WINES OF THE WORLD 🇦🇺 Australia Flashcards
Where the vineyards in Australia are located
Much of Australia is covered by desert and tropical rainforests, while vineyards are mainly in the SE (Southern Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania) with some on the opposite side (Western Australia). Relatively flat, with some mountain ranges (the Great Dividing Range). Wide variety of soil types.
Climate of Australia
Inland, the vast Murray-Darling Basing is hot and continental. Most regions benefit from cooling influences (some are close to the Indian or Southern Oceans coast, while others inland have no barriers from the coast). Protection from tropical weather systems by the Great Dividing Range. Many areas have low humidity (exceptions for Adelaide Hills, southern Victoria, Hunter Valley and parts of Tasmania - 2011 was unusually wet).
Hazards in Australia
Spring frost in cooler areas. Drought with the risk of lack of water (historically from the rivers of the Murray-Darling Basin, but now they started to run low, others bring water from winter rainfall - Adelaide Hills or Margaret River - storing them in dams, others use underground water sources - McLaren Vale and Coonawarra - or use recycled wastewater - suburbs of Adelaide). Soil salinity (not enough rainfall or saline water from deeper aquifers to the surface). Bush fires due to hot and dry summers. Birds and kangaroos.
Main grape varieties of Australia
Old vines of Shiraz and Grenache in South Australia. Mainly black varieties (54%). Shiraz, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Muscat Gordo Blanco, Semillon, Colombard, Pinot Noir, Riesling.
Harvest for wines from Australia
Mechanical harvest allows one to cover a large area in a short time, which can happen during the night. Hand harvest is usually for premium wines (whole bunch, greater selection, limited grape splitting and crushing). A very narrow window of time, so possibility to pick certain varieties early for logistical.
Key winemaking operations for Shiraz wines in Australia
Trend to reduce the intensity by reducing the amount of extraction, using the whole bunch and/or reducing new oak. Open fermentation tanks with manual or mechanised punch downs to obtain very good or outstanding quality.
Key winemaking operations for Grenache wines in Australia
Traditionally, new oak while now whole bunch or stem inclusion and old/large barrels.
Key winemaking operations for Chardonnay wines in Australia
Tank fermentation, oak flavours (chips or staves) for inexpensive wines. Ambient yeast, high solids in fermentation, barrel fermentation, lees ageing for the higher quality wines. Malo according to style and climate.
Key winemaking operations for Sauvignon Blanc wines in Australia
Stainless steel, also lees contact or barrel fermentation for fuller bodied wines.
Key winemaking operations for Riesling wines in Australia
Stainless steel and bottling soon, premium wines from free-run juice only. Experimenting with pre-fermentation skin contact and lees ageing.
Blending possibilities for Shiraz in Australia
Also used in blends GSM (Mataro) or with Viognier (co-fermentation for premium wines), and with Cabernet Sauvignon (softness and body).
Blending possibilities for Chardonnay in Australia
Blended with Semillon in inexpensive wines.
Blending possibilities for Colombard in Australia
Blended in inexpensive wines, neutral style, often with Chardonnay.
Blending possibilities for Muscat Gordo Blanco in Australia
Cheap blending.
Key maturation practices for wines in Australia
French oak for reds, new oak is reducing.
Finishing operations for wines in Australia
Large use of screwcaps, even on premium wines.
Classification system for wines in Australia
- Zone
- Region
- Sub-region
Zone (classification system in Australia)
The largest areas, no rules regarding the drawing of boundaries and no requirements for shared geographic or climatic characteristics. One zone can cover an entire state while South Eastern Australia covers several. Most states have been divided into a number of further zones (South Australia includes Barossa, Mount Lofty Ranges and Fleurieu). Usually for multiregional blends. 28 zones.
Region (classification system in Australia)
Smaller than zones, 65 regions, vary in size but must have consistent and distinct qualities, must usually produce 500+ tonnes of grapes a year across at least five differently owned vineyards each of at least 5 ha (Tasmania is considered as a region).
Sub-region (classification system in Australia)
Only in some regions (Hunter Valley and Great Southern), 14 sub-regions, they have particular climate, topography or soils.
Label Integrity Programme
LIP is the authority that governs Australian wine labelling. If vintage of single grape, 85+% of the grapes must conform. If multiple varieties, they must be listed in descending order. LIP ensures that labels truthfully reflect what is in the bottle. Detailed records by growers, producers, and suppliers under the control of Wine Australia which oversees the LIP. No GI-based rules on grape growing and winemaking.
Types of businesses that operate in Australia
Important companies started in the 1950s, such as Orlando (Jacob’s Creek), Lindemans, Hardys and Penfolds. Decrease in wineries in the last 10 years, many became grape growers. Mainly small producers. Production volumes (also 87% of export) are dominated by five main companies: Accolade Wines, Casella Family Brands, Treasury Wine Estates, Pernod Ricard and Australian Vintage.
The largest Australian companies
Accolade Wines, Casella Family Brands, Treasury Wine Estates, Pernod Ricard and Australian Vintage.
Wine Australia
The government authority that funds and coordinates research and development valuable to the wine industry. It controls also the export and promotes Australian wines through marketing and educational courses. New approach to marketing wine, labels with taste descriptors, from the 1980s.
Where the South Eastern Zone is located
It covers the whole of Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania, along with the SE corners of South Australia and Queensland.
Type of soils in South Eastern Zone
Mainly sandy soils.
Climate of South Eastern Zone
Hot continental. Riverland benefits from a slight maritime influence, autumns with greater rainfall and humidity so morning mists and sunny afternoons. Very low rainfall.
Main grape varieties of South Eastern Zone
Shiraz and Chardonnay, Semillon.
Main appellations within South Eastern Zone
Grapes come mainly from the Murray-Darling Basin. The three main wine-producing regions within the Basin are Riverland (South Australia), Murray-Darling (Victoria and New South Wales) and Riverina (New South Wales). Riverland is in the Lower Murray Zone while Murray-Darling and Riverina are in the Big Rivers Zone. They are the three largest wine-producing regions.
Types of wines made in South Eastern Zone
Mainly inexpensive and high-volume wines. Some higher-quality wines, also sweet botrytised Semillon from Riverina (labelled with individual region’s name). Ripe fruit flavours, low acidity, high alcohol, med body.
Types of businesses that operate in South Eastern Zone
Some of the biggest Australian producers such as Casella Family Brands (Yellow Tain) and De Bortoli in Riverina, Australian Vintage in Riverland and Lindeman’s in Murray Darling.
Regions of Barossa Zone
- Barossa Valley
- Eden Valley
Where the vineyards in Barossa Valley are located
Mainly a flat valley floor between low hills to the W, Eden Valley Region to the E and the steeper parts of the Mount Lofty Ranges to the S. One of the largest regions in Australia. Most of the vineyards on the plain at 250-370 m, some on the valley sides (cooler).
Type of soils in Barossa Valley
Ironstone layer with good water retention in the northern part.
Climate ofBarossa Valley
Warm with hot and sunny summer days but cooler nights. Low rainfall during growing season.
Hazards inBarossa Valley
Drought. Low disease pressure.
Main grape varieties ofBarossa Valley
Presence of old vines (Shiraz and Grenache), phylloxera free (ungrafted). Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Chardonnay, Semillon.
Barossa Old Vine Charter
2009, established to record, preserve and promote old vines of Shiraz and Grenache, creating different categories (on the label).
Key elements in the topography ofEden Valley
Area of rolling, exposed hills, forming part of the Mount Lofty Ranges, with some steep slopes.
Climate ofEden Valley
Higher rainfall than Barossa, strong wind. Some areas on the valley sides are drier and slightly warmer.
Type of soils inEden Valley
Shallow and rocky, from loamy sand to clay loams.
Hazards inEden Valley
Strong wind can affect flowering and ripening.
Main grape varieties ofEden Valley
Old vines of Shiraz and Riesling, but also Grenache. Mainly Riesling. Also Shiraz.
Main regions of Mount Lofty Ranges
- Adelaide Hills
- Clare Valley
Key elements in the topography ofAdelaide Hills
Valleys and steep hillsides.
Climate ofAdelaide Hills
Cool to moderate maritime, temperatures according to the altitude and proximity to the ocean, relatively high rainfall. Intense sunlight due to the low latitude.
Hazards inAdelaide Hills
Fungal diseases and rot.
Main grape varieties ofAdelaide Hills
Mainly whites with Sauvignon Blanc. Also Chardonnay, Pinot Noir for both still and sparkling. Small plantings of Shiraz. Experimenting with alternative varieties.
Sub-regions of Adelaide Hills
Piccadilly Valley and Lenswood in the central area.
Key elements in the topography ofClare Valley
The northernmost part of the Mount Lofty Ranges. Vineyards at 300-500 m. Shallow valley within a series of ridges and hills, no steep slopes.
Type of soils inClare Valley
Both slate and limestone.
Climate ofClare Valley
Warm, hot summer temperatures, cool afternoon breezes and cold nights. Adequate rainfall, mainly in winter. Low humidity.
Hazards inClare Valley
Low fungal disease pressure.
Main grape varieties ofClare Valley
Mainly Riesling, then Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Key viticulture operations in Clare Valley
Irrigation is used in exceptional circumstances (water collected in dams). Canopy management to provide shading on the W side (intense sunlight due to low latitude). Possibility of mechanisation but some producers chose not to.
Types of businesses that operate inClare Valley
Many small, family-owned vineyards. Jim Barry and Wendouree as significant producers.
Main regions of Fleurieu
- McLaren Vale
Key elements in the topography ofMcLaren Vale
30 km S of Adelaide. Vineyards between 50-250 m.
Type of soils inMcLaren Vale
40+ unique geologies (from 15,000 years to more than 550 million years); red-brown sandy loams, grey-brown loamy sands, distinctly sandy soils, patches of red or black friable loams, yellow clay subsoils interspersed with lime.
Climate ofMcLaren Vale
Warm/hot summers, winds from the Gulf moderate the climate. Low rainfall. Many microclimates.
Hazards inMcLaren Vale
Low disease pressure due to the winds.
Main grape varieties ofMcLaren Vale
90% blacks. Mainly Shiraz, then Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache. Many old vines lost in the vine pull scheme (1980s), mainly around Blewitt Springs. Interest in Mediterranean varieties.
Key viticulture operations in McLaren Vale
Large vineyards, trellised system to allow mechanisation. Vineyard management is required due to the fertile soil and the vigorous nature of Shiraz and Grenache. Organic and biodynamic agriculture is increasing due to low disease pressure. Mechanical harvest during night mainly. Some producers pick by hand (bush vines or use of whole bunch).
Sustainable Winegrowing Australia
Sustainability programme to improve quality and minimise environmental impacts. Also use of sustainable water from dams, boreholes and recycled wastewater.
Types of wines made inMcLaren Vale
Traditionally, fortified wine, then dry reds (1970s), full bodied and ripe Chardonnay and Semillon, reds in the end. Both single-varietal and blend.
Key elements about the zone of Fleurieu
S of Adelaide, strong maritime influence, cool breezes moderate the warm Mediterranean climate.
Key elements about the zone of Limestone Coast
Apart from the other regions, cooler, wide diurnal range due to warm days, see breezes and cool nights. Flat area.
Main regions of Limestone Coast
- Coonawarra
Key elements in the topography ofCoonawarra
Flat landscape.
Type of soils inCoonawarra
Terra Rossa strip (free-draining iron-rich loam, 50 cm in depth) over a hard limestone base above an ancient reservoir of pure water due to a softer limestone. Also slightly alkaline, restricting nutrients.
Climate ofCoonawarra
Moderate, influence by the cool afternoon sea breezes. Cloud cover moderates the temperature. Low rainfall.
Hazards inCoonawarra
Rain and strong winds at flowering and fruit set. Spring frost.
Main grape varieties ofCoonawarra
Mainly Cabernet Sauvignon, also Shiraz. Small amount of whites with Chardonnay and Riesling.
Key viticulture operations in Coonawarra
Irrigation is widely used (sourced from underground aquifers). Mainly mechanised due to the difficulty to find labourers (isolated region).
Types of wines made inCoonawarra
Some of Australia’s finest red wines.
Zones that compose the state of Victoria
- North West Victoria
- Western Victoria
- Central Victoria
- North East Victoria
- Port Phillip
- Gippsland
Gippsland Zone
Zone in Victoria. Variable conditions, one of the largest in Victoria, five regions (unofficially). Wineries and vineyards are diffuse, mostly small and family-owned, tropical influence, high rainfall during growing season. Mainly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, some Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in warmer sites.
Climate ofPort Phillip Zone
Some of the Australian mainland’s coolest vineyards. The sea moderates the climate as well as the altitude in some areas.
Main grape varieties ofPort Phillip Zone
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the cooler areas, while Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz in the warmers.
Main regions of Port Phillip Zone
- Yarra Valley
- Mornington Peninsula
- Geelong
- Macedon Ranges
Geelong
Port Phillip Zone’s region. W of Melbourne, includes the Bellarine Peninsula. Phylloxera in Australia was discovered here. Cool climate, moderating influence from Port Phillip Bay and Bass Strait, lower rainfall than Yarra Valley, strong SW winds reduce humidity and fungal disease pressure. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the cooler sites, while Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon in the warmers. Paradise IV Wines and Wines by Farr as significant producers.
Macedon Ranges
Port Phillip Zone’s region. NE of Melbourne, 40 small quality-focused wineries. The Macedon Ranges are part of the Great Dividing Range, vineyards at 300-800 m. One of the coolest climates in mainland Australia, frost risk. Shallow, granitic sandy loams on the hillsides, deeper loams on the lower slopes. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir for both still and sparkling, also Riesling and Shiraz.
Key elements in the topography ofYarra Valley
Inland, NE of Melbourne. Gentle slopes.
Climate ofYarra Valley
Cool to moderate, variation due to the altitude. High rainfall, one of the wettest regions in Australia.
Hazards inYarra Valley
Frost on the valley floor in cold years. Fungal disease.
Main grape varieties ofYarra Valley
Mainly blacks with Pinot Noir, then Chardonnay. Also Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Main sub-regions of Yarra Valley
- Upper Yarra Valley
- Lower Yarra Valley
Upper Yarra Valley
Yarra Valley’s sub-region. Cooler, higher altitudes in the SE, deeper and more fertile volcanic (dry farming).
Lower Yarra Valley
Yarra Valley’s sub-region. Warmer, lower altitudes in the NW, loamy clay soil, low fertility and well drained (irrigation needed).
Climate ofMornington Peninsula
Cool to moderate, windy (lower summer temperatures, low disease pressure, less frost risk), high sunshine. Water moderates the climate, giving mild autumn conditions, extending the growing season. Lower rainfall than Yarra Valley, mainly in winter and spring.
Type of soils in Yarra Valley
N with red-brown clay subsoils often filled with rock. S is immensely deep, fertile red volcanic soil.
Key elements in the topography ofMornington Peninsula
Narrow peninsula between Port Phillip Bay and the Bass Strait. Relatively flat, Red Hill is a ridge in the centre.
Type of soils inMornington Peninsula
Where Red Hill, red basalt soils which retain winter rainwater, high fertility. Away from the ridge, free-draining soils with clay and sand.
Hazards inMornington Peninsula
Wind can inhibit flowering. Rainfall at flowering and harvest time.
Main grape varieties ofMornington Peninsula
Mainly Pinot Noir, then Chardonnay. Then Shiraz and Pinot Gris.
Climate ofWestern Victoria Zone
Influence by the Great Dividing Range.
Regions of Western Victoria Zone
- Pyrenees
- Grampians
- Henty
Henty
Western Victoria Zone’s region. SW of Victoria, cool climate influenced by the Antarctic winds, high sunshine. Vineyards up to 460 m. Mainly Riesling, also other varieties (fresh flavours and med alcohol).
Grampians and Pyrenees
Western Victoria Zone’s regions. Extension of the Great Dividing Range. Grampians is 130 km inland, moderate climate, temperatures are moderated by the altitude (240-440 m), high diurnal range. Low risk of spring frost on the slopes, higher at low vineyards. Low rainfall during the growing season. Sandy and loamy soils retain water, some soils are quite acidic (low vigour and yields). Pyrenees is E of Grampians, named after the European mountains, gentle slopes, warmer than Grampians, similar climate and soils. Shiraz. Mount Langi Ghiran (Grampians) and Dalwhinnie (Pyrenees) as significant producers.
Main regions of North East Victoria Zone
- King Valley
- Beechworth
King Valley
North East Victoria’s region. Highest vineyards, cool temperatures, high rainfall, lower sites are warmer and moderated by river and altitude. Soils are generally well-draining loams with high fertility (vigour needs to be managed). Equal plantings of white and black varieties. Presence of Italian immigrants (tobacco plantings) so Italian varieties. Production of Glera/Prosecco, Pinot Grigio. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are the main blacks but also Italian varieties (Sangiovese, Barbera and Nebbiolo). Mainly domestic consumption, export increased recently. Difficult to sell them due to the competition with Italy. Pizzini and de Bortoli as significant producers.
Beechworth
North East Victoria’s region. Hills to the S of Rutherglen, vineyards at 200-1000 m, different climates. Mainly Chardonnay and Shiraz.
Climate of North East Victoria
Influence by the Great Dividing Range. Continental.
Main regions of Central Victoria Zone
- Goulburn Valley
- Bendigo
- Upper Goulburn
- Heathcote
Goulburn Valley and Bendigo
Central Victoria Zone’s regions. Warm and flat plains, ideal for ripe, full bodied reds. Some whites, such as Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne.
Upper Goulburn
Central Victoria Zone’s region. Cool climate, foothills of the Great Dividing Range, high-quality whites from Chardonnay, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc.
Heathcote
Central Victoria Zone’s region. Narrow strip along the side of the Mount Carmel Range, 160-320 m, altitude moderates the temperature, also winds, high diurnal range retains acidity (distinct feature of Heathcote Shiraz), consistent rainfall, calcareous red soil made up of weathered greenstone that retains water. Mainly black varieties with Shiraz. Jasper Hill and Heathcote Estate as significant producers.
Climate of Central Victoria Zone
Influence by the Great Dividing Range.
Climate of New South Wales
Sub-tropical climate on the Pacific coast, high temperatures, high humidity and rainfall. Other regions are protected from the sub-tropical influence by the Great Dividing Range, having a continental climate, altitude moderates the temperature.
Main zones that compose the state of New South Wales
- Hunter Valley Zone
- Central Ranges Zone
- Southern New South Wales Zone
Key elements in the topography ofHunter Valley
200 km N of Sydney. Undulating hills at low altitudes
Type of soils inHunter Valley
From sandy loams to clay loams, often over a clay base.
Climate ofHunter Valley
Low latitude, almost tropical, one of the hotter and most humid in Australia, intense sunshine, afternoon clouds. Rainfall mainly during the growing season.
Hazards inHunter Valley
Fungal disease due to humid conditions.
Main grape varieties ofHunter Valley
Equally whites and blacks. Special mention for Semillon. Also Chardonnay and Shiraz.
The first region to start and finish harvesting in Australia
Hunter Valley
Australia’s oldest region
Hunter
Key elements in the topography ofCentral Ranges Zone
Along the W, inland side of the Great Dividing Range (protection from tropical storms).
Climate ofCentral Ranges Zone
Continental, cooling influence from the altitude, high diurnal range, intense sunshine. Low rainfall.
Hazards inCentral Ranges Zone
Spring frost according to the altitude.
Regions of Central Ranges Zone
- Mudgee
- Orange
- Cowra
Mudgee
Central Ranges Zone’s region. Close to Hunter Valley, N of Orange, slightly warmer than Orange, mainly black varieties with Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Orange
Central Ranges Zone’s region. Reputation for high-quality wines in the last 20 years. Wines labelled as ‘Orange Region’ to avoid confusion with orange wines. Vineyards on the slopes of Mount Canobolas, an ancient volcano. The soil includes deep red volcanic basalt, yellow/brown clay loams and shallow gravels. Quite windy (can affect fruit set). Black varieties on the lower, slightly warmer slopes, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Cooler and higher sites for whites, mainly Chardonnay. Malo for top wines. Also some Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris. Ross Hill and Tamburlaine as significant producers.
Cowra
Central Ranges Zone’s region. S of Orange, slightly warmer than Orange, mainly Chardonnay, riper style.
Climate of Southern New South Wales Zone
Continental, no maritime due to the shelter of the Snowy Mountains, cooling influence according to the altitude.
Main regions of New South Wales Zone
- Canberra District
- Hilltops
- Tumbarumba
Canberra District
New South Wales Zone’s region. Two vineyards within ACT while others are part of the New South Wales. Vineyards at high altitude (500-800 m), high diurnal range and high sunshine. Cold winter and spring frost can be an issue. Dry summer, so irrigation. Mainly black varieties with Shiraz. Blend of Shiraz-Viognier is common. Clonakilla and Ravensworth as significant producers. Riesling as white variety.
Hilltops and Tumbarumba
New South Wales Zone’s regions. Vineyards at a range of altitudes, continental climate. Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay in Hilltops, and Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in Tumbarumba for still and sparkling wines.
Main zone of Western Australia
- South West Australia
Main sub-regions of South West Australia Zone
- Margaret River
- Great Southern
Key elements in the topography ofMargaret River
SW corner of Australia. Peninsula surrounded by water on three sides (Indian and Southern Ocean). Flat region of gentle hills and valleys. Low altitudes.
Type of soils inMargaret River
Red gravelly loams on granite and gneiss, low nutrients.
Climate ofMargaret River
Maritime, high rainfall (mainly winter). Oceans moderate the temperatures. Indian Ocean is warm so no much drop at night. The E part is warmer due to the protection of the ridge.
Main grape varieties ofMargaret River
Mainly Cabernet Sauvignon, then Merlot. Whites are Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Semillon.
Types of wines made inMargaret River
Reds are usually blends of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Sauvignon Blanc is often blended with Semillon.
Key elements in the topography ofGreat Southern
150 km E of Margaret River. From the coast to the inland hills. High salinity soil for the Frankland River.
Climate ofGreat Southern
Maritime for Denmark and Albany. Less maritime inland, while Frankland River is continental with a high diurnal range. Rainfall varies according to the sub-region.
Main grape varieties ofGreat Southern
Mainly blacks, with Shiraz (Mount Barker and Frankland River). Also Cabernet Sauvignon. Riesling for whites. Also Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.
Sub-regions of Great Southern
- Albany
- Denmark
- Mount Barker
- Porongurup
- Frankland River
Climate ofTasmania
Cool maritime, W winds bring high rainfall (lower in the E part of the island). S Tasmania is cooler due to latitude, NE aspect to maximise ripening. SE is drier and less humid, irrigation can be necessary. NW has higher rainfall, and humidity.
Hazards inTasmania
Fungal disease in the NW, spring frost.
Main grape varieties ofTasmania
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Also other varieties for cool climates such as Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Pinot Gris. Some Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.
Key winemaking operations forwines inTasmania
Malo is common. Barrel fermentation for top wines.
Key maturation practices forwines inTasmania
Oak ageing, usually old with small % of new.
Main sub-regions of Tasmania
Different regions according to climates, topography and soil. Coal River Valley (SE), Tamar Valley and Piper’s River (N).
Types of wines made inTasmania
Key producer for premium wines. 2/3 still and 1/3 sparkling.
