D3 - Australia 3: Western Australia

Question 1

Swan Valley is historically known for growing grapes that go into what styles of wine?

Answer 1

• Inexpensive wines;
• Fortified wines.

Question 2

What moderates the South West Australia Zone?

Answer 2

• Ocean breezes;
• Elevation.

Question 3

What are the two regions of South West Australia Zone you need to know for the exam?

Answer 3

1. Margaret River;
2. Great Southern.

Question 4

What bodies of water surround the peninsula of Margaret River?

What effects do they bring to the region and to the wine?

Answer 4

• Indian Ocean + Southern Ocean;
• Indian Ocean not as cool as Southern Ocean so days stay warmer longer and nights don’t cool down as much;
• Wines have ripe fruit flavors.

Question 5

• What is the annual rainfall of Margaret River?
• When does it fall?

Answer 5

• High → 1000mm;
• Winter.

The growing season is relatively dry.

Question 6

Describe the topography of Margaret River.

Answer 6

• Relatively flat with some gentle hills and valleys;
• A low ridge runs down the center of the region which gives shelter to vineyards to the east → slightly warmer conditions.

Question 7

What are the soils of Margaret River?

Answer 7

• Free-draining, gravelly soils (irrigation is essential);
• Low in fertility which moderates vigor.

Question 8

What are the main red and white grapes of Margaret River?

Answer 8

• Red – Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot;
• White – Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon.

Question 9

Select the correct answer.

Malo in Margaret River Chardonnays tends to be:

a. Blocked
b. Full

Answer 9

a. Blocked

Question 10

Name two significant producers in Margaret River.

Answer 10

• Leeuwin;
• Moss Wood.

Question 11

What are the various climates found in Great Southern?

Answer 11

• Maritime along the coast;
• Higher elevations north/inland;
• Frankland River is continental with large diurnal range.

Question 12

What is the rainfall like in Great Southern?

Answer 12

Low to moderate, so many vineyards are dry farmed.

Question 13

What winemaking technique do winemakers in Great Southern use on their Shiraz?

Answer 13

Whole bunches to enhance fruit and floral aromas.

Question 14

The microclimates of Great Southern vary greatly, which means the wine styles from these regions ______.

Answer 14

Also vary greatly.

Question 15

Which five companies dominate Australia’s wine production?

Answer 15

1. Treasury Wine Estates;
2. Accolade Wines;
3. Casella Family Brands;
4. Pernod Ricard;
5. Australian Vintage.

Question 16

What areas of the industry does Wine Australia cover?

Answer 16

Export, marketing, education.