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CHARDONNAY EDUCATOR GUIDE

AUSTRALIAN DISCOVERED PREPARING FOR YOUR CLASS THE MATERIALS

VIDEOS As an educator, you have access to a suite of teaching resources and handouts, You will find complementary video including this educator guide: files for each program in the Wine Australia Assets Gallery. EDUCATOR GUIDE We recommend downloading these This guide gives you detailed topic videos to your computer before your information, as well as tips on how to best event. Look for the video icon for facilitate your class and tasting. It’s a guide recommended viewing times. only – you can tailor what you teach to Loop videos suit your audience and time allocation. These videos are designed to be To give you more flexibility, the following played in the background as you optional sections are flagged throughout welcome people into your class, this document: during a break, or during an event. There is no speaking, just background ADVANCED music. Music can be played aloud, NOTES or turned to mute. Loop videos should Optional teaching sections covering be played in ‘loop’ or ‘repeat’ mode, more complex material. which means they play continuously until you press stop. This is typically an easily-adjustable setting in your chosen media player. COMPLEMENTARY READING Feature videos These videos provide topical insights Optional stories that add from Australian , experts background and colour to the topic. and other. Feature videos should be played while your class is seated, with the sound turned on and SUGGESTED clearly audible. DISCUSSION POINTS To encourage interaction, we’ve included some optional discussion points you may like to raise with your class. Consider asking them to work in small groups to answer the question and then report back to the class. If you would like more movement in your classroom, ask them to write the group responses down on sticky notes (one idea per note) and attach them to a wall or whiteboard.

Chardonnay / Educator guide PRESENTATION SLIDES TASTING LIST The presentation follows the content in A editable tasting list template is available your guide and is designed for your in the Wine Australia Assets Gallery. attendees, using visuals and photography We strongly recommend filling this in to to convey key points. We recommend give to your class, so they have a record projecting it on a big screen so it’s clearly of what they tasted and where it visible to all attendees. can be purchased. There is a separate version of the CERTIFICATE presentation available with space for A downloadable participation certificate is student notes. You may like to print a also available in the Wine Australia Assets copy of this for each participant prior Gallery. You can add your logo and fill in to the event. the relevant course details before presenting An editable PowerPoint version of the to attendees. presentation is available on request. This guide and other complementary materials were COMPLEMENTARY HANDOUTS produced by Wine Australia in 2018. Information and statistics were correct at time of publication, but more You will find downloadable handouts in the up-to-date information may be available. Wine Australia Assets Gallery. These can be *Please note these documents, and any information, printed and distributed to your class. diagrams or images contained therein, not be extracted, reproduced, or distributed except to the extent it has been expressly authorised under license from Wine Australia.

Chardonnay / Educator guide SUGGESTED TIMINGS

This program is designed to be taught in one to three hours. How long you spend on each topic – or whether you cover it at all – will depend on your attendees as well as time allocation. Below are two different examples of how you may wish to divide your time.

ONE-HOUR CLASS THREE-HOUR CLASS

Time Time Topic (mins) Topic (mins)

Welcome and introduction 5 mins Welcome and introduction 10 mins

The history of The history of 3 mins 15 mins Australian Chardonnay Australian Chardonnay

How it’s grown 3 mins How it’s grown 10 mins

How it’s made 5 mins How it’s made 15 mins

Common styles 3 mins Common styles 10 mins

Where it’s grown 15 mins Where it’s grown 20 mins

Characteristics and flavour 20 mins Break 15 mins profiles (including tasting)

Food and wine pairings 3 mins Characteristics and flavour 45 mins profiles (including tasting) Summary and class close 3 mins How to select Australian 10 mins Chardonnay (price points)

Food and wine pairing 10 mins

Chardonnay by numbers 10 mins

Summary and class close 10 mins

Chardonnay / Educator guide PREPARING F O R YOUR EVENT

3 WEEKS PRIOR Confirm event time and book venue Confirm equipment availability (glasses, projector, mats, etc.) Invite attendees (recommend setting an RSVP for 1 week prior to event).

1 WEEK PRIOR Reconfirm venue availability – check tables/chairs if being provided by venue Confirm number of attendees Review course content and make any required edits to presentation slides Select the wines (one per 16 attendees). See suggested mix below Draft and print your tasting list in order of presentation (blank template provided).

1 DAY PRIOR Print attendee list Fill in and print relevant class handouts, including tasting sheets and participation certificates Collect and clean glassware Put wines in fridge to chill overnight, if required Double-check you have all equipment required to run the event.

3 HOURS PRIOR Check wines are at an appropriate temperature, with white and sparkling wines in the fridge Set up room Set up and test projector/laptop/iPad Ensure the venue manager is aware of the start time and location for the event and can direct attendees if necessary.

30 MINUTES PRIOR Gather the wines, using ice buckets with a 50:50 mix of ice and water for white and sparkling wines.

Chardonnay / Educator guide YOU WILL NEED

SUGGESTED WINES TO PER ATTENDEE –– Luke Lambert Chardonnay 1 glass for each wine you’ll – wild and minimal malolactic be tasting techniques. –– Ten Minutes by Tractor Estate ‘10X’ 600mL bottle of water Mornington Peninsula Chardonnay –  1 spittoon ( are dry, savoury, structured example. suitable) –– ‘Art Series’ Margaret Palate cleansers, such as River Chardonnay – pristine example of water crackers premium Margaret River Chardonnay. Tasting mats, and –– Scarborough ‘Yellow Label’ Hunter Valley other relevant handouts Chardonnay – hugely popular oaked ‘sunshine in a bottle’ style. Pen. –– Shaw & Smith ‘M3 ’ Adelaide Hills Chardonnay – whole-bunch pressed, wild fermentation with partial malolactic TO SET UP YOUR TRAINING fermentation. Fine, complex wine. ROOM –– House of Arras Blanc de Blancs () – fine example of 100% Tables and chairs to seat all participants Chardonnay sparkling. A table (or ) at the front for the wines

Ice and ice buckets to Note: hold wines –– Allow 1 bottle per 16 participants.  –– Have a second bottle on hand for Wiping cloth or paper towel any wines sealed with to allow for spills for issues. –– You can pre-pour in  Projector and screen/wall advance if time is tight – wine  Some classes may require should be served at 15°C (60°F). microphone and speakers. Avoid pre-pouring white or so it can be served chilled.

Tip: Arrange tables and chairs to encourage discussion. U-shaped room with a round table format is ideal.

Chardonnay / Educator guide DISCOVERED PROGRAM

The comprehensive, free education For enquiries, email program providing information, tools and [email protected] resources to discover Australian wine.

To access course presentation, videos and tasting tools, as well as other programs, visit Wine Australia supports the www.australianwinediscovered.com responsible service of . PROGRAM INFORMATION AND PRESENTATION SLIDES CHARDONNAY

AUSTRALIAN WINE DISCOVERED senior at Shaw & Smith, Adelaide Hills at Shaw & Smith, Adelaide winemaker senior Wadewitz, Adam

Australia’s unique and landscape have fostered a fiercely independent wine scene, home to a vibrant community of growers, winemakers, viticulturists, and vignerons. With more than 100 varieties grown across 65 distinct wine regions, we have the freedom to make exceptional wine, and to do it our own way. We’re not beholden by tradition, but continue to push the boundaries in the pursuit of the most diverse, thrilling wines in the world. That’s just our way.

Chardonnay / Educator guide AUSTRALIAN CHARDONNAY: T H E EVOLUTION Australian Chardonnay has enjoyed the ’s highs OF A CLASSIC and weathered its lows with resilience, and it continues to hold a special place for Australian wine lovers. Its Australian journey is a roller-coaster ride of dramatic proportions.

LOOP VIDEO AUSTRALIAN CHARDONNAY: Now is a great time to play the THE EVOLUTION OF A CLASSIC Chardonnay loop video in the Chardonnay is the most planted white background, as you welcome people in Australia, vinified into all manner into your class. of styles and expressions, showcasing the distinctions of each region in which it thrives and the artistic influence of the winemaker. FIRST TASTE Australian Chardonnay is a variety that’s enjoyed the industry’s highs and weathered This may be a good opportunity its lows with resilience, and it continues to give everyone a taste of a classic to hold a special place in the heart of Australian Chardonnay. The full Australian wine lovers. Its Australian tasting comes later in the program. journey is a roller-coaster ride of dramatic proportions. –– With origins in ’s region, Australia’s first Chardonnay cuttings arrived in the 1830s, took root and thrived thanks to its disease resistance, hardy temperament and site adaptability.

Chardonnay / Educator guide –– There’s no such thing as a typical Chardonnay. Australia’s expressions FUN FACT of this variety are informed by the region’s climate and geography in #CHARDONNAYDAY which it is grown, and by the influence CHARDONNAY HAS ITS of the winemaker. –– Chardonnay thrives in a range of OWN CALENDAR DAY, across Australia. From the HELD ON THE LAST warmer climate of the Hunter Valley to the cool crispness of the Yarra Valley THURSDAY OF MAY. and , as well as classic regions like Margaret River. It’s ideally suited to Australia and reflects a sense of DID YOU KNOW place wherever it’s grown, crafted into a variety of styles from light-bodied, Chardonnay is named after the crisp and unoaked through to full-bodied, French commune of the same name complex barrel-matured versions. in Burgundy. –– As well as single-variety Chardonnay, Australian sparkling winemakers craft expressions from single- Chardonnay as well as blends. –– Today, Chardonnay accounts for more than half of Australia’s production.

Chardonnay / Educator guide TO DAY

- The history of WE’LL Australian Chardonnay - How it’s grown - How it’s made - The different styles - Where it’s grown - Characteristics and flavour profiles COVER… - Chardonnay by numbers

THE HISTORY 1908 1969 Tyrrell’s HVD vineyard is Craigmoor’s cuttings OF AUSTRALIAN planted in Hunter Valley, identified as one of now one of the oldest the best Chardonnay CHARDONNAY Chardonnay clones with European in the world. provenance in Australia.

1820s –1930s 1918 Chardonnay is one of the Chardonnay cuttings from original varieties brought Kaluna Vineyard in Sydney’s to Australia and thrives in Fairfield are given to a Roth the warm, dry climate. family member, who them at Craigmoor Vineyards in Mudgee.

Chardonnay / Educator guide EARLY 1970s 1980s Consumer preferences A new style of shift to table wines, with 1979 Chardonnay enters the new styles produced, Winemaker Brian Croser wine market. It’s oaked, including Tyrrell’s Vat 47 plants Chardonnay in rich and bright yellow – Chardonnay. cool-climate Adelaide Hills. ‘sunshine in a bottle’.

1972 Mudgee Craigmoor follows Tyrrell’s lead and releases a 100% Chardonnay, unlike other whites of the day labelled as ‘’ or ‘’.

THE HISTORY OF AUSTRALIAN into ’ experimental HVD Pokolbin CHARDONNAY vineyard to steal cuttings, which IN THE BEGINNING went on to become the basis for Tyrrell’s successful Vat 47 Chardonnay. Whether 1820s-1830s it’s true or not, the story of Murray Tyrrell’s While the exact origins of Australia’s first Vat 47 Chardonnay epitomises Australian Chardonnay are subject to debate, at its innovative best. we know it arrived on our shores as a See complementary reading* humble vine in the early 1800s. 1972 1969 In synergy with Murray Tyrrell, Mudgee Many of Australia’s first Chardonnay winemaker Pieter van Gent releases a cuttings in the early 1970s came from Craigmoor Chardonnay, marketed as Mudgee, NSW. One of the prized vineyards a straight Chardonnay, unlike other white was owned by Alfred Kurtz, a worker at wines of the day labelled as Pinot Blanc Mudgee’s Craigmoor. These vines were or Riesling. identified in 1969 by a professor from France as one of the best Chardonnay clones with Also in 1972, David Wynn from Mountadam European provenance in Australia. Vineyards planted Chardonnay at the highest point in South Australia’s Eden 1970s Valley. He recognised the potential of a Folklore says Chardonnay’s integral cool, elevated site to produce wines of role in Australian wine culture is due to great elegance and structure. As a result, Hunter Valley winemaker Murray Tyrrell. he became one of Australia’s first noteworthy Apparently, Tyrrell jumped the fence in 1971 cool-climate Chardonnay producers.

Chardonnay / Educator guide MID TO LATE 1980s LATE –1990s 2000s The charge to make big, preferences move from big, oaked, buttery Australian luscious, overly oaked wines to fresher, Chardonnay is taken on by unoaked, -driven styles. all over the .

EARLY 2000s TO DAY Chardonnay becomes Today’s premium Australian less fashionable as a Chardonnay, including lighter, unoaked, aromatic sparkling wine, is crafted challenger arrives in from cool-climate fruit the form of Marlborough from regions such as the . Yarra Valley and Tasmania.

1979 creating wines with rich flavours that were Croser identified the potential of the region characteristic of heavy toast regimes. as one of the best places in Australia to This style became hugely popular overseas cool climate-loving varieties. It was and helped cement Australia’s wine such as these that encouraged export success. the Australian industry to grow. This preference for oaked buttery Early 1980s Chardonnay was part of a global trend This new style of Chardonnay shone bright also seen in . But just as gold in the glass, influenced by lashings of trends like ‘80s shoulder pads and perms oak and buttery characters derived from changed with the times, so did our drinking . preferences. People started seeking fresher, lighter, lower alcohol and unoaked whites Mid to late 1980s and 1990s with aromatics they could without food. A river of bright yellow, oaky ‘sunshine in Drinkers began to move away from ‘sunshine a bottle’ flooded the market. Rosemount in a bottle’, proclaiming their dislike as the led the way with its ripe, oaky wines like Anything But Chardonnay (ABC) movement. Roxburgh and Diamond Label with tropical fruit characters such as ripe , apricot, This Chardonnay style was a blessing and melon and guava. Warmer regions such a curse – it brought Australia into the gaze as the Hunter Valley embraced the style, of the world’s wine-drinking population but its market saturation saw production climb sharply and quality decrease.

Chardonnay / Educator guide Early 2000s Australia’s reputation for producing sparkling The new aromatic kid on the block sashayed wines has also grown enormously thanks in into Australia wearing showy tropical fruit part to Chardonnay being planted explicitly and grassy notes on its sleeve. With its high for sparkling wine production in suitable acidity, pungency and tangy tones, it was cool climate areas. Winemakers pick the the antithesis of ripe, oaky Chardonnay. Chardonnay for sparkling wines much Winemakers realised a new style was in earlier than for still wines, the higher acidity fashion. The desire for a leaner, crisper giving the structure needed for aging and style took hold. secondary fermentation. Australia has a growing global reputation for crafting unique THE AUSTRALIAN sparkling expressions from Chardonnay in a CHARDONNAY REVIVAL single-varietal ‘Blanc de Blancs’ style, as well as Chardonnay blends. Late 2000s Chardonnay drifted from view but innovative winemakers began to experiment with SUGGESTED a new style of Chardonnay. They pushed DISCUSSION POINT oak to the back and let crisper, fresher –– Some argue the move away from fruit do the talking. Australia’s new-wave big, luscious, oaked Chardonnays Chardonnay reflected laser-like acidity, went too far towards , elegance and minerality. skeletal wines lacking in fruit and Today complexity. Do you think this is the ? Or is there a middle Today, Chardonnay accounts for more than ground where freshness and fruit half of Australia’s white wine production. expression is prized, but oak can Aside from the Mediterranean climates of be used to add structure without Margaret River, cool-climate regions excel dominating a wine? at producing Chardonnay. These regions include Tasmania, Great Southern (WA), Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula (VIC), Adelaide Hills (SA), and Canberra district, and Tumbarumba (NSW–ACT). Regional diversity is as much a key selling point of Australian wine as winemaker influence. Warmer climates like the and Hunter Valley continue to produce rich, ripe styles in contrast to lean cool-climate styles.

Chardonnay / Educator guide THE STORY OF TYRRELL’S WINES: A GROUNDBREAKING HUNTER WINERY

One of the Hunter Valley’s most renowned winemaking dynasties is the Tyrrell family. Today, the winemaking baton is being passed from fourth-generation father Bruce Tyrrell to his fifth-generation son, Chris Tyrrell.

FUN FACT While the real truth may never be known, legend has it that Murray Tyrrell jumped the fence to grab some Chardonnay vines from Penfolds’ experimental vineyard to plant in his family’s Hunter Valley vineyard, now home to the famous Vat 47 Chardonnay.

COMPLEMENTARY READING THE STORY OF TYRRELL’S WINES: A GROUNDBREAKING HUNTER WINERY Established in 1858 by English immigrant Edward Tyrrell, Tyrrell’s Wines is one of Australia’s pre-eminent family owned wine companies and boasts some of the oldest known Chardonnay vineyards in the world. While the real truth may never be known, the legend goes that in the late 1960s Murray Tyrrell jumped the fence of Penfolds’ experimental vineyard in order to liberate and then plant Chardonnay vines in his family’s Hunter vineyard. From these vines, Vat 47 Chardonnay was produced and inspired the ‘sunshine in a bottle’ craze. Tyrrell’s: A history of excellence One of the Hunter Valley’s most renowned winemaking dynasties is the Tyrrell family. Today, the winemaking baton is being passed from fourth-generation father Bruce Tyrrell to his fifth-generation son, Chris Tyrrell. A history of The founding father of Tyrrell’s Wines, Edward Tyrrell, moved to Australia in 1854, and he and his family established the winery and an ironbark hut that still stands today. Vineyard plantings followed, including the 4 Acres Vineyard, in 1879. It’s one of the oldest in the Hunter Valley still producing exceptional fruit today.

Chardonnay / Educator guide COMPLEMENTARY READING CONT. In the late 1800s, Edward passed the winery to his son, Dan, who expanded upon his father’s legacy until his passing in 1959. Dan’s nephew Murray took the reins and proceeded to take things to another level, ensuring all Tyrrell’s best wines were bottled under Tyrrell’s own label. Wines such as Vat 1 Semillon and Vat 47 Chardonnay became part of the Australian wine lover’s vernacular. Tyrrell’s: A legendary Australian wine name with a bright future Murray’s son Bruce Tyrrell has had a ruthless focus on quality and provenance since taking over the day-to-day running of the business. Tyrrell’s global reputation for exceptional Semillon and Chardonnay is now matched by a reputation for their reds that is the envy of many in the valley and across Australia. The solid foundation built by Edward, grown by Dan, shared with the world by Murray and matured into one of Australia’s great family wineries by Bruce is stronger and tasting better than it ever has. Chris Tyrrell, one of Australia’s brightest young winemakers and fifth generation family member, is now taking this special legacy and shaping it for the future. An illustrious history. A bright future. The Tyrrell’s name and fine Australian wine will be synonymous for many, many years to come.

Chardonnay / Educator guide - An incredibly adaptable vine which takes on characteristics of the site where its grown. - Tight control encourages lean flavours and good acid development. - Lower yields give more intense flavour concentration in the . - Early to capture good acid structure. : HOW AUSTRALIAN CHARDONNAY IS GROWN

VITICULTURE: HOW AUSTRALIAN Yield CHARDONNAY IS GROWN In certain conditions, Chardonnay can The vine be very high yielding, however fruit The Chardonnay vine is incredibly adaptable specifications have changed along with the and has a reputation for its ease of cultivation palates of Australian wine drinkers in recent and as being an expression of the site its decades. In fact, in a desire to produce the grown, assuming the characteristics of highest possible quality of Chardonnay, its . It’s a highly vigorous vine with there has been something of a trend toward wide-ranging coverage controlled lower yields to capture the very best . by heavy , shoot thinning and Yields have also moderated down with a management. Without this careful desire for leaner flavours, higher acids and management, vine vigour can reduce a lower Baumé (measurement of the solids the quality. in grape indicating the grapes’ level and ripeness, and the potential alcohol). Irrigation Yield control has a major impact on wine Depending on the location of the vineyard, quality. Generally speaking, the lower the the climate and the surrounding water yield, the more intense the concentration source, Chardonnay vines require careful of flavour in the grapes, resulting in higher monitoring as its thin skin is susceptible quality and better structured wines. to developing rot. If the yield goes too high, the quality can be impacted.

Chardonnay / Educator guide Harvest Chardonnay is an early-budding, and therefore early-ripening, vine. In Australia’s pre-2000 Chardonnay boom, it was one of the last grapes to be harvested, as winemakers were looking for ripe fruit flavours. These days, many winemakers harvest Chardonnay earlier in the season. As the grapes ripen, the sugar content increases and the acid content decreases, so new-wave Chardonnay producers are looking to harvest at a time when the balance is right. In simple terms, the earlier the pick, the leaner the style and the less winemaking influence is applied to maintain purity and balance. In cooler climates, viticultural risks include damage to the early‑budding grapes due to springtime .

DID YOU KNOW Chardonnay is the most planted white wine grape in the world.

SUGGESTED DISCUSSION POINT –– There has been a shift in the style of viticultural management and harvest schedule of Chardonnay pre- and post-2000. While big, rich Chardonnays are still in production, there is also a demand for leaner, racier expressions grown from cool-climate fruit. How do these differing Chardonnay styles affect viticulturists and winemakers?

Chardonnay / Educator guide HOW WHITE WINE IS MADE

1. HARVEST 2. DESTEMMING 3. 4. FERMENTATION & CRUSHING

5. STABILISATION

9. BOTTLING 8. FINING & 7. MATURATION 6. BLENDING FILTERING

FEATURE VIDEO Now is an appropriate time to play the feature video, How white wine is made. While it’s not specific to Chardonnay, it provides background context on the typical production process.

Chardonnay / Educator guide WINEMAKING: TECHNIQUES INFLUENCING CHARDONNAY

STEMS CAN LEFT IN OCCUR CONTACT IN THREE WAYS

WHOLE-BUNCH COLD BARREL MALOLACTIC OAK INFLUENCE PRESSING FERMENTATION FERMENTATION FERMENTATION

WINEMAKING: TECHNIQUES Barrel fermentation: INFLUENCING THE Wines that are barrel fermented have CHARDONNAY STYLE different characteristics to wines that are Australian Chardonnay is inspiring interest fermented in . As well as all over the world due to the willingness imparting oak flavours, it helps to create of winemakers to apply the following wines with a rounder, broader mouth feel techniques in the winery. and firmer structure. Whole-bunch (or cluster) pressing: Malolactic fermentation: Entire grape bunches are pressed to extract Lactic acid is added to the juice, rather than de-stemming before the fermented Chardonnay juice to trigger the crush. The presence of stalks in the press conversion of harder into soft, makes for effective drainage and promotes smooth, creamy lactic acid, which creates clarity of juice. The result is a more refined, a buttery flavour and texture. Winemakers less stringent wine. can also choose to employ partial malolactic fermentation. As malolactic fermentation Cold fermentation: is a way of essentially decreasing acid in A long, slow, cool fermentation heightens the wine, it may not be desirable in warmer the aromatics of the ripened fruit and can climates or for specific styles of Chardonnay. deliver rich flavours such as and pineapple. Cool fermentation often occurs in stainless steel tanks and is followed by early bottling to capture the fresh, lean, mineral flavours.

Chardonnay / Educator guide WINEMAKING: TECHNIQUES INFLUENCING CHARDONNAY

YEAST AND SUGAR WINE IS ADDED TO LEFT TO BOTTLE AGE ON ITS

BARREL EXTENDED LEES BÂTONNAGE WILD SECONDARY MATURATION CONTACT FERMENTATION FERMENTATION (IN SPARKLING WINE)

Oak influence: to occur. Using larger-format oak The influence of oak can occur in three to mature the Chardonnay results in less ways: by the addition of oak chips at various oaky flavours. points of the winemaking process; during Extended lees contact: fermentation in oak barrels; or during Wine is left to age on its lees, the leftover maturation in oak barrels. This influence yeast particles from autolysis, which is the can sometimes result in a toasty overtone self-destruction of yeast cells created during – depending on the oak regime used, and fermentation. Lees contact can occur for the age and provenance of the oak – with as short a period as 3–4 months, or as long flavours spanning , smoke, , as several years. The result of extended lees , and . contact can be sensed as a richer texture Barrel maturation: and fuller body in the wine. Ageing wine on While oak flavours largely come from its lees in oak barrels will extract additional seasoning and toasting, ageing Chardonnay compounds from the wood. in oak barrels also imparts different flavour Bâtonnage: compounds depending on the age of the When winemakers stir the lees in order oak (new or used) and to a lesser extent to increase the surface area of the lees its provenance (American, French or other contact and therefore increase the level of European ). Maturation in oak extraction. This helps to integrate the wine provides a stable environment for metabolic with the oak, but can decrease the fruit reactions, such as malolactic fermentation, expression of the wine at the same time.

Chardonnay / Educator guide Wild fermentation: Bottling: Wild or indigenous that are naturally Most Australian Chardonnay is bottled present in the microflora of the grape are under and tends to be made for used to ferment the wine rather than adding early drinking (2-5 years), often sold without cultured yeasts (wild yeasts that are isolated any bottle age. However, it’s not uncommon then cultured in a laboratory). There aren’t to find high-quality expressions that can be always textural differences present after wild cellared for more than five years and to find yeast fermentation, but it certainly makes wines that are sold with some bottle age. for a more complex wine. Secondary fermentation: SUGGESTED This practice is applied when making DISCUSSION POINTS sparkling wine, and follows the time‑honoured method of adding yeast –– What challenges does a and a small amount of sugar to the winemaker face when using first ferment (called cuvée) in the bottle. wild yeast fermentation? During this secondary fermentation, –– What are the reasons for a is confined in the bottle, winemaker to use malolactic thus carbonating the wine. fermentation?

ADVANCED NOTES AUSTRALIAN CHARDONNAY: THE NEXT GENERATION A new generation of winemakers are bringing expertise, experimentation and bold ideas to the Australian Chardonnay landscape. In Victoria’s Yarra Valley, Luke Lambert has broken from tradition, creating naturally complex, multi-layered wines using wild yeast fermentation, wild malolactic fermentation and large, old oak casks to create wines that reflect the lean qualities of the harsh, rocky high in the Yarra Valley. Mac Forbes is another Yarra Valley winemaker following a natural, sustainable path to craft his Chardonnay, with his complex, elegant style that reveals a tightly wound core of freshness. Tasmanian winemaker Anna Pooley believes super-premium wines need to be handcrafted with minimal intervention to let the qualities of the vineyard shine through. Pooley’s pristine single-vineyard ‘Cooinda Vale’ Chardonnay is made from fruit that was once destined for Penfolds’ highest tier, ‘Yattarna’ Chardonnay. Fermented in concrete eggs, Si Vintners is from the southern Margaret River and looks as if it’s being hatched rather than made. The beautifully named Halcyon Block was planted in 1978 – making it one of Margaret River’s oldest – and employs biodynamic practices to let the purity of the fruit shine. In ’s cool climate, father-and-son winemaking team Gary and Nick Farr create boutique, single-vineyard Farr Rising Chardonnay that shows impressive drive, structure and length, achieved through hand-harvested, whole-bunch pressed grapes, natural fermentation, lees stirring and malolactic fermentation.

Chardonnay / Educator guide COMMON CHARDONNAY Due to its adaptability, there's no one universal STYLES style. Australian Chardonnays express the diversity of the people who craft them and the unique regional characteristics of their origins.

COMMON CHARDONNAY STYLES Unoaked Due to the flexibility of Chardonnay and its Unoaked Chardonnays tend to display fresh, ability to reflect its terroir, there’s no universal vibrant characteristics of florals and fruitiness style or set of constants that can be applied in lean, refreshing styles that come to life to Chardonnay produced in Australia. What when paired with food. The flavours reflect we can do is divide Chardonnay into three the wide spectrum of Chardonnay and the broad primary styles that are influenced by nuances of the vineyard site, its region and region and climate, vineyard management seasonal variables, as these wines are not and winemaking techniques. influenced by oak or malolactic fermentation. Winemakers of unoaked Chardonnays tend Oaked Chardonnay to work with the flavours of the fruit rather Oaked Chardonnays tend to be fuller‑bodied, than applying a heavy-handed approach smooth, creamy and complex wines. in the winery. Unoaked Chardonnays can The use of oak barrels allows an ingress display a fruit profile that spans from tropical of oxygen, which can soften the wine, fruits like pineapple and mango to a lean making it more approachable at a younger profile featuring green , pear and . age. Oak influence can also be seen in the aromas and flavours, from vanilla, cinnamon, It’s worth noting that while oak certainly and coconut tones, to smokiness, has the capacity to alter the flavour profile and toasted almond notes. Finally, if the wine of Chardonnays, climatic differences are goes through malolactic fermentation in the more powerful drivers in affecting the barrel, a further creaminess and rich buttery wine’s overall style and expression – not texture appears. simply the inclusion of, or lack of, oak in the Chardonnay’s production.

Chardonnay / Educator guide COMMON CHARDONNAY STYLES COMES TO LIFE WHEN PAIRED WITH FOOD

THREE BROAD - Fresh ST YLES EXIST UNOAKED - Floral - Vibrant - Lean

OAKED

- Smooth SPARKLING FULL - Creamy BODIED - Complex - Dry - Toasty - Floral - Elegant - Savoury AUSTRALIAN CH A RD O NN A Y

SUGGESTED Sparkling Chardonnay DISCUSSION POINTS Chardonnay’s less prominent role in –– What is the flavour difference Australian winemaking is as a component between an oaked Chardonnay of, and as a single varietal in, sparkling and an unoaked Chardonnay? wine. Cool-climate Chardonnay fruit is picked early to preserve its high levels of –– Which Australian wineries acidity before ripeness kicks in and acidity are producing age-worthy levels drop. Chardonnays? Single-varietal Chardonnay sparkling, –– What does Chardonnay bring described as a Blanc de Blancs (‘white to a blended sparkling wine? of whites’ in French), produces elegant, savoury, dry and floral wines with a strong backbone of acid. When given time to age, especially with extended lees contact, they sometimes develop toasty notes – a result of yeast autolysis. When sparkling producers decide to blend Chardonnay with its blending partners of and (grown less in Australia), the wine tends to be more full‑bodied with fruity fleshiness.

Chardonnay / Educator guide WHERE IS CHARDONNAY GROWN?

AUSTRALIAN CHARDONNAY DID YOU KNOW REGIONS There are more than 20,000 hectares Chardonnay is a very robust and easygoing of Chardonnay planted in Australia, variety, thriving in both warm and cool equal to more than 40% of total white climates. In Australia, this variety is grown wine plantings. This makes it the most in virtually every winemaking region, from planted white variety in Australia. the cool confines of Tasmania and Victoria to the warmer climates of the Hunter Valley and the Riverland.

Chardonnay / Educator guide Mu ay Darling VICTORIA

Murray R

Calder Hwy Swan Hi

B chworth Goulburn Va ey

Western HwyMacedon Ranges

MELBOURNE Ya Yarra Ra Va ey G long GEELONG Princes Hwy

Princes Hwy

Mornington Peninsula

VICTORIA Victoria is the most populated wine region in Australia, with more regions and wineries than any other state. Its geographical diversity allows each region to produce many styles, including elegant cool‑climate Chardonnay and fine sparkling wine from the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, Beechworth, Macedon Ranges and Geelong. Warmer-climate examples come out of Murray Darling, and Swan Hill. We’re focusing on two of the state’s most prominent cool regions, the Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula.

Chardonnay / Educator guide YARRA VALLEY

- Popular tourist destination - Colourful history - Groundbreaking winemakers - Food and wine paradise

Ya a Va ey

YARRA VALLEY –– Food and wine paradise: The regional –– Popular tourist destination: At less than emphasis on the quality and flavour an hour’s drive from Melbourne’s CBD, of the wines has spread to the local the Yarra Valley is one of Australia’s most produce grown in the same fertile , accessible wine regions, featuring cellar making the region a little slice of food doors, quaint villages, cultural attractions, and wine paradise. food producers and iconic scenery. –– Colourful history: Vines were first planted in 1838, making it Victoria’s first FUN FACT wine‑growing district. While increased IN 2016, THE INCREASE demand for saw the region cease production in 1921, replanting IN THE OVERALL began in the 1960s, and the region is now recognised as one of Australia’s NATIONAL CRUSH CAME foremost cool-climate regions. FROM GROWTH IN –– Groundbreaking winemakers and MANY COOL-CLIMATE growers: The Yarra Valley is home to a bold and exciting new breed of REGIONS, SUCH AS THE revolutionary winemakers who are pushing the boundaries of cool-climate YARRA VALLEY. grape growing and winemaking.

Chardonnay / Educator guide CRUSH TYPE CHARDONNAY OWL % % % OF YARR A ALTITUDE 35 65 VALL EY 'S 50–350M W hi T E RED 34 T O TA L RUC SH 164–1,148FT

YARRA VALLEY SNAPSHOT

CLIMATE

CONTINENTAL HEAT DEGREE DAYS MEAN JANUARY TEMPERATURE MEDIUM 18.7°C GROWING MEdIUM 65.7°F SEASON RAINFALL 1,352 400–550MM / 15.7–21.7IN COOL

*Source: Wine Australia, 2017 YARRA VALLEY SNAPSHOT Climate The Yarra Valley has upper and lower –– One of Australia’s coolest regions sections which impacts the altitude, –– Rainfall dominant in winter and spring soils, climate and rainfall. –– Cool, dry and humid summers. Crush Growing season rainfall The Yarra Valley accounts for 1.6% of Calculated from October to April in Australia, Australia’s total grape crush, but 21% growing season rainfall is a good indication of Australia’s Chardonnay crush. of how much water is available to the vine. Chardonnay accounts for approximately The Yarra Valley experiences most of its 34% of the Yarra Valley’s total crush, during winter and spring, with the summer cementing this variety’s reputation as a being relatively cool, dry and humid. significant focus of Yarra Valley growers Mean January temperature and winemakers. Mean January temperature refers to the Latitude mean temperature of the warmest month. Grape vines favour what can be described In the cool-temperature range, Yarra Valley as ‘temperate’ climates, which mostly fall experiences a long, slow ripening period within distinct latitudes of 30° and 50° from to produce some flavoursome grapes and the . Yarra Valley sits right in the wines. Temperature hazards such as spring middle of this latitude bracket at 37° 49’S. can be a risk. Altitude The altitude is quite varied at 50 metres to Heat degree days 350 metres (164–1,148ft) above sea level. Heat degree days (HDD) is an indicator of the warmth of a climate during the vine‑growing period.

Chardonnay / Educator guide The Yarra Valley’s northern side feature soils of grey to grey-brown on the surface, and from loamy sand to clay loam in consistency with red-brown clay SOIL subsoils, often filled with rock. The other major soil type is the immensely deep and fertile red volcanic soil on the southern side of the valley.

SOIL The Yarra Valley’s diverse is reflected in its various soil types. The traditional grape-growing areas on the northern side of the valley feature soils of grey to grey-brown in colour on the surface, and range from loamy sand to clay loam in consistency with red-brown clay subsoils, often filled with rock. The other major soil type is the immensely deep and fertile red volcanic soil in the southern side of the valley. The variation in altitude and soil types in this hilly region creates differences in climates and exposure, which suits some varieties.

Chardonnay / Educator guide Notable Yarra Valley Other Victorian regions renowned for Chardonnay producers: their cool-climate Chardonnay production The region’s prominence for Chardonnay include (with examples): continues to evolve. Chardonnay is grown –– Geelong – Farr Rising Chardonnay. on diverse sites and styles are generally fine, –– Macedon Ranges – Curly Flat Chardonnay. textural and restrained. The grapes are often picked at lower sugar levels (Baumé) to keep –– Beechworth – Giaconda Chardonnay. acid levels high. Aroma and flavours span citrus and stone fruit, and are minerally and floral. With age, they can develop appealing flavours of fig and a savoury dimension. –– TarraWarra Estate Chardonnay – fine example of cool-climate Chardonnay. SUGGESTED DISCUSSION POINT –– Chandon Vintage Blanc de Blancs – multiregional example of 100% –– Tasmania, the Yarra Valley and Chardonnay sparkling. Adelaide Hills are all premium –– Mac Forbes ‘Hoddles Creek’ Chardonnay wine‑growing regions and, – emerging innovative winemaker. in addition to other varieties, are well known for their sparkling –– Giant Steps Yarra Valley Chardonnay – wines. Why do you think these benchmark oaked regional Chardonnay. regions are so suited to the –– Luke Lambert Chardonnay – wild yeast sparkling style? and malolactic fermentation techniques.

Chardonnay / Educator guide Mornington Peninsula MORNINGTON PENINSULA

- Historical significance FUN FACT - Seaside playground No vineyard site in the Mornington Peninsula - True maritime region is further than 7km - Popular gourmet escape from the ocean.

MORNINGTON PENINSULA –– Historical significance: Wine production dates back to the late 1880s. In 1886, a Mornington Peninsula wine picked up an honourable mention at London’s Intercontinental Exhibition. –– Seaside playground: The region has built a reputation for producing fine cool-climate wines, as well as offering a seaside retreat thanks to its beautiful beaches, calm bays and natural beauty. –– True maritime region: Surrounded by Bass Strait, Port Phillip Bay and Western Port Bay, the region is a true maritime wine region. –– Popular gourmet escape: At only an hour’s drive from Melbourne’s CBD, this region is a popular weekend destination, with many gourmet dining options and boutique accommodation on offer.

Chardonnay / Educator guide CRUSH TYPE CHARDONNAY OWL % % % OF mo RNINGTON ALTITUDE 40 60 PEN INSU LA 'S 25–250M W hi T E RED 25 T O TA L RUC SH 82–820FT

MORNINGTON PENINSULA SNAPSHOT

CLIMATE

MARITIME HEAT DEGREE DAYS MEAN JANUARY TEMPERATURE MEDIUM 1 9.4°C GROWING MEdIUM 66.9°F SEASON RAINFALL 1,570 o R TE DmoA ER 320–390MM / 12.5–15.3IN

*Source: Wine Australia, 2017

The Mornington Peninsula’s soils differ across the region, ranging from deep fertile sandy soils in the northern area, yellow and brown soils over SOIL friable, well-drained clay and russet-red volcanic- based soils in the south.

Chardonnay / Educator guide MORNINGTON PENINSULA SNAPSHOT Latitude 38° 20’S Crush Chardonnay accounts for approximately 25% of the Mornington Peninsula’s total crush, cementing this variety’s reputation as a significant focus of Mornington Peninsula growers and winemakers.

Notable Mornington Peninsula Chardonnay producers: Celebrated for their well-balanced elegance, the region’s Chardonnays range from delicate, unoaked crispness through to medium-bodied wines with toasty notes and rich complexity. Expect typical fruit flavours of melon, citrus and fig. Chardonnay benefits from the extraordinary natural acidity that the cool Mornington Peninsula climate can produce, and emphasises the restraint and tight structure for which the region is renowned. –– Kooyong ‘Clonale’ Chardonnay – great entry-level example. –– 10 Minutes by Tractor ‘10X’ Chardonnay – dry, savoury and structured wine. –– Garagiste ‘Merricks’ Chardonnay – small-batch and site-expressive Chardonnay. –– Yabby Single Vineyard Chardonnay – wild yeast fermented with a great length of drive and flavour.

Chardonnay / Educator guide Great Northern Hwy Northern Great

Brand Hwy

Great Eastern Hwy

PERTH

WESTERN Great Southern Hwy AUSTRALIA G eographe

Albany Hwy

Bussell Hwy

Margaret R

Marg aret South Western Hwy G reat River S outhern Hwy

Coast South

FEATURE VIDEO Western Australia’s winemaking regions Now is an appropriate time to play are concentrated in the south-west and the feature video, Margaret River Great Southern divisions. Some regions are Chardonnay. close to the state’s capital, Perth, such as Swan District, but most are located further south. The regions include , Geographe, Great Southern, Peel, Pemberton, Manjimup, Margaret River and Swan District. Here we’re focusing on the region that’s home to Western Australian Chardonnay, Margaret River.

Chardonnay / Educator guide MARGARET RIVER

- History of research and development - Trailblazers - Coastal location

FUN FACT Margaret River produces about 20% of Australia’s premium wine from only 3% of Australia’s total grape crush.

Marg aret River

MARGARET RIVER –– Trailblazers: The next generation of In less than 50 years, Margaret River has winemakers are pushing boundaries built an international reputation as a home and changing perceptions of the region. of fine wine in Australia. Its Chardonnay From and fermentation displays fruit ripeness, flavour and depth, in to experimenting with with refreshing acid that allows the wines alternative varieties, emerging to age gracefully. winemakers are finding a new audience around the world. –– History of research and development: In the 1950s and ’60s, Professor Harry –– Coastal location: Margaret River’s coastal Olmo and Dr John Gladstones identified location makes this region a place of the region as boasting superb conditions natural beauty, with its vineyards set for viticulture. The area’s high winter back from some of the most breathtaking rainfall, a dry, warm summer and low risk coastal shorelines in the world. of frost and – combined with grey loam on a subsoil of clay – have proven Olmo and Gladstones correct.

Chardonnay / Educator guide CRUSH TYPE CHARDONNAY OWL % % % OF MA RGA RET ALTITUDE 50 50 RIVER 'S TOTA L 40–90M W hi T E RED 16 C RU HS 130–295FT

MARGARET RIVER SNAPSHOT

CLIMATE

MARITIME HEAT DEGREE DAYS MEAN JANUARY TEMPERATURE HIGH 20.4°C GROWING LoW 68.7°F SEASON RAINFALL 1,690 o R TE DmoA ER 275MM / 10.8IN

*Source: Wine Australia, 2017

MARGARET RIVER SNAPSHOT Latitude 33° 57’S – 38° 29’S Climate Margaret River’s climate can be compared to that of in a dry year. It has the most marked maritime climate of any region in Australia in terms of rainfall and a low diurnal temperature range, which leads to even heat accumulation.

Chardonnay / Educator guide The region consists of grey loam on a subsoil of clay, which is excellent for viticulture. The ridge from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin is predominantly gravelly SOIL loam on granite and gneiss, but its overall water-holding capacity is low, and the granite layers encourage the vines to search deep for nutrients and water.

SOIL Notable Margaret River Dr Gladstones’ geological surveys produced Chardonnay producers: encouraging results, with much of the Margaret River is more than capable of region consisting of grey loam on a subsoil producing wines to match the world’s best. of clay, which makes excellent soil for Its Chardonnay displays fruit ripeness, viticulture. The ridge from Cape Naturaliste flavour depth and roundness of texture, to Cape Leeuwin is predominantly gravelly with refreshing acid that allows the wines loam on granite and gneiss, but its overall to age gracefully. water-holding capacity is low, and the –– Leeuwin Estate ‘Art Series’ Chardonnay. granite layers encourage the vines to search –– Cullen ‘Kevin John’ Chardonnay. deeper for nutrients and water, striking the right balance between stress and struggle –– Chardonnay – pure, for these vines, which ultimately results in elegant expression. Chardonnays of elegance and complexity. –– ‘Moss Wood Vineyard’ Chardonnay. Other Western Australian regions renowned for their cool-climate Chardonnay production include: –– Great Southern – Singlefile ‘Family Reserve’ Chardonnay. –– Geographe – Fifth Estate Wines Chardonnay.

Chardonnay / Educator guide New England Hwy Mitchell Hwy

Newell Hwy

Barrier Hwy N S W Oxley Hwy hunter valley ANDACT mudgee

Silver City Hwy

NEWCASTLE orange

Western Hwy cowra SYDNEY

WOLLONGONG Sturt Hwy rivER ina canberra

districtKings Hwy southern ACT Hume Hwy hi g h l a n s d

Snowy

Monaro Hwy

Mountains

Hwy tumba rumba

NEW SOUTH WALES This state is home to 14 individual wine regions, from Australia’s oldest continuous wine region – the Hunter Valley – to big‑volume stalwart zones such as the Riverina and cool-climate spots such as Orange, Tumbarumba and the Canberra District (which is spread across both NSW and the ACT, a territory within NSW). The Great Dividing Range influences the climate of highly elevated Orange and Canberra. Climbing up the climate scale, the Hunter Valley is very warm, with high humidity levels and substantial amounts of rainfall. Head further inland to Mudgee and Cowra, which experience a warm climate but boast drier conditions. Today we’re focusing on the spiritual home of ‘sunshine in a bottle’ Chardonnay, the Hunter Valley.

Chardonnay / Educator guide HUNTER VALLEY

- The birthplace of Australian wine - Home to the Tyrrell’s family - Popular tourist destination

FUN FACT The Hunter Valley is Australia's oldest continuous wine region and is split into the Lower Hunter, where the majority of HUNTER wineries are located, and the Upper Hunter. V A L L EY

HUNTER VALLEY –– The birthplace of Australian wine: helped establish the Hunter Valley as a key wine region. As one of the first regions in Australia to grow Chardonnay, its modern styles range from lean and mineral through to full-flavoured and richer examples. –– Home to the Tyrrell’s family: Murray Tyrrell supposedly jumped the fence of Penfolds’ HVD Pokolbin vineyard to steal vine cuttings, which went on to become the basis for Tyrrell’s successful Vat 47 Chardonnay. –– Popular tourist destination: At just over three hours’ drive from Sydney’s CBD, the Hunter Valley has become a beacon of entertainment for Sydneysiders and tourists who are attracted by its rich history and to enjoy the taste of Hunter wines.

Chardonnay / Educator guide CRUSH TYPE CHARDONNAY OWL % % % OF HU NTER ALTITUDE 53 47 VALL EY 'S 50–220M W hi T E RED 16 T O TA L RUC SH 165–720FT

HUNTER VALLEY SNAPSHOT

CLIMATE HIGH SUBTROPICAL HEAT DEGREE DAYS WITH MARITIME INFLUENCES MEAN JANUARY VERY HIGH TEMPERATURE 22.3°C GROWING MEdIUM 2,170 SEASON RAINFALL 72.1°F 500MM / 19IN

*Source: Wine Australia, 2017

HUNTER VALLEY SNAPSHOT Latitude –– 32° 54’S Climate –– The Hunter Valley’s climate is characterised by warm and humid days in spring and summer, and chilly nights in autumn and winter. The rain, humidity, cloud cover and gentle sea breezes mitigate the warmth. The summer- dominated rainfall can occur during harvest in some years.

Chardonnay / Educator guide Lower Hunter soils vary from sandy alluvial flats to deep loam and friable red duplex soils. In the Upper Hunter, the rivers and creeks contribute to the area’s SOIL black, silty loam soils that are often overlaid on top of alkaline clay loam. The hills of the Brokenback Range feature strips of volcanic basalt.

SOIL –– Scarborough ‘Yellow Label’ Chardonnay The soils of the Lower Hunter vary from – hugely popular oaked style. sandy alluvial flats to deep loam and friable –– Tyrrell’s Vat 47 Chardonnay red duplex soils. In the Upper Hunter, the – the pioneering style that launched rivers and creeks of the region contribute Chardonnay’s Australian success. to the area’s black, silty loam soils that are –– Brokenwood Wines Chardonnay often overlaid on top of alkaline clay loam. – fruit-driven, modern example. Throughout the hills of the Brokenback –– Harkham ‘Aziza’s’ Chardonnay Range sit strips of volcanic basalt that are – a and -free valued by growers as they restrict vigour and producer. concentrate mineral flavours in the grapes. Other NSW regions renowned for their cool- Notable Hunter Valley climate Chardonnay production include: Chardonnay producers: Hunter Chardonnay used to be represented –– Tumbarumba – McWilliam’s ‘Single by the ‘sunshine in a bottle’ style: big, oaky, Vineyard’ Tumbarumba Chardonnay. rich and buttery drops. But the region has –– Orange – Philip Shaw ‘No.11’ Chardonnay. enjoyed a renaissance over the past 15 years, –– Southern Highlands – Centennial with producers still producing full-flavoured Vineyards NV Blanc de Blancs. Chardonnays but with less heavy-handed oak treatment and less use of malolactic –– Riverina – Calabria ‘Three Bridges’ fermentation. Flavours tend to range from Chardonnay. white peach to citrus, with a slatey acidity.

Chardonnay / Educator guide Stuart Hwy Barrier Hwy

Eyre Hwy

CLARE VALLEY

Flinders Hwy

SOUTHLincoln Hwy

Sturt Hwy BAROSSA AUSTRALIA VALLEY riverland

ADELAIDE ADELAIDE HILLS

MCLAREN VALE Ouyen Hwy

Dukes Hwy

Riddoch Hwy

SOUTH AUSTRALIA Princes Hwy South Australia is responsible for almost 50% of Australia’s annual grape production. It’s also home to some of the most famous regions and oldest vines in the country, in regions such as the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Clare Valley. Here we’re focusing on the state’s cool-climate rockstar region, Adelaide Hills.

Chardonnay / Educator guide ADELAIDE HILLS

- German heritage - Food lovers’ haven - Rebirth of a region - Cool-climate centre

DID YOU KNOW? Two sub-regions sit within the Adelaide Hills region: Lenswood ADELAIDE and Piccadilly Valley. HILLS

ADELAIDE HILLS –– The rebirth of the region: Vines were –– German heritage: Settled by German planted in the 1870s, but due to the immigrants in the 1800s, Adelaide Hills’ difficulties of cool-climate viticulture central town Hahndorf remains Australia’s in that era, most were removed by the oldest surviving German settlement. 1930s. The rebirth of the region began This village hub boasts amazing art with winemaker Brian Croser planting galleries, craft stores and museums, Chardonnay in 1979, identifying the and it’s a pathway to the region’s vibrant region’s potential as one of the best cellar doors. places to grow cool-climate varieties. –– Food lovers’ haven: Foodies delight in visiting this region and it’s only 30 minutes’ drive from Adelaide’s CBD. Treats abound for everyone in this gourmet region, from chocolate and chutney to and cakes.

Chardonnay / Educator guide CRUSH TYPE OW -L CHARDONNAY % % MEDIUM % OF ADELAIDE ALTITUDE 60 40 22 hi LL S' TOTA L 400–500M W hi T E RED C RU HS 1,312–1,640FT

ADELAIDE HILLS SNAPSHOT

CLIMATE

HEAT DEGREE DAYS MEAN JANUARY MARITIME TEMPERATURE LOW 19.1°C GROWING LoW 66°F SEASON RAINFALL 1,270 o R TE DmoA ER 280–320MM / 11–12.5IN

*Source: Wine Australia, 2017

ADELAIDE HILLS SNAPSHOT Climate Latitude Adelaide Hills experiences cool winters 34° 00’S with winter-dominant rainfall. A large Altitude proportion of the region is fortunate The Adelaide Hills includes areas that have enough to have robust underground an elevation greater than 300m, which water supplies, with water quality ranging impacts grape growing through temperature. from ‘spring water’ in the Mount Lofty As elevation increases, the temperature area to generally drinkable water drops. This is vital at night in the final throughout the rest of the region. stages of ripening, with colour and flavour compounds boosted by cool conditions. Crush Chardonnay accounts for approximately 22% of Adelaide Hills’ total crush, used as a base for both sparkling wine and . The region produces 9.4% of Australia’s premium Chardonnay crush.

Chardonnay / Educator guide Adelaide Hills’ soils are highly variable in structure and chemistry. The region has a mixture of grey-brown or brown loamy sands, with patches of sandy soils SOIL over clay subsoils. Soil depth is also variable due to topography, which can range from steep slopes to undulating hills, resulting in shallow stony soils to the top of hills and deep peat-like clays at the bottom.

SOIL Notable Adelaide Hills Low-lying areas with heavy soils provide Chardonnay producers: potential for greater vigour, while higher, Adelaide Hills is a premier cool-climate well-drained stony soils allow vigour control. region, producing elegant, textured and lean Chardonnays with the acid structure to age and stand up against the finest cool-climate Chardonnays in the world: –– Grosset ‘Piccadilly’ Chardonnay – light, restrained, classic Adelaide Hills Chardonnay. –– Shaw & Smith ‘M3 Vineyard’ Chardonnay – whole-bunch pressed, wild fermentation, with partial malolactic fermentation. –– Geoff Weaver ‘Lenswood’ Chardonnay – superb example of pristine cool-climate Chardonnay with ageing potential.

Chardonnay / Educator guide Murchison Hwy Hwy

Tasman LAUNCESTON

Midland Hwy

Esk Main Rd

Zeehan Hwy

Highland

Lyell Hwy

Lakes

Rd

HOBART

TASMANIA

TASMANIA Although ‘Tasmania’ is the only officially recognised region, the state government has divided the island into seven distinct regions: North West, Pipers River, Tamar Valley, East Coast, Derwent Valley, Coal River Valley and the Huon Valley. Today, we’re focusing on the broader zone of Tasmania, as the entire island experiences a similar moderate maritime climate influenced by westerly off the Southern Ocean.

Chardonnay / Educator guide TASMANIA

- Fine cool-climate region - Sparkling wine wonderland - Gourmet paradise

Tasmania

TASMANIA –– Cool-climate region: Tasmania is one of Australia’s finest cool-climate wine‑producing regions, well known for producing award-winning sparkling wine, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling. With a cool climate that has long, sunny and dry autumns, Tasmania boasts ideal growing conditions for developing naturally elegant, intensely flavoured and aromatic wines. –– Sparkling wine wonderland: A good proportion of Tasmanian Chardonnay is used in the production of high-quality sparkling wines. –– Gourmet paradise: Tasmania is a picturesque gourmet paradise. It has the perfect climate for producing , premium beef, specialty , mushrooms and some of Australia’s leading boutique .

Chardonnay / Educator guide CRUSH TYPE CHARDONNAY OWL % % % ALTITUDE 52 48 OF TA SMA NIA'S T O TA L RUC SH 0–80M W hi T E RED 26 0–262FT

TASMANIA SNAPSHOT

CLIMATE MARITIME HEAT DEGREE DAYS MEAN JANUARY TEMPERATURE LOW 16.8°C 62.2°F GROWING MEdIUM 1,013 SEASON RAINFALL 350MM / 13.7IN COOL

*Source: Wine Australia, 2017

TASMANIA SNAPSHOT DID YOU KNOW Latitude Tasmania is Australia’s coolest-climate 41° 07’S – North Tasmania; winemaking region. 42° 45’S – South Tasmania Crush Chardonnay accounts for approximately 26% of Tasmania’s total crush, a high proportion of which is used in sparkling wine.

Chardonnay / Educator guide On the lower slopes, the vineyard soils feature ancient sandstones, mudstones, river sediments and igneous rock of volcanic origin. Sandstone and schist appear SOIL in Derwent Valley. Peaty alluvial and sandy low humus soils in Coal River Valley. Pipers River boasts deep, free-draining, friable soils, while Tamar Valley is gravelly basalt on a clay and base.

Notable Tasmanian DID YOU KNOW Chardonnay producers: houses established Tasmania’s cool climate and suitable vineyards, particularly in the soils produce dry, elegant Chardonnays Yarra Valley, Tasmania and Adelaide with piercing natural acidity and intense Hills, and led to the renaissance of fine flavours. Yet they are restrained and Australian sparkling wine through delicate, without oak treatment or overly the 1970s and 1980s. ripe fruit forwardness. –– House of Arras Blanc de Blancs (Vintage) – fine example of 100% Chardonnay sparkling. –– Holm Oak ‘The Wizard’ Chardonnay – refined, elegant and structured Tasmanian Chardonnay. –– Pooley ‘Cooinda Vale’ Chardonnay – pristine single-vineyard Chardonnay made from fruit once destined for Penfolds’ highest tier, ‘Yattarna’ Chardonnay.

Chardonnay / Educator guide AUSTRALIAN CHARDONNAY CHARACTERISTICS

T YPICAL FRUIT FLAVOURS FLAVOURS COLOUR Chardonnay - Lemon - Nectarine - Apple - Melon

Light Medium Full - Pear - Mango Peach Pineapple BODY - -

Dry Medium dry Sweet - Toast - Cinnamon - Vanilla - Coconut - - Nougat Low Medium High - Toffee - Toasted OAK - Honey almond ACIDIT Y - Crème - Spice brulée - Chalk 8% 12.5% – 14.5% 17% - Minerality ALCOHOL (Sparkling) T YPICAL SECONDARY AUSTRALIAN CH A RD O NN A Y FLAVOURS

CHARACTERISTICS AND TIME TO TASTE FLAVOUR PROFILES NOW IS AN APPROPRIATE Chardonnay’s versatility goes a fair way to explaining the variety’s resilience TIME TO TASTE AND in a fickle market like Australia. It can DISCUSS YOUR SELECTED express the vineyard in which its fruit has flourished, but it can also be a canvas MIX OF WINES. for the winemaker’s experimentation. The Chardonnay revolution has given Australian winemakers permission to embrace all flavours and characteristics of this fascinating variety, and as a result drinkers are embracing its resurgence, from lean and light-bodied cool‑climate expressions to fuller-bodied, rich and ripe versions from warm climates.

Chardonnay / Educator guide FOOD PAIRINGS

UNOAKED

Roast chicken OAKED

Prawns Roast pork Grilled fish

Blue cheese 100% SPARKLING AUSTRALIAN CH A RD O NN A Y Chicken korma Oysters Triple-cream brie Trout fillet

FOOD PAIRING –– Roast pork. The many styles of Australian Chardonnay –– Grilled fish (barramundi, snapper make it one of the most versatile food wines or flathead). on the market. A Chardonnay with a rich –– Chicken and mushroom risotto. texture and high acidity works beautifully Team 100% Chardonnay with soft cheeses. Richer oaked Chardonnay sparkling wine: styles can also stand up to bold fish or –– Oysters. poultry dishes. Unoaked lean styles of Chardonnay pair well with lighter and spicy –– Trout fillet. dishes, featuring seafood and fish, as well as –– Scallops. creamy dishes, as long as the wine carries –– Triple-cream brie. enough acid to cut through the cream’s . –– Scrambled eggs with crème fraîche. Team oaked Chardonnays with: –– Gnocchi with burnt butter sauce. –– Poached salmon. DID YOU KNOW –– Roast chicken. A handful of winemakers still include –– Blue cheese. big, buttery, ripe styles in their –– Chicken korma. ranges – producers like Evans & Tate (Margaret River), Scarborough and Team unoaked Chardonnays with: Lake’s Folly (Hunter Valley), Grant Burge –– Sashimi. (Barossa Valley) and Hardys –– Prawns. (South Australia), to name a few.

Chardonnay / Educator guide UNITED KINGDOM NETHERLANDS CANADA 2I% 4% 7% EXPORTS

Approx. JAPAN 5% M I LL I ON L I T RE S 187 A YEAR % OF AUSTra LIAN UNITED = WI NE EXPO RTS STATES 23 36% CHARDONNAY BY NUMBERS

PLANTINGS CRUSH Sauvignon % Blanc 21,442 Chardonnay 12 HECTARES / OF TOTA L 9% Grigio = 16% AUSTra LIAN AUSTRALIAN % Whi TE WI NE 8% Gordo Blanco TOTAL 42 C RU HS 29% Others

*Source: Wine Australia, 2017

PRICE RANGE Head further down again, to the A$10 Premium expressions of Chardonnay sold price bracket, and you’ll find very drinkable with bottle age or the potential to age for Chardonnays that come to life when 10 years or more cost between A$100– enjoyed with food. They’re often blended A$250. These wines are crafted by the with other white varieties and produced leading winemakers in the country, made from fruit grown in big-volume zones, with premium fruit sourced from highly such as the Riverland, Riverina and acclaimed cool-climate vineyards. Murray Darling regions. Excellent examples of top Australian Chardonnay are available at a much lower price point. Spend between A$30– SUGGESTED A$50 to experience an array of choices, DISCUSSION POINT whether rich warmer-climate expressions The Riverland and Murray Darling or the lean and crisp cooler-climate styles. regions produce the most amount This price point also features interesting of Chardonnay in Australia, yet it’s experimental expressions of Chardonnay. their cooler-climate cousins that are Head down the price point scale to gaining all the fame for their lean, find more examples emerging in the steely and refined expressions of A$15–A$30 bracket. These wines are the variety. What do these numbers made for immediate drinking yet still say about the style of Chardonnay display great varietal characteristics Australians are actually drinking? and regional diversity.

Chardonnay / Educator guide AS DIVERSE AS THE COUNTRY THAT MADE IT Australian Chardonnay wines are an expression of our distinctive and the vibrant communities that cultivate them. From rogue to refined, classic to contemporary, it’s a variety with more, you know, variety.

Australian Chardonnay wines express –– Chardonnay reflects the character the diversity of the people who craft them traits of the region in which it’s grown. and the unique regional characteristics of –– Chardonnay is produced into three their origins. Winemaking techniques have primary styles: oaked, unoaked and adapted over time and we’re continually sparkling wine. evolving them. We’re an innovative wine – Chardonnay’s flavour characteristics country unafraid to make adjustments – range from pure and piercing lemon in order to enhance quality and make and green apple through to pear and great wine that we enjoy drinking. And peach, and finally to more tropical that’s what makes the future of Australian notes of mango and pineapple. Chardonnay so exciting. –– Australian Chardonnay is enjoying a KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER resurgence of popularity as winemakers –– In the vineyard, Chardonnay is adaptable experiment with different styles, including and easily cultivated. It’s highly vigorous lean and racy cool-climate Chardonnays. and buds early in the season. –– Chardonnay can be shaped to the current-day trend or made to appeal to a particular slice of the market. Winemakers love this variety for its malleability and its propensity to respond well to winemaking techniques.

Chardonnay / Educator guide THANK YOU