Chap 39: 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 due to 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, causing a pungent taint in the wines
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? Where is it grown?
A
Shiraz - widely grown in most regions of Australia
13
Q
Describe the Shiraz produced in hot and warm regions of Australia & name 2 examples
A
Hot regions such as Hunter Valley and Warm regions such as Barossa Valley can produce full-bodied and intensely fruity Shiraz. These wines often display earthy or spicy notes and develop leather aromas with age.
14
Q
Describe the other style of Shiraz that producers are making more of in the warmer areas of Australia
A
Producers are making a more restrained style by controlling the level of extraction in the winemaking process
15
Q
Where is the leaner, more peppery style of Shiraz made in Australia?
A
Cooler regions such as Geelong and Heathcote
16
Q
What are the styles of Shiraz available in Australia?
A
Full-bodied and fruity, lean and peppery, or a multi-regional blend of the two
17
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
18
Q
Describe Australian Cabernet (Tannin, Acidity, flavors/aromas)
A
Generally dark with firmer tannins and higher acidity than Shiraz
Ripe black fruit (blackcurrant, black cherry)
Toasty oak notes
19
Q
Give two classic regions for Cabernet Sauvignon in Australia
A
Coonawarra
Margaret River
20
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
21
Q
Where in Australia are the best examples of Pinot Noir grown? Give examples
A
Cool or moderate sites
Yarra Valley
Mornington Peninsula
Tasmania
22
Q
Describe the style of Pinot Noir from premium sites (body, alc, acidity, flavors)
A
Medium body
Medium alcohol
Medium to high acidity
Typical flavours of cherry and strawberry
23
Q
Which varieties do best in Australia’s hot regions? Why?
A
Grenache
Petit Verdot
Mataro (Mourvedre)
All are late ripening varieties
24
Q
Besides Grenache, Petit Verdot and Mataro, which other varieties have gained in popularity in Australia’s hot regions? Why?
A
Varieties from Italy and Spain such as Sangiovese and Tempranillo as they are well adapted to high summer temperatures and a limited water supply
25
What is the most planted white wine grape in Australia? Where is it planted?
Chardonnay - widely planted throughout the vineyard regions
26
Describe basic Australian Chardonnay
Often a blend of fruit from different regions
Unoaked for peachy flavours with Oak chips/staves for toast/vanilla flavours
27
What are the cool/moderate sources of high quality Chardonnay in Australia?
Adelaide Hills
Mornington Peninsula
Yarra Valley
28
Name a warm region source of high quality
Chardonnay in Australia
Margaret River
29
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
30
What is now being planted widely in Australia, thanks to domestic and export market?
Sauvignon Blanc
31
Which area of Australia is said to produce its benchmark of Sauvignon Blanc?
Adelaide Hills
32
What is the general temperature of the climate in Adelaide Hills?
Moderate
33
Name the key features of Sauvignon Blanc from Adelaide Hills
Tend to show concentrated passion fruit flavours as well as refreshing high acidity
34
Which white grape makes a style which is unique to Australia?
Semillon
35
Where in Australia is Semillon planted?
It is planted widely
36
What is the classic region for Semillon in Australia?
Hunter Valley
37
How is Semillon typically made in Adelaide Hills?
It is harvested early with low sugar levels and high acidity. In the winery, oxygen contact is kept to a minimum & inert vessels used for fermentation and storage
38
Describe the Semillons of Adelaide Hills (Alc, Flavors, Age Potential)
Low alcohol
Neutral in flavour when first bottled
Develop extraordinary flavours of honey and toast
Can age for 20 years or more
39
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. However, some early-picked and unoaked styles are increasingly being made
40
Describe the general style of Riesling in Australia (sweetness, acidity, oak?, Flavors/aromas)
Usually Dry or slightly off-dry, although some sweet styles are made
High acidity
Unoaked
Pronounced citrus fruit aromas and flavours of lime, lemon and/or grapefruit in youth
that develop rapidly into toast, honey and petrol notes as the wine age
41
What are the classic regions for Riesling in Australia?
Clare Valley and Eden Valley in South Australia
42
Which regions of Australia are beginning to develop a reputation for high quality Riesling?
Tasmania and the Great Southern region of Western Australia
43
What is the flavour difference between the Rieslings of South Australia and those of Western Australia?
In western Australia they are more floral and less citrusy
44
What is the largest zone in Australia?
South Eastern Australia Zone
45
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
46
What does the South Eastern Australia Zone allow for in winemaking?
Blending of grapes or wines from across most of Australia's wine regions
47
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
48
Describe grapes of Riverland, Murray-Darling and Riverina
Can produce high yields of healthy grapes, but they lack the flavour concentration of those from other, high-quality areas
49
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
50
What else does Riverina specialise in?
The production of botrytised wines made from Semillon
51
What in Riverina encourages the development of noble rot?
Autumn morning mists and fogs
52
In which zone is the majority of Australia's wine produced?
South Australia
53
Where in South Australia are the vineyards mostly located?
They are mostly concentrated in the south east of the state
54
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
55
Which wine region is to the north east of Adelaide?
Barossa Valley
56
Which region of Australia is considered the heartland of the country's fine wine production?
Barossa Valley
57
Roughly what is the climate in Barossa Valley?
Warm and dry
58
What are vines like in Barossa Valley?
Bush vines
59
What are the outstanding grape varieties of Barossa Valley?
Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache
60
Describe classic Barossa Valley Shiraz (body, tannins, flavor)
Full-bodied
Soft tannins
Ripe black fruit complemented by American oak. It softens and develops aromas of leather and spice with age
61
What is the most notable white variety of Barossa Valley?
Semillon
62
What style of Semillon is made in Barossa Valley?
Increasingly made in a fresh, unoaked style
63
Wines labelled Barossa can come from where?
Come from Barossa zone and can be made from fruit sourced from Barossa Valley and Eden Valley
64
Where is Eden Valley?
In the hills to the east of the Barossa Valley
65
Describe the climate of Eden Valley
Cool to moderate climate that varies with altitude
66
What is made with success in the cooler vineyards of Eden Valley?
Outstanding quality Rieslings
67
Describe the best Rieslings of Eden Valley (flavors)
Intense lime and grapefruit aromas and a steely character. The best display marmalade and toasty characters after ten years
68
Besides Riesling, what else is grown with success in Eden Valley?
Shiraz, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon
69
Where is Clare Valley?
To the north west of Barossa Valley
70
What is the speciality of Clare Valley?
Riesling
71
Describe the climate in Clare Valley
Warm climate
Tempered by cool afternoon breezes
Nights are cold
72
What is the topography of Clare Valley?
Many vineyards are planted at altitude (300 - 400m) Some vineyards as high as 570m
73
Describe Clare Valley Rieslings (Sweetness, acidity, flavors)
Dry in style
High Acidity
Intense citrus and lime aromas and with age, they can develop honey and toast characters
74
Describe Clare Valley Shiraz
Fragrant, powerful and structured
75
What else is produced to a high quality in Clare Valley, besides Riesling and Shiraz?
Cabernet Sauvignon
76
Describe Cabernet in Clare Valley
It's made into different styles, depending on vineyard location, soil and elevation. The best reds have long cellaring potential.
77
Where is the Adelaide Hills region?
Twenty-five kilometres east of Adelaide
78
What is the climate of the Adelaide Hills region?
Moderate climate & Rainfall happens mainly in the winter
79
What are the growing conditions like in Adelaide Hills?
Vineyards are planted above 400m & Soils have limited water holding capacity
80
What is the consequence of the low water-holding capacity of the soils in Adelaide Hills?
Irrigation is often necessary during the growing season
81
What are the specialities of Adelaide Hills?
Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay
82
Describe the style of Chardonnay made in Adelaide Hills (Acidity, Aromas)
Elegant
High natural acidity
Pronounced citrus and peach aromas
83
What is the 'third' grape of Adelaide Hills?
Pinot Noir
84
How is Pinot Noir used in Adelaide Hills?
For still red wines & For blending with Chardonnay for sparkling wine
85
Where is the McLaren Vale?
On the coast to the south of Adelaide
86
Describe the climate in McLaren Vale
Warm climate Tempered by afternoon ocean breezes
87
What is the majority of wine produced in McLaren Vale?
Red wines from Shiraz, Cabernet, Merlot and Grenache
88
What are wines generally like in McLaren Vale? (Flavor, Tannins)
Intensely flavoured Dark fruit aromas
Soft, ripe tannins
89
Some wines are made with depth and complexity in McLaren Vale. What are they made from?
Old vine Shiraz and Grenache
90
Which region is directly south of Riverland, within the Limestone Coast?
Coonawarra
91
Describe the size of Coonawarra
A narrow strip of land 1.5 kilometres wide and 15 kilometres long
92
Where is Coonawarra?
400km south-east of Adelaide, towards the Victorian border
93
Describe the soil of Coonawarra
Distinctive red terra rossa soil over a limestone subsoil
94
What is the climate of Coonawarra?
* Cool, Moderate, Warm, Hot
* Continental, Maritime or Med
* Climatic influences
Moderate maritime
Influenced by cold currents from the Antarctic
Summer temperatures moderated by cloud cover
95
What is the predominant grape in Coonawarra?
Cabernet Sauvignon
96
Describe Cabernet from Coonawarra (Flavor and age potential)
Concentrated, structured wines
Characteristic blackcurrant and eucalyptus or menthol aromas
Best examples age very well
97
Besides Cabernet, what else is widely planted in Coonawarra?
Shiraz, Merlot and Chardonnay
98
Where is the Victoria zone?
The far southern tip of Australia
99
What is the climate broadly like in Victoria?
It offers some of the coolest vineyard locations on mainland Australia
100
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
101
What is further inland in Victoria? How does it affect growing?
The Great Dividing Range Provides a range of altitudes and aspects
102
Name two high altitude areas around Victoria's Great Dividing Range
Macedon Ranges
Upper Goulburn
103
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
104
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
105
Which region is directly to the north-east of Melbourne?
The Yarra Valley
106
What is the climate of Yarra Valley? (Cool, Moderate, Warm, Hot AND Continental, Maritime, Mediterannean)
Cool to moderate Maritime
107
What is the terroir of Yarra Valley like?
Very varied with a wide range of altitudes and aspects
108
What is the speciality of the Yarra Valley?
Pinot Noir
109
What are the main styles of wine produced in Yarra Valley?
High quality table wines
Excellent quality sparkling wines
110
Describe Yarra Valley Pinot Noir (Tannins, flavors, Oak?, Age potential?)
Ripe, soft tannins
Rich fruit with strawberries, plums and dark cherries
Complexity added by careful oak handling
Age-worthy when made by top producers
111
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
112
What is the speciality of Mornington Peninsula?
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
113
Where is Mornington Peninsula?
To the south of Melbourne, on the coast
114
What is the climate in Mornington Peninsula? (Cool, Moderate, Warm, Hot AND Continental, Maritime, Mediterannean)
Cool to moderate maritime climate
115
What kind of wineries is Mornington Peninsula home to?
Small, boutique estates
116
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
117
Describe weather and wines in the best seasons at Mornington Peninsula
Long growing season, producing fragrant, elegant wines with finesse
118
Describe Pinot Noir from Mornington Peninsula
It ranges from light and delicate to more structured
All tends to display very pure fruit characteristics
119
Describe Chardonnays from Mornington Peninsula (Acidity, Aromas)
High acidity (reflecting the cool climate)
Usually softened by MLF
Citrus, pear and apple aromas
120
Where is the Geelong region?
West of Melbourne
121
What is the climate of Geelong?
Similar to that of Mornington Peninsula
122
What varietal is renowned in Geelong? Why?
Chardonnay - It's renowned for its quality
123
Describe Chardonnay from Geelong
Complex, concentrated and full bodied
124
What are the major red grapes of Geelong?
Pinot Noir and Shiraz
125
Describe Pinot Noir from Geelong
Can take on earthy aromas
126
Describe Shiraz from Geelong
Fresh and peppery
127
What else is made in Geelong?
Sparkling wine from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
128
Where is Heathcote?
In the centre of Victoria, much further inland than the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula and Geelong
129
What is the climate of Heathcote? What are the climatic influences?
Moderate Climate, due to cooling influences from altitude rather than the ocean
130
Describe Shiraz from Heathcote
Firmer fruit structure and fresher fruit than those of other warmer regions
131
What is planted in Heathcote other than Shiraz?
Chardonnay and Cabernet & Mediterranean varieties are showing promise e.g. Sangiovese and Tempranillo
132
Where is Goulburn Valley?
To the east of Heathcote in the Goulburn Valley Region
133
What is the climate in Goulburn Valley (cool, mod, warm, hot)? What are the climatic influences?
Warm climate - heat is mitigated slightly by the lakes and creeks associated with the Goulburn River
134
What is the most planted variety in Goulburn Valley?
Shiraz
135
What is the speciality of the Goulburn Valley area?
Marsanne
136
What are the Marsanne wines of Goulburn Valley like? (aromas)
Citrus fruit in youth and developing honeyed aromas with bottle age
137
What is the reputation of New South Wales?
The longest history of wine production in Australia
138
What is the main region of New South Wales?
Hunter Valley
139
Which areas of New South Wales are slightly cooler?
Mudgee, Orange and Cowra
140
Where are the vineyards of Mudgee, Orange and Cowra? What do they produce?
Inland from Sydney on the western slopes of the Great Dividing Range.
They are planted at altitude and are capable of producing some very concentrated Chardonnays and structured Cabernet Sauvignons
141
Describe the climate of Hunter Valley (Cool, Mod, Warm, Hot) AND Climatic Influences
Climate is Hot and humid
Effect of summer heat reduced by high cloud cover and ocean breezes
142
Describe the main weather hazard of Hunter Valley
Unsettled rainy weather at harvest
143
How is rot minimised in Hunter Valley?
With good canopy management techniques
144
What is the most planted grape in Hunter Valley?
Semillon
145
Describe Semillon wines of Hunter Valley (body, alc, acidity, flavors)
Light bodied
Low alcohol
High acidity
Neutral flavours that develop into a complex spectrum oftoast, nut and honey with bottle age
146
What is the second most planted white variety in Hunter Valley?
Chardonnay
147
What style is Chardonnay made into in Hunter Valley?
Both oaked and unoaked
148
What is the black variety with the largest production in Hunter Valley?
Shiraz
149
Describe Shiraz from Hunter Valley (body, tannins, flavors)
Medium body
Soft tannins
Black fruit flavours (blackberry and cherry) with an earthy undertone
150
Where are the wine regions of Western Australia?
In the south-west tip of the state
151
What is the largest appellation of Western Australia? What are the labeling requirements?
The fruit or wine from all of Western Australia's regions can be blended together and labelled as "Western Australia". These are the only wines not part of the South Eastern Australia super-zone.
152
What are the only Australian wines not part of South Eastern Australia?
Those of Western Australia
153
Where is Margaret River?
In Western Australia, 200km south of Perth
154
Describe the climate in Margaret River
* Cool, Mod, Warm, Hot
* Continental, Maritime, Med
* Seasons/Condintions
This coastal region has a warm maritime climate
High rainfall compared to other AU regions, but falls mainly in winter.
155
What is the most widely planted red grape in Margaret River?
Cabernet Sauvignon
156
How does Cabernet often appear in Margaret River?
As a bordeaux style blend with Merlot
157
What are the styles of Margaret River's Bordeaux blends?
From elegant and restrained to fruity and powerful
158
Describe Chardonnays of Margaret River
* Flavors
* Acidity
* Oak?
Concentrated stone fruit
High levels of natural acidity
A range of styles using MLF and barrel ageing to add complexity
159
What other white grapes are widely grown in Margaret River?
Sauvignon Blanc
Semillon
160
* Describe **the role** of Sauvignon Blanc in Margaret River **and describe its wines** (flavors, acidity)
It's often blended with Semillon
Attractive gooseberry and tropical fruit aromas with high acidity
161
Which area of Margaret River is relatively new? What is it called?
The area to the south, called the "Great Southern" region
162
Name two sub-regions within Margaret River's Great Southern region.
What are they known for?
Mount Barker and Frankland River
Known for deeply coloured Cabernet Sauvignon, elegant, peppery Shiraz and floral Riesling
163
What is the climate of Tasmania?
* Cool, Mod, Warm, Hot
* Continental, Maritime, Mediterannean
* Climatic influences
Cool maritime climate, that is cooled by westerly winds off the Southern Ocean, providing conditions that are generally free from extremes
164
What is Tasmania's original reputation in wine? What type of wine does it now make as well?
Started as a prime source of base wine for Australian sparkling wine, but has since proved it can also make excellent still wines
165
What are the principal varieties of Tasmania now?
Pinot Noir
Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc
Pinot Gris
and some Cabernet Sauvignon which can ripen in the warmest, driest areas
166
What is the hierarchy of GIs in Australia?
Zones, regions and sub-regions
167
Describe what a zone is in Australia
A large area without any particularly qualifying attributes. They can either be a state (such as South Australia) or cover several states (such as South Eastern Australia)
168
____ can also make up part of a state in Australia, but with the exception of ____ these are rare
**Zones** can also make up part of a state in Australia, but with the exception of **Barossa** these are rare
169
Describe what a region is in Australia & provide an example
Vary in size, but are smaller than zones. They must have consistent and distinct qualities from neighbouring regions.
Examples: Coonawarra, Clare Valley, Margaret River etc.
170
Many regions in Australia are split into ____ and what is the requirement?
Many regions are split into **sub-regions**, if there are notable areas that have unique and distinct qualities.
171
How many regions may a sub-region fall across in Australia?
One
172
T or F: Some Australian regions are covered by several zones
True
173
Give an example of a region in Australia which is covered by several zones. What is the benefit of this?
Eden Valley is in Barossa Zone, which is within South Australia Zone, which in turn is in South Eastern Australia Zone.
This gives producers a variety of options when it comes to making up thier blends.
