shiraz, Shiraz-Viognier blends
White: Riesling
Producers: Clonakilla and Ravensworth
Hilltops region
Part of Southern New South Wales
increasingly recognised for quality
Continental climate (Shletered from maritime influence by Snowy Mountains)
Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay
Tumbarumba
Part of Southern New South Wales
increasingly recognised for quality
Continental climate (Shletered fro maritime influence by Snowy Mountains)
Slightly cooler than Hilltops
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (still and sparkling)
Tasmania
Separated from mainland by Bass Strait
Less than 1% of Australian production by volume
- but key producer of premium wines
- well known for sparkling wines (1/3 of production)
Cool Maritime climate (41-43’S)
- westerly winds blow from Southern Ocean
- bringing high level of rainfall (does not reach east)
Number of informal regions - Coal River - Tamar Valley - Piper's River (most of them sheltered by mountains from winds)
South - cooler, longer hours of sunlight
- South-east - drier -irrigation often necessary
- Vineyards tend to face north (east) to maximise sun
- North-east (up to 350mm of rain) - fungal diseases
(also danger of spring frost) - sprinklers
Half red half white
Pinot Noir (50%)
- light to medium, med+ acidity, strawberry, cherry
Chardonnay (25%)
- med body, apple, white peach, pear
- naturally high acidity - often full malo
- all top wines barrel ageing (old or a bit of new)
Other: Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Merlot, Cabernet, Shiraz
Little is exported, strong domestic market
Popular tourist destination - cellar door sales
Producers: Tolpuddle, Tamar Ridge
What does separate Tasmania from the mainland?
Bass Strait
Name some of Tasmania’s informal regions
- Coal River
- Tamar Valley
- Piper’s River
Expression of Tasmania Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
Pinot Noir (50%)
- light to medium, med+ acidity, strawberry, cherry
Chardonnay (25%)
- med body, apple, white peach, pear
- naturally high acidity - often full malo
- all top wines barrel ageing (old or a bit of new)
Other: Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Merlot, Cabernet, Shiraz
Region in Western Australia which produces high volumes of inexpensive wine
Swan Valley
extremey ripe grapes
same latitude as Hunter Valley
also fortified wines
Margaret River
Part of South West Australia Zone
Surrounded by water on three sides (Indian and Southern Ocean) - moderating effect
- Warm Indian Ocean - temp do not drop too much at night - longer ripening each day (ripe fruit character)
- low spring frost problems
- relatively dry growing season 275mm (1000mm in a year)
Relatively flat with gentle hills and valleys (40-90m)
- low ridge runs down the centre of region (with free-draining gravel soils - irrigation necessary)
- low fertility
- ridge provides some shelter for vineyards to the east
Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon (most planted)
- tend to be blend (gooseberry, tropical)
But known for Chardonnay
- natural high acidity, med+ (full) body and concentrated stone fruit flavours
- Malo tends to be blocked
- full range of styles
- well-suited to barrel ferment and maturation
(some new French oak)
- lees contact
Producers: Leeuwin and Moss Wood
Margaret River Chardonnay
- natural high acidity, med+ (ful) body and concentrated stone fruit flavours
- Malo tends to be blocked
- full range of styles
- well-suited to barrel ferment and maturation
(some new French oak) - lees contact
Great Southern
Part of South West Australia Zone
Five official sub-regions
- Albany (maritime)
- Denmark (maritime)
- Mount Barker
- Porungurup
- Frankland River (important altitude, more continental)
Maritime influence is lower further inland
Rainfall between 220 and 350mm
- many dry farmed or low irrigation
- problematic due to high salinity
Shiraz (30%)
- Mount Barker and Frankland River (warmer)
- high acidity and tannin, med to full body
- blackberry, cherry, herbal, peppery, spicy
- some use proportion of new bunches
- Producers: Larry Cherubino and Howard Park
Cabernet Sauvignon
- Mount Barker and north Denmark
- powerful, balckcurrant, herbal
- Porongurup (more elegant, med body, savoury)
Riesling (Porungurup) Sauvignon Blanc (Albany, Denmark) Chardonnay
Five sub-regions of Great Southern
- Albany (maritime)
- Denmark (maritime)
- Mount Barker
- Porungurup
- Frankland River (important altitude, more continental)
Wine business
Dominated by smaller producers
Many growers have contracts to sell to larger companies
Wine Australia
- research and development
- controls export
- promotes Australian wine
5th largest exporter (2/3 of production)
- great rise in volume but also value
- Chardonnay, Shiraz, Cabernet
- China (super-premium) - Free trade agreement
- UK, USA
Domestic market
- Cellar door sales
- well established wine tourism
- websites and online shops are very common for direct sales
- interest in less-common varieties (encouraging experimentation)
5 main companies dominating market
Accolade Wines Casella Family Brands Treasury Wine Estates Pernod Ricard Australian Vintage
87% of all exports
