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FOUNDATIONS OF AUSTRALIAN

Learn about the essentials of , from our storied history and diverse through to our most notable regions and varieties. CONTENTS

– The history of Australian wine – Geography, climate and soil – Noteworthy regions – Key varieties and wine styles UNIQUE

FROM - has one of the most diverse wine scenes in the world, with more than 100 different UNSPOILT varieties grown across 65 wine regions. LANDS - The Australian wine community is renowned for its creativity and willingness to experiment. - Australian wines are an authentic expression of the people who craft them and the country’s varied soils and climate. - Australia is home to a highly-skilled community, crafting premium wines that stand among the world’s best.

UNIQUE WINES FROM – Australian wines are an authentic UNSPOILT LANDS expression of the people who craft them – Australia has one of the most diverse and the unique regional characteristics wine scenes in the world. With more of their origins. take a down- than 100 grape varieties grown across to-earth approach, reflecting the beauty 65 wine regions, Australian wine today is of Australia’s ancient soils and varied an expression of the country’s distinctive climate. Many are cultivated and soils, and the passionate by multi-generational wine families. communities that cultivate them. – Australia is home to a highly skilled – The Australian wine community is winemaking community, crafting renowned for its creativity and willingness premium wines of exceptional to experiment. Winemakers are curious quality. Its world-class vineyards and by nature, perfecting old concepts award‑winning wines stand among and playing with new ideas to create the very best. outstanding wines.

DID YOU KNOW Australia is the fifth largest exporter of wine in the world and exports around 60% of its total production.

Foundations of Australian wine THE FORTIFIED ERA: 1900 TO 1940s - Driven by - Rutherglen - The thirst for fortified THE HISTORY domestic and Muscats and wines meant that old export demand, Muscadelles Shiraz, Mataró (Mourvèdre) OF AUSTRALIAN were a highlight and vines dominated of this era were maintained – to WINE production be rediscovered and and trade treasured decades later

THE PIONEER ERA: LATE 1700s, 1800s - Australia’s wine - Important regions were - James Busby brought pioneers planted established, including back hundreds of vines, expanded the Hunter Valley, cuttings from Europe, their vineyards , , which today are the and began McLaren Vale, the source of precious exporting Barossa and Rutherglen old vines

THE GOLDEN AGE: 1960s TO TO DAY - Food and table-wine - sales - By the early 1980s, - Today the Australian culture grew, and boomed in the 1970s Australia was the 18th wine community is trailblazing winemakers and demand for white largest wine exporter; diverse, unique and discovered or wine rose in the 1980s by the early 1990s it truly world class rediscovered an array was sixth of cool-climate regions

THE RENAISSANCE ERA: 1940s TO 1960s - Ambitious growers and - The popularity of winemakers defied consumer fortified wine reached demands for fortifieds to its peak and people produce tiny amounts of began to develop a some of Australia’s finest taste for table wines table wines

Foundations of Australian wine THE HISTORY AND HERITAGE OF 1822 AUSTRALIAN WINE Exports begin THE PIONEER ERA: LATE 1700s, 1800s The first bottle of Australian ’s wine pioneers expanded vine was exported – to London. plantings, produced wines and began 1823 exporting their wares, establishing a small Hunter Valley foundations are laid but very promising industry. They built a By 1823, around 20 acres of grapevines had legacy of important regions and historical been planted in the Hunter Valley along the vineyards – some of which are still home northern banks of the Hunter River, and in the to impressive old vines. years that followed, successful commercial The Australian wine show system started grape growing began in the region. during the 19th century – through the royal region emerges agricultural shows – to help improve the Former convict Bartholomew Broughton quality of Australian wine. This system has planted the first significant in been a constant in the wine scene ever Tasmania. Around a decade later, in 1834, since, and has helped uncover and promote settler William sailed to some of Australia’s most exciting wines. with grapevine cuttings and plants. 1788 These cuttings became the source of the European settlement in Australia first vineyards in Victoria and . With European settlement, the first vines First international award for were planted in at the Australian wine current site of the Sydney Botanic Gardens. Britain’s Royal Society for the Encouragement The vines were collected by the for the Arts, Manufactures and Commerce from Rio De Janeiro and Cape Town on the awarded a Silver Medal to Gregory Blaxland journey from England to Australia. for a wine made at Brush Farm in Sydney. 1791 In presenting the award, the judges made The first significant plantings a wise prediction, saying: “It affords a Just a few years later there were three acres reasonable ground of expectation that by of vines, around 8,000 plants, at Rose Hill care and time [Australia] may become a near Parramatta and 800 cuttings at valuable article of export.” . Since no one in Australia 1829 had viticultural or winemaking experience, Vines arrive in these early efforts were unsuccessful. The first grapevines in Western Australia 1815 were planted near Fremantle soon after The Macarthurs visit Europe’s the first colonists arrived. By 1832, botanist wine regions Thomas Waters of Olive Farm was making Pioneer and agriculturalist John Macarthur and selling the first . planted 3.5 hectares of vines on his property in Sydney in 1797, but his most important contribution to Australian wine came 20 years later. John headed to Europe with his sons James and William with the aim of “collecting vines and of obtaining information regarding their culture”. They propagated these vines in their nurseries at Penrith and Camden Park and then distributed them throughout the colony of New South Wales.

Foundations of Australian wine 1832 1844 The James Busby collection arrives A famous name in Australian James Busby, a Scottish civil servant and wine is born viticulturist, arrived in Australia in 1824. The story began when Dr In his short time in Australia, he wrote books Christopher Rawson Penfold, a medical on grape growing and winemaking while practitioner from England, and his wife Mary contributing greatly to the establishment arrived in South Australia and purchased of Australia’s wine community. During his land in , now famous as the home four-month tour of Spanish and French of Penfolds Magill Estate. It took just over vineyards, Busby collected hundreds of vine 50 years for Penfolds to grow into Australia’s cuttings. These cuttings became the heart largest producer of fortified wines. and soul of Australia’s collection of old vines. 1849 1838 : One of the world’s great Yarra Valley establishes wine families The first vines were planted in the Yarra Valley, Samuel Smith arrived in Australia in 1847 making it Victoria’s first major wine-growing and quickly realised the soil and climate of district. But it took a little over a decade for the Barossa were perfectly suited to vines. the region to gain traction. Charles Joseph He planted the first Yalumba vineyard in La Trobe, the first Lieutenant-Governor of 1849, sowing the seeds that would grow into Victoria, invited Clement Deschamps, son of one of the world’s great wine families. the head vigneron in ’s Neuchâtel, 1858 to come to Victoria and plant vines. Tyrrell’s Wines: Tradition Deschamps was eventually joined in Victoria and innovation by friends and acquaintances from his The founder of the Hunter Valley’s famous hometown, all of whom contributed greatly Tyrrell’s Wines, Edward Tyrrell, purchased to the burgeoning wine scene. land for his first vineyard in 1858. Vineyards 1838 were planted in 1867, 1879 and 1908, and South Australia’s first commercial Tyrrell’s became a champion for Hunter vineyard Valley Semillon and Shiraz. In 1971, Tyrrell’s Young farmer John Reynell established released Australia’s first ever varietally South Australia’s first commercial vineyard labelled , sparking an Australian in McLaren Vale. He was joined in 1850 by wine revolution. Thomas Hardy, who learned from Reynell 1864 before establishing his own property in The rise of Rutherglen 1853 and going on to become a legend in George Morris used his fortune gained as a Australian wine. shopkeeper on gold diggings in Victoria to 1842 purchase 100 hectares of land. Like many Birth of the Barossa others in the region, he planted vines. By the The , one of Australia’s most mid-1880s, the number of vineyards in the celebrated wine regions, was established region had trebled and Rutherglen was the when European settlers arrived, followed largest wine producer in Victoria. Today, the soon after by Silesian Lutheran immigrants, region is Australia’s capital of fortified wines. who gave the region a distinctly German flavour. In 1847, the first Eden Valley vines were planted by Joseph Gilbert at Pewsey Vale. Many of these early vines planted in the Barossa are still producing fruit today.

Foundations of Australian wine 1877 THE FORTIFIED ERA: 1900 TO 1940s McWilliam’s Wines: Legendary legacy Driven by both domestic and export demand, Samuel McWilliam planted vines on the fortified wine dominated production and outskirts of Corowa in New South Wales. trade, with the majority of grown in His son JJ McWilliam went on to pioneer Australia transformed into rich, sweet wines. the region, helping to develop Exceptional Muscats and Muscadelles, it into one of Australia’s most important particularly from Rutherglen, were a highlight commercial wine areas. Today, McWilliam’s of this period. Wines is one of the biggest names in Consumers’ insatiable thirst for fortified Australian wine. wines meant that precious old Shiraz, arrives Mataró (Mourvèdre) and Grenache vines Phylloxera was introduced to Victoria in 1877 were maintained – to be rediscovered and on European vine cuttings, and in 1884 it was treasured decades later. detected at Camden in New South Wales. 1910 But strict quarantine regulations meant Carl Angove plants vines in many vineyards and regions remained the Riverland phylloxera-free, including the whole of South The Riverland is Australia’s highest-volume Australia. Today, South Australia is home wine-producing region, making a diverse to some of the oldest vines in the world, range of wines. It all started with Carl growing on original European rootstocks ‘Skipper’ Angove who recognised the region’s – and most of Australia’s main vineyard viticultural potential and planted vines in regions are free of the pest. 1910. Vineyards grew steadily with the help 1886 of European immigrants after World War I, Britain gets a taste for Australian wine who brought new winemaking traditions. The Colonial Exhibition in London was a 1921 turning point for Australian wine in the Maurice O’Shea purchases British market, with several key merchants Hunter Valley vineyard inking deals for substantial orders of wines One of Australia’s most famous winemakers, from regions like Rutherglen, McLaren Vale Maurice O’Shea, persuaded his mother and the Barossa Valley. In turn, the growing to purchase the historic Mount Pleasant British middle-class developed a taste for property at Pokolbin. He had a passion Australian wine. for Semillon as a single- wine 1891 (uncommon at the time) and made thrilling John Riddoch establishes the table wines when most wine produced and Coonawarra Fruit Colony consumed was fortified. Pastoralist John Riddoch planted the first 1928 vineyard in Coonawarra. In 1951, David and : Evolution Samuel Wynn bought Riddoch’s property and innovation and established the famous Wynns Founded when Vittorio De Bortoli crushed a Coonawarra Estate. Today, the Coonawarra modest 15 tonnes of grapes in the , with its red terra rossa soil, for friends and family, De Bortoli Wines is renowned throughout the world. has grown to become an Australian icon. Famous for its groundbreaking ‘Noble One’ Semillon wine, De Bortoli continues to lead through innovation and quality.

Foundations of Australian wine Australia’s first THE GOLDEN AGE: 1960s TO TODAY temperature-controlled cellar The modern cool-climate era began as Following a visit to South Africa, Sydney the food and table-wine culture grew, Hamilton of Adelaide’s Hamilton Ewell Wines and trailblazing growers and winemakers built Australia’s first temperature-controlled started exploring new wines and regions. cellar. This greatly improved the quality These modern pioneers had much in of white wines by managing fermentation common with the original pioneers, temperatures. In the 1940s he also discovering or rediscovering more than pioneered the use of refrigeration to control half of Australia’s premium wine regions, fermentation temperatures. mostly in cool-climate environments. THE RENAISSANCE ERA: 1940s to 1960s Red wine sales boomed in the 1970s and Australian wine took a huge leap forward, demand for rose in the 1980s. with a handful of ambitious, quality-obsessed Australia’s global reputation as a wine winemakers defying consumer demand for producer grew, as did exports. By the early fortified wine to produce tiny amounts of 1980s, Australia was the 18th largest wine some of Australia’s finest table wines. exporter; by the early 1990s it was sixth. During this period, the popularity of fortified With 65 distinct wine regions and a deeper wine reached its peak and people began understanding of how to harness Australia’s to develop a taste for table wines. An influx unique environment to make outstanding of immigrants and returning soldiers from wines, the Australian wine community is Europe helped drive this trend. entering a new phase that looks set to be the 1951 greatest era so far. Geographical diversity First of and the flexibility to respond to climate Penfolds Grange is arguably Australia’s change by changing varieties within regions most famous wine, created by legendary and moving varieties to new cooler regions with the help of is unmatched anywhere in the world. research chemist Ray Beckwith. They proved 1963 that Australia was capable of producing Vines return to the Yarra Valley wines equal to the best in the world. Victoria’s first wine-growing district almost 1955 didn’t make it after phylloxera hit the state Wine research drives quality in 1877. This, combined with economic The Australian Wine Research Institute downturn, led to vines being removed in (AWRI) was established, and along with the late 1800s and early 1900s. But in the universities and other leading research 1960s and ’70s a group of wine pioneers institutes, it ensured – and continues to rediscovered the region’s potential. Reg Egan ensure – that viticultural and winemaking from Wantirna Estate was the first to re-plant decisions are supported by the latest vines in 1963, and Yarra Yering’s Dr Bailey science. The AWRI has become known as Carrodus made the first commercial vintage the world’s foremost wine research facility, produced in the region for over 50 years challenging winemaking convention with in 1973. scientific insights and illuminating the path for winemakers intent on putting taste above tradition.

Foundations of Australian wine 1967 2007 Margaret River: Rapid rise of a Exports peak star region Exports of Australian wine globally peaked Cardiologist Dr Tom Cullity planted Margaret at A$950 million. River’s first modern commercial vineyard, 2010s . The region grew rapidly, New-wave winemaking building an international reputation as a A new generation of experimental home of quality wine. This is even more winemakers began to emerge, with artisan impressive given that many of the region’s production and organic/biodynamic first vignerons were newcomers to the wine credentials being explored. These creative game. Today, Margaret River produces producers added diversity to the fascinating wines to match the world’s best. ongoing story of Australian wine. 1979 Reviving in the Vines were planted in the Adelaide Hills as far back as the 1870s, but most were removed by the 1930s. The rebirth of the region began when winemaker Brian Croser and his family planted Chardonnay. He was soon joined by other wine pioneers and today there are around 100 producers in this premium cool-climate region. 1980s Table wines dominate The gradual shift towards table wines continued and for the first time in Australia’s wine history, more table than fortified wine was consumed. Orange: A cool new region The cool-climate region of Orange in New South Wales has a grape-growing heritage that stretches back to the 19th century, but it wasn’t until the 1980s that things really kicked off. In just over three decades, it’s grown to include more than 60 and world-class wines. Orange’s rapid success highlights the growing popularity of Australian cool-climate wines.

Foundations of Australian wine AUSTRALIA’S GEOGRAPHY, CLIMATE AND SOILS: ANCIENT AND DIVERSE

AUSTRALIA’S GEOGRAPHY, Tasmania, to the Mediterranean areas of CLIMATE AND SOILS southern and southwestern Australia, to the Australia is the world’s sixth-largest country tropics of . In the southern by land mass, the only island continent and regions, where vineyards are concentrated, one of the most geologically and biologically the cold and stormy Southern Ocean keeps diverse countries on the planet. It’s home temperatures cool and contributes to an to snowfields, long stretches of coastline, ideal climate for producing wine. Australia is rainforests, unique flora and fauna, and the only land mass to have a long east-west some of the world’s oldest soils. boundary with the Southern Ocean. Understanding Australia’s geography, In addition to these cool-climate credentials, climate, soils and wine regions helps give the world’s purest air blows over the southern you a better understanding of Australian shores of Australia, and low population wines. Wine is produced in all six states density and rigorous environmental controls and two territories, although most wine combine to produce quality grapes free from production is concentrated around the industrial and urban pollution. southeast and southwest of the country, With their ancient soils and antipodean where temperatures are coolest. Roughly climate, Australia’s distinctive are 145,000 hectares (or 0.02%) of Australia’s able to create wines that are equal to, total land mass is under vine, slightly less but different from, those of Europe. than and Burgundy combined. The climate and soils of Australia are extremely diverse, ranging from the alpine zones of southeastern Australia and

Foundations of Australian wine World’s sixth- largest country, bigger than Europe

DARWIN

SWEDEN

IRELAND

UK

GERMANY POLAND

FRANCE UKRAINE AUSTRIA HUNGARY

ROMANIA BRISBANE

PERTH

SYDNEY ADELAIDE GREECE CANBERRA GEOLOGICALLY ANCIENT AND BIOLOGICALLY DIVERSE VINEYARDS ACROSS THE COUNTRY, BUT CONCENTRATED IN THE HOBART SOUTHEAST AND SOUTHWEST *Indicative only THE COLD SOUTHERN OCEAN KEEPS TEMPERATURES COOL IN THE SOUTH, IDEAL FOR MAKING WINE

Foundations of Australian wine DARWIN

NORTHERN TERRITORY

WINE REGIONS OF

WESTERN AUSTRALIA AUSTRALIA QUEENSLAND 28 BRISBANE SOUTH AUSTRALIA 29

NEW SOUTH WALES 30

1 31 2 10 33 32 3 11 44 12 14 35 34 4 15 6 13 36 5 16 37 17 38 SYDNEY 7 8 9 21 45 18 19 20 39 40 ADELAIDE 41 43 22 47 42 46 48 49 CANBERRA 23 24 55 54 52 50 26 56 51 25 59 57 53 AUSTRALIAN 27 60 58 62 61 64 CAPITAL TERRITORY WESTERN AUSTRALIA 21 Langhorne Creek 63 1 Swan District 22 Padthaway MELBOURNE 2 23 Mount Benson VICTORIA 3 Peel 24 65 4 Geographe 25 Robe TASMANIA 5 Margaret River 26 Coonawarra 6 27 Mount Gambier HOBART 7 Pemberton QUEENSLAND 8 Manjimup 28 South Burnett 9 Great Southern 41 54 Heathcote 29 42 55 SOUTH AUSTRALIA NEW SOUTH WALES 43 56 10 Southern Flinders 57 Macedon Ranges 30 New England Australia VICTORIA Ranges 58 Sunbury 31 Hastings River 11 Clare Valley 44 59 32 Hunter Swan Hill 12 Barossa Valley 45 60 Henty 33 Mudgee 13 Eden Valley 46 61 34 Orange Rutherglen 14 Riverland 47 62 Yarra Valley 35 Glenrowan 15 Adelaide Plains 48 63 Mornington 36 Riverina 16 Adelaide Hills 49 Peninsula 37 Hilltops 17 McLaren Vale 50 64 38 Southern Highlands 18 Kangaroo Island 51 39 Gundagai TASMANIA 19 Southern Fleurieu 52 Strathbogie Ranges 40 Canberra District 20 Currency Creek 53 65 Tasmania

Foundations of Australian wine Seine

Marne PARIS STRASBOURG

Seine

Loire Burgundy Loire DIJON NANTES ONLY ROUGHLY 145,000 FRANCEAllier HE C TA S RE (0.02%)

LYO N Rhône OF AUSTRALIA’S TOTAL LAND MASS IS Loire UNDER VINE Bord eaux This is approximately BORDEAUX Dordogne the same as Bordeaux and Burgundy Rhône combined.

Garonne

- Australia’s latitude, maritime influences and elevation all contribute to a surprising diversity of climates - Premium wine regions located in the country’s temperate areas - Concentrated in NSW, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia THE VARIED CLIMATES OF AUSTRALIA'S WINE REGIONS Temperature DARWIN 39ºC / 102ºF 36ºC / 97ºF 33ºC / 92ºF 30ºC / 86ºF 27ºC / 81ºF

24ºC / 75ºF NORTHERN 21ºC / 70ºF TERRITORY 18ºC / 64ºF 15ºC / 59ºF QUEENSLAND 12ºC / 54ºF 9ºC / 49ºF WESTERN AUSTRALIA 6ºC / 43ºF SOUTH AUSTRALIA 3ºC / 37ºF BRISBANE 0ºC / 32ºF -3ºC / 27ºF NEW SOUTH WALES PERTH

SYDNEY ADELAIDE CANBERRA

AUSTRALIAN MELBOURNE CAPITAL TERRITORY MINIMUM VICTORIA

TEMPERATURE TASMANIA HOBART

ANNUAL 30-YEAR AVERAGE 1976–2005 Meteorology of Bureau Source:

THE VARIED CLIMATES OF AUSTRALIA’S WINE REGIONS Australia’s latitude, maritime influences and elevation all contribute to a surprising diversity of climates, with extremely variable rainfall. Broadly speaking, there are three types of climates in the world: tropical, subtropical and temperate, with most of the world’s wine regions found in temperate climates. This is also the case in Australia, with the areas most suited for wine production in the temperate southeast and southwest of the country, in the states of New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia.

Foundations of Australian wine Rainfall DARWIN millimetres / inches

3200 / 126 2400 / 94.5 2000 / 78.7 1600 / 63 1200 / 47.2 NORTHERN TERRITORY 1000 / 39.4 800 / 31.5 QUEENSLAND 600 / 23.6 500 / 19.7 WESTERN AUSTRALIA 400 / 15.7 300 / 11.8 SOUTH AUSTRALIA BRISBANE 200 / 7.9 0 / 0

NEW SOUTH WALES PERTH

SYDNEY ADELAIDE CANBERRA

AUSTRALIAN MELBOURNE CAPITAL TERRITORY ANNUAL VICTORIA

RAINFALL TASMANIA HOBART

30-YEAR AVERAGE 1976–2005 Meteorology of Bureau Source:

KEY FACTORS INFLUENCING CLIMATE IN PREMIUM VITICULTURAL AREAS COOLING WEATHER LAT ITUDE PATTERNS

Areas at higher latitudes COLD WINDS OF THE – which are further from SOUTHERN OCEAN the equator – are cooler, MODERATE THE WEATHER making southern Australia IN MANY OF AUSTRALIA’S much cooler than the north FAMOUS WINE REGIONS ALTITUDE GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES

Temperatures decrease by approximately 0.65°C (33ºF) for every 100 metres (328ft) THREE MOUNTAIN in altitude; the highest RANGES INFLUENCE Australian wine regions CLIMATE AND WEATHER: are up to - (WA) - (SA) 1000– - THE 1200M (QLD, NSW, VIC) (3281–3937FT)

KEY FACTORS INFLUENCING – Altitude: Temperatures decrease by CLIMATE IN AUSTRALIA’S PREMIUM approximately 0.65°C (33ºF) for every VITICULTURAL AREAS 100 metres (328FT) increase in altitude. – Latitude: Areas at higher latitudes – which Australian wine regions can be found up are further from the equator – are cooler, to 1000–1200m (3281–3937ft) above sea making southern Australia much cooler level at their highest points. than the north. Grapevines favour – Geographical features: Three mountain temperate climates, which mostly fall ranges influence climate and weather in within latitudes of 30° and 50° from the Australia’s wine regions: the Darling Scarp equator – and most of Australia’s wine in Western Australia, the Mount Lofty regions sit within this range. Ranges in South Australia and the Great – Cooling weather patterns: The cold Dividing Range – the third longest land- winds of the Southern Ocean moderate based range in the world, running through the weather in many of Australia’s Queensland, New South Wales and famous wine regions. Cooling influences Victoria. These mountain ranges influence in the south, southeast and southwest rain, snow and wind patterns in the of the country are similar to cooler surrounding areas. Mediterranean and maritime climates, such as those in regions of Italy and New Zealand.

Foundations of Australian wine GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES

NORTHERN TERRITORY Great dividi ng

RA nge QUEENSLAND WESTERN AUSTRALIA

SOUTH AUSTRALIA Mount lofty Darling ranges NEW SOUTH WALES scarp

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

VICTORIA

TASMANIA

*Indicative only

Regions in the centre of large land masses that tend to have hotter summers and colder winters. CLARE VALLEY

CONTINENTAL RUTHERGLEN CLIMATE

PARTS OF GREAT SOUTHERN

CANBERRA DISTRICT Regions near the coast, where the climate has a narrower range of temperatures and rainfall is spread more evenly throughout the year. ADELAIDE MARITIME HILLS CLIMATE COONAWARRA TASMANIA

CONTINENTALITY Maritime-climate regions The temperature difference between winter These are regions near the coast, where and summer is referred to as continentality. the climate has a narrower range of There are three types of grape-growing temperatures and rainfall is spread more climates – continental, maritime and evenly throughout the year, which helps Mediterranean – and these all exist within moderate temperatures and sunlight levels. Australia’s wine regions. Growing seasons are longer, so are suited to varieties that need longer ripening times, Continental-climate regions such as . Australia has These are regions in the centre of large land many maritime-influenced regions and a masses that tend to have hotter summers small number with true maritime climates. and colder winters. They are better suited to early-ripening varieties, such as and Regions with maritime climates include: . Cool continental climates can be Mornington Peninsula (Vic), Tasmania, at risk of spring frosts and low temperatures Adelaide Hills (SA) and Coonawarra (SA). during the growing period. They can have dry summers and the vineyards may need to be irrigated. Regions with continental climates include: Clare Valley (SA), Rutherglen (Vic), parts of Great Southern (WA), Canberra District (NSW).

Foundations of Australian wine Similar to maritime climates, but summers tend to be warm and dry. There is less temperature variation between the hottest and coldest months. BAROSSA MEDITERRANEAN VALLEY CLIMATE GEOGRAPHE McLAREN VALE MARGARET RIVER (+ STRONG MARITIME INFLUENCES)

Mediterranean-climate regions These are similar to maritime climates, but their summers tend to be warm and dry. There is less temperature variation between the hottest and coldest months, and the warmth and sunlight lead to wines that are fuller with lower acidity and higher alcohol. Regions with Mediterranean climates include: Barossa Valley (SA), Geographe (WA), McLaren Vale (SA), Margaret River (WA), which also has strong maritime influences.

Foundations of Australian wine AUTUMN (MARCH – MAY) AUSTRALIA’S AND GRAPE SUMMER GROWING (DECEMBER – FEBRUARY) BERRY SET SEASONS AND VERAISON SPRING (SEPTEMBER – NOVEMBER) BUD BURST, GROWTH AND FLOWERING

WINTER (JUNE – AUGUST) PRUNING AND DORMANCY

AUSTRALIA’S GRAPE-GROWING Summer (December – February) SEASONS Berry set and veraison: The flowers start As in all wine regions around the world, to form grape berries. Ripening begins the seasons and weather in each individual and grape size increases dramatically. region determine when things are done Autumn (March – May)* in the vineyard. Being in the Southern Veraison and harvest: Ripening continues Hemisphere, Australia’s seasons are different until growers decide the grapes are ready to those of the Northern Hemisphere. for harvest. This varies depending on grape Winter (June – August) variety, region and desired wine style. Pruning: Vines are pruned, leaving a small The grape bunches are picked and vintage number of buds. begins. This is the busiest and most exciting time of year for growers and winemakers. Dormancy: Vines rest. After harvest, the leaves change colour and Spring (September – November) fall from the vine. Bud burst, growth and flowering: The buds *Note: Some harvests begin in January burst, becoming shoots that bear new or February, depending on the wine region. leaves and flowers. The shoots continue to grow.

Foundations of Australian wine UNEARTHI NG AUSTRA LIA’S ANCIen T SOILS

- Australia has been a land mass for over 100 million years - Its soils are some of the most ancient on Earth - There are also younger sand and limestone soils, and fertile volcanic soils - Soil types can vary greatly between wine regions and within the regions themselves – even across a single vineyard block

UNEARTHING AUSTRALIA’S A lack of significant seismic activity has also ANCIENT SOILS contributed to the ancient soils. Australia Australia has been a land mass for more is geologically stable, being located in the than 100 million years, and its soils are some middle of a tectonic plate away from the of the most ancient on Earth. Although plate boundaries, and so it’s characterised by they’re rich in biodiversity, many of the a lack of volcanic and earthquake activity. soils are relatively nutrient-poor. However, However, Australia does have some younger grapevines grow best in soils that aren’t too soils made up of sand and limestone, as nutrient-rich – lower-fertility soils generally well as some fertile volcanic soils. Like so result in grapevines producing less fruit that many aspects of Australia, its soil profile is more concentrated in flavour. is characterised by diversity. Soil types During the last ice age, around 20,000– can vary greatly between wine regions 26,000 years ago, many of Earth’s land and within the regions themselves – even masses were covered by ice sheets, which across a single vineyard block. This can scraped away the soil as they moved over make it hard to describe the typical soils the continents and created new, nutrient- of Australia’s wine regions. rich soils. But only a small amount of Australia was covered by ice during this period, leaving the soils largely intact and continually exposed to weathering.

Foundations of Australian wine GEOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATIONS

PRE-CAMBRIAN AND CAMBRIAN METAMORPHOSED SEDIMENTARY MARITIME VOLCANIC STRATA DEPOSITS (BASALT) Barossa Valley, (LIMESTONE) GRANITE Central Victoria, Eden Valley, Southeast Margaret River, Northern Clare Valley, South Australia, Mount Barker, Tasmania, Adelaide Hills, , Grampians, Hunter Valley, , Murray Valley Northeast Victoria Orange Kangaroo Island

GEOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATIONS Granite: Margaret River, Mount Barker, Most of the soils in Australia’s viticultural Grampians, Northeast Victoria. regions are derived from maritime deposits Volcanic (basalt): Central Victoria, (limestone), granite, volcanic deposits northern Tasmania, Hunter Valley, Orange. (basalt) and pre-Cambrian and Cambrian Pre-Cambrian and Cambrian metamorphosed sedimentary strata. metamorphosed sedimentary strata: Maritime deposits (limestone): Southeast Barossa Valley, Eden Valley, Clare Valley, South Australia (including Coonawarra, Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu Peninsula, Langhorne Creek and McLaren Kangaroo Island. Vale), Adelaide Plains and foothills, Western Victoria, Murray Valley.

Foundations of Australian wine THE MAIN SOIL GROUPS IN AUSTRALIA’S WINE REGIONS

SAND Gritty, free-draining soils that retain heat. Easy to cultivate but can lack nutrients. CLAY Heavy, poor-draining soils that are rock-hard when dry and tend to stay cooler.

LOAM Nearly an equal mix of silt, clay and sand as well as organic matter. Well-drained fertile soils that promote vigorous vine growth, making rigorous pruning important.

SILT Smooth, fine-grained soils that promote water retention and can be richer in nutrients than sandy soils. SOIL TYPES – Silt: Smooth, fine-grained soils that The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation promote water retention and can be recognises more than 100 soil types, richer in nutrients than sandy soils. and there are 77 types found in Australia. – Loam: These well-drained soils are The soils in Australia’s wine-growing areas nearly an equal mix of silt, clay and can be broadly categorised into four groups: sand, as well as an organic matter – Sand: Gritty, free-draining soils that retain called humus. These are fertile soils heat. These are easy to cultivate but can that promote vigorous vine growth lack nutrients. and can lead to grapes with little flavour and colour, making rigorous – Clay: Heavy, poor-draining soils that are pruning important. rock-hard when dry and tend to stay cooler. These soils have tiny particles and can become easily waterlogged.

Foundations of Australian wine PROMINENT REGIONS

NORTHERN TERRITORY

QUEENSLAND

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

SOUTH AUSTRALIA hunter NEW SOUTH WALES v a LL e y C la RE Orange V A LL ey canberra district B A ro S AS VICTORIA M A R ga RE T McLAREN VALE Rutherglen R I V er adelaide hills YARRA VALLEY 0 500 COONAWARRA TASMANIA Kilometres TASMANIA Mornington Peninsula

WINE REGIONS OF AUSTRALIA DID YOU KNOW Australian winemakers craft wines that Australian GIs (Geographical are an expression of place. There are more Indications) are internationally than 100 grape varieties growing in 65 wine protected and defined as a single regions across the country. Regionality tract of land that usually produces is the cornerstone of the Australian wine at least 500 tonnes of wine grapes community: each region has its own in a year, and comprises at least five characteristics and wine styles. independently owned vineyards of Australia’s vineyards are grouped into at least five hectares each. The area Geographical Indications (GI) – these are of land be discrete and the names of Australia’s wine-producing homogeneous in its grape-growing areas, and are broken down into zones, attributes. An 85% rule applies in regions and subregions. The GI system is Australia, which means at least 85% similar to the naming system used in Europe of the wine must be from the region and is recognised by international law that’s in order for it to appear on the label. designed to protect the use of regional names. This percentage varies from country The largest volume of wine is produced to country. from grapes grown in the warm-climate powerhouse regions of Riverina in New South Wales and Riverland in South Australia. In general, higher-value premium wines come from smaller and more temperate- climate regions.

Foundations of Australian wine ONE OF REBORN IN THE 1970S MODERATE AUSTRALIA’S when vines were MARITIME CLIMATE MOST ELEVATED re-planted. Today it’s AND COOL- with cool-climate CLIMATE WINE key to the evolution characteristics REGIONS of Australia wine ADELAIDE

KEY VARIETIES HILLS - - Chardonnay - Pinot Noir - Shiraz - plus various alternative varieties

SOUTH AUSTRALIA Soil: Soils vary with a mixture of grey-brown or brown loamy sands, and patches of ADELAIDE HILLS sandy soils over clay subsoils. Low-lying The Adelaide Hills landscape is as diverse areas with heavy soils provide potential for as its wines. It’s one of the coolest and greater vigour, while higher, well-drained most elevated regions in Australia, with its stony soils allow vigour control. steep terrain creating an array of valley Key varieties: Adelaide Hills is acclaimed for microclimates. It’s home to Australia’s its Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir oldest‑surviving German settlement and as and Shiraz, which are well suited to the a wine region was reborn in the late 1970s, region’s cool climate. It’s also known for its after most vines were removed by the 1930s. innovative winemakers who are exploring Today, the region produces premium wines a growing range of alternative varieties, and plays a vital role in the evolution of such as Grüner Veltliner, Australian wine. and . Climate: Overall the climate is moderate with cool-climate characteristics in certain areas, including at higher elevations. Altitude: 230–650m (755–2133ft).

Foundations of Australian wine KEY VARIETIES BAROSSA VALLEY - Shiraz - Cabernet Sauvignon - Grenache

EDEN VALLEY - Riesling - Chardonnay - Shiraz BAROSSA - Cabernet Sauvignon

BAROSSA VALLEY warm, Mediterranean ONE OF AUSTRALIA'S HOME TO climate SOME OF THE most celebrated OLDEST VINES EDEN VALLEY and historic IN THE cooler Mediterranean wine regions WORLD climate with various mesoclimates

BAROSSA Soil: Barossa Valley – soils vary widely, This is one of Australia’s most celebrated but are typically rich and deep. All fall within and historic wine-producing areas, a family of relatively low-fertility clay loam renowned worldwide for its quality wines. through to more sandy soils, ranging from It encompasses the Barossa Valley and grey to brown to red. Eden Valley – the Eden Valley regions and is home to some varied terrain means there are a number of of the oldest continuously producing Shiraz, soil types. The most common are shallow Cabernet Sauvignon, Mataro, Grenache and rocky, and range from grey to brown in and Riesling vines in the world, dating back colour, and from loamy sand to clay loams. to the 1840s. Key varieties: Barossa Valley – the region’s Climate: Barossa Valley – warm warm climate is conducive to full-bodied red Mediterranean climate with high wines, excellent fortified wines and generally sunshine days. Eden Valley – at higher robust whites. It’s particularly noted for its altitude, Eden Valley has a cooler climate, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache. with various mesoclimates due to varying Eden Valley – the cool climate produces altitudes, aspects and slopes. elegant wines, with a focus on Riesling, Chardonnay, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. Altitude: Barossa Valley – 130–430m (427–1411ft). Eden Valley – 310–540m (1017–1772ft).

Foundations of Australian wine CORNERSTONE OF WARM, MODERATELY CLASSIC, TRADITIONAL PRODUCERS COUPLED GLOBAL REPUTATION CONTINENTAL CLIMATE WITH HISTORY OF for Riesling, setting the with significant EXPERIMENTATION benchmark for classic, diurnal variation age-worthy wines and cooling breezes CLARE VALLEY KEY VARIETIES - Riesling - Shiraz - Cabernet Sauvignon

CLARE VALLEY Altitude: 250–550m (820–1804ft). The Clare Valley is a picturesque region with Soil: The Clare Valley has 11 recognised soil a global reputation for its delicate whites types, ranging from classic terra rossa red and full-bodied reds. It’s an influential wine topsoil over limestone (Watervale) to broken region thanks to its cornerstone of classic, slate (Polish Hill River). traditional producers coupled with a history Key varieties: Some of Australia’s finest of experimentation. Riesling is grown here, with the region’s Climate: Warm, moderately continental winemakers setting the benchmark climate. However, altitude, significant for classic Riesling flavours and diurnal variation and cooling afternoon internationally acclaimed, age-worthy and night breezes create varying conditions wines. Other notable varieties include and cooler-climate sites. This is particularly Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. important for growing Riesling.

Foundations of Australian wine KEY VARIETIES - Cabernet Sauvignon - Shiraz - COONAWARRA

MARITIME RENOWNED FAMED FOR CLIMATE ITS STRIP OF for producing influenced with premium, age-worthy TERRA ROSSA (‘RED SOIL’) cooling effects of the red wines Southern Ocean

COONAWARRA Soil: Although terra rossa (red soil) is On South Australia’s Limestone Coast, not unique to the region, Coonawarra’s Coonawarra is famed for its strip of valuable distinctive vivid strip is one of the most terra rossa soil. It’s also renowned for valuable patches of soil in Australia. producing premium, age-worthy red wines. It’s either friable clay or a shallow friable loam derived from and lying atop a bed Climate: Coonawarra is only 100 kilometres of soft limestone. (62 miles) inland from the coast, so a moderate ocean-influenced climate Key varieties: A diverse range of wines are prevails in the region, with a dry and produced here, but Cabernet Sauvignon is moderately cool summer that ripens king – Coonawarra is one of Australia’s most many grape varieties to perfection. important regions for this variety. Other key varieties are Shiraz and Merlot. Altitude: 50–110m (164–361ft).

Foundations of Australian wine ONE OF THE MOST WARM THE BIRTHPLACE PROGRESSIVE MEDITERRANEAN OF WINE and environmentally CLIMATE IN SOUTH conscious wine AUSTRALIA with a range of communities in Australia mesoclimates and microclimates M c LAREN

VALE KEY VARIETIES - Shiraz - Cabernet Sauvignon - Grenache

MCLAREN VALE Soil: McLaren Vale is one of the most The birthplace of wine in South Australia, geologically diverse regions in the world, today McLaren Vale is home to one of the with its wide variety of soil types reflecting most progressive and environmentally its varied terrain. The one thing these soils conscious wine communities in Australia. have in common is that they are fairly free draining, which makes them ideal Climate: Mediterranean climate for producing top-quality grapes. characterised by warm summers and mild winters. Key varieties: Around 90% of grapes grown are red varieties, with the big three being However, the proximity of Mount Lofty Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache. and Gulf St Vincent play an important role However, all manner of vines thrive here, in moderating the climate, and they are and experimentation with alternative largely responsible for many mesoclimatic varieties is a major focus, such as , and microclimatic differences. , Sangiovese, and Altitude: 10–350m (33–1148ft). .

Foundations of Australian wine KEY VARIETIES - Semillon Sauvignon Blanc blends - Chardonnay - Cabernet MARGARET Sauvignon RIVER

GEOGRAPHICALLY MEDITERRANEAN

ONE OF THE WORLD’S ISOLATED CLIMATE YOUNGEST WINE with ideal with strong maritime REGIONS, BUT HAS QUICKLY BUILT A grape-growing influences, with ocean GLOBAL REPUTATION conditions on three sides

WESTERN AUSTRALIA Altitude: 0–150m (0–492ft). Soil: Predominantly deep, well-drained, MARGARET RIVER red gravelly loams on granite and gneiss. Margaret River is one of the world’s younger These ancient soils are low in nutrients wine regions. From its first in and ideal for growing high-quality grapes. the early 1970s, it has rapidly built an international reputation as a home of Key varieties: With a relatively equal mix quality wine. It’s also one of the world’s of red and white varieties, Margaret River most geographically isolated wine regions, wines are renowned for their elegance providing a pristine environment for and refinement. Notable varieties include producing high-quality grapes. Semillon Sauvignon Blanc blends, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Climate: Mediterranean climate with strong maritime influences due to the ocean surrounding it on three sides. Most marked maritime climate in terms of rainfall of any region in Australia.

Foundations of Australian wine KEY VARIETIES - Riesling - Shiraz CANBERRA DISTRICT

RELATIVELY YOUNG CONTINENTAL ENCOMPASSES region producing VINEYARDS CLIMATE premium wines IN ACT OF EXTREMES AND NSW

NEW SOUTH WALES Altitude: 426–850m (1,398–2,789ft). AND AUSTRALIAN Soil: Soils are mainly hard red duplex with CAPITAL TERRITORY shallow clay loam top soils. Key varieties: The region produces elegant, CANBERRA DISTRICT cool-climate wines, with the most The diverse landscape and cool climate of noteworthy varieties being Riesling and the Canberra District is ideal for producing Shiraz – including blends such as Shiraz high-quality wines. It encompasses . There’s also a growing focus on vineyards in the Australian Capital Territory alternative varieties. and New South Wales. This relatively young wine region is an increasingly popular tourist destination, due to its premium wines and proximity to Canberra. Climate: The region has a continental climate of extremes, with cold, crisp winters and hot, dry summers.

Foundations of Australian wine AUSTRALIA’S HOME TO SOME SUBTROPICAL FIRST OF THE OLDEST CLIMATE COMMERCIAL VINE STOCK IN WINE REGION THE WORLD with maritime influences

HUNTER

VALLEY KEY VARIETIES - Semillon - Chardonnay - Shiraz

HUNTER VALLEY Soil: Soils in the Lower Hunter Valley area The Hunter Valley was Australia’s first range from sandy alluvial flats to deep loam commercial wine region and today is one and friable red duplex soils; in the Upper of the best-known and most-visited wine Hunter, the rivers and creeks contribute regions. It’s home to some of the oldest vine to the area’s black, silty loam soils often stock in the world, with vineyards dating overlaid on top of alkaline clay loam. back to the 1860s. Key varieties: The region is known for Climate: Subtropical climate with maritime creating some of the best and most influences, characterised by warm, humid unique Semillon in the world, alongside days in spring and summer, and cold nights outstanding Chardonnay, Shiraz and a in autumn and winter. growing list of alternative varieties suited to its warm climate. Altitude: 22–254m (72–833ft).

Foundations of Australian wine KEY VARIETIES - Chardonnay - Sauvignon Blanc - Shiraz - Cabernet Sauvignon ORANGE

COOL-CLIMATE SOME OF CONTINENTAL REGION ON THE RISE THE HIGHEST CLIMATE ALTITUDE producing a VINEYARDS IN featuring warm summer growing range of AUSTRALIA days, cool nights and premium wines dry autumn conditions

ORANGE Key varieties: Orange is capable of Orange is a cool-climate region on the rise, producing a diverse range of wines and with one of the highest-altitude vineyard styles. Chardonnay is the signature variety, areas in Australia and a growing range of with styles ranging from crisp and elegant premium wines. Its undulating landscape to full-bodied and rich. Other important is dominated by the extinct volcano, varieties are Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz and Mount Canobolas. Cabernet Sauvignon. Climate: Continental climate featuring warm summer days, cool nights and dry autumn conditions, which make it ideal for grape growing. Altitude: 606–1046m (1988–3432ft). Soil: The rich, volcanic soils of Orange vary widely but largely fall into clays, loams and patches of terra rossa.

Foundations of Australian wine SMALL SEASIDE BOUTIQUE WINERIES TRUE MARITIME REGION and vineyards CLIMATE SURROUNDED BY THREE BODIES producing premium with an array of OF WATER cool-climate wines mesoclimates and microclimates MORNINGTON PENINSULA KEY VARIETIES - Pinot Noir - Chardonnay - /Grigio

VICTORIA Soil: Diverse soils ranging from yellow and brown soils over friable, well-drained clay to MORNINGTON PENINSULA volcanic red clay to deep, fertile sandy soils Tucked into the southern corner of mainland in the northern area. Australia, the Mornington Peninsula is a Key varieties: Pinot Noir is the undisputed small seaside region producing some of the star, produced in an impressive range of country’s best cool-climate wines. Most of expressions. Other important varieties the region’s 200 or so vineyards are small are Chardonnay and Pinot Gris/Grigio. and many are family run, with the region’s For all varieties grown here, the consistent proximity to Melbourne allowing boutique factor is the clear varietal character that is wineries to thrive. pronounced throughout the different sites. Climate: Surrounded by three bodies of water, this is one of Australia’s only true maritime wine regions. Altitude, aspect and exposure to prevailing breezes significantly affect each vineyard site, creating an array of mesoclimates and microclimates. Altitude: 10–260m (32–853ft).

Foundations of Australian wine KEY VARIETIES - and (fortified wines) - Shiraz - RUTHERGLEN

CLASSIC CONTINENTAL HISTORIC REGION CLIMATE FIFTH- AND and Australia’s SIXTH-GENERATION with cooling influences capital of WINEMAKERS from the foothills of the PRODUCE A RANGE OF fortified wines AWARD-WINNING WINES

RUTHERGLEN Key varieties: Rutherglen’s fortified wines Rutherglen is the capital of fortified wines made from Muscat and Muscadelle are in Australia, with many of its great wines uniquely Australian and among the best recognised throughout the world. It’s a in the world. Other important varieties are historic region where fifth- and sixth- Shiraz and Durif, a rare red variety producing generation winemakers produce award- full-bodied, age-worthy wines. winning white, red and fortified wines. Climate: Classic continental climate featuring hot summers, cool winters and a long dry autumn. The nights are cool due to airflow from the foothills of the Victorian Alps. Altitude: 130–320m (427–1050ft). Soil: Soils range from red loam over clay through to sandier soils closer to the .

Foundations of Australian wine BIRTHPLACE DIVERSE LANDSCAPE LEADING OF VICTORIA’S with continental COOL-CLIMATE REGION WINE climate and substantial with winemakers INDUSTRY mesoclimatic variations embracing both classic and boundary- pushing techniques YARRA

VALLEY KEY VARIETIES - Chardonnay - Pinot Noir - Shiraz - Cabernet Sauvignon

YARRA VALLEY Soil: Two prominent and radically different Known as the birthplace of Victoria’s wine soil types create regional diversity. industry, the Yarra Valley is one of Australia’s The northern area features soils of grey to leading cool-climate regions. Its vast and grey-brown on the surface, with red-brown diverse landscape is home to winemakers clay subsoils often filled with rock, while embracing both classic and boundary- the southern area features much younger, pushing techniques. immensely deep, fertile red volcanic soil. Climate: Continental with Mediterranean Key varieties: The climatic variation allows a influences. Bordered by mountain ranges, number of varieties to excel. Yarra Valley has it’s one of Australia’s cooler wine regions. long been famous for its Chardonnay and Differences in altitude and aspect create Pinot Noir, but it also produces world-class substantial mesoclimatic variations. Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, along with a promising line-up of alternative varieties. Altitude: 30–400m (98–1312ft).

Foundations of Australian wine KEY VARIETIES - Pinot Noir - Chardonnay - Riesling TASMANIA

MODERN WINE TEMPERATE THIS PRISTINE INDUSTRY ISLAND IS ONE CLIMATE started in 1970s and has OF AUSTRALIA’S with maritime influence quickly built a global FINEST COOL- (from Tasman Sea, CLIMATE WINE reputation, particularly REGIONS and for sparkling wines )

TASMANIA Key varieties: Tasmania boasts ideal growing conditions for developing naturally The pristine island of Tasmania is one of elegant, intensely flavoured and aromatic Australia’s finest cool-climate wine regions. wines. Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir The modern wine industry started in the lead the charge, with a good proportion of late 1970s and has quickly built a global cooler-grown Chardonnay and Pinot Noir reputation. going into sparkling wines. Climate: This is Australia’s coolest-climate wine region. It has a moderate maritime climate influenced by westerly winds off DID YOU KNOW the Southern Ocean. MULTI-REGIONAL BLENDING Altitude: 10–330m (32–1083ft). Multi-regional blends take the best Soil: Soil types vary greatly. On the lower from multiple regions to create slopes, the vineyard soils are formed from balanced and consistent wines. ancient sandstones, mudstones and soils They have long been part of Australia’s of volcanic origin. Sandstone and schist revolutionary winemaking history. appear in Derwent Valley. Peaty alluvial and They take advantage of regional sandy low humus soils appear in Coal River strengths and allow the winemaker Valley. Pipers River boasts deep, free‑draining, to develop the style, lessening the friable soils, while Tamar Valley is gravelly effect of vintage variation on the wine. basalt on a clay and limestone base.

Foundations of Australian wine NOTEWORTHY VARIETIES AND STYLES

Foundations of Australian wine : RIVALLING THE WORLD’S BEST

- Australia has been making sparkling wine since the late 19th century - Today, Australia is a world-leading producer of a range of styles - Sparkling wine represents a small but significant proportion of production - Considerable growth in recent years

SPARKLING WINE Styles and characteristics Australia has been producing sparkling wine Australia produces three main sparkling since the late 19th century. Today, it’s one of wine styles. Most Australian sparkling the world’s leading producers of sparkling wine consists of Chardonnay and Pinot wine in a range of styles, and prestige Noir grapes, with the most common style sparkling wines from cool-climate, high- a blend of the two. Some winemakers altitude regions are taking their place as also make single-varietal (100%) sparkling the celebratory wine of choice. Chardonnays, known as Blanc de Blancs (French for ‘white of whites’). Australian Sparkling wine represents a small but Blanc de Blancs tend to be elegant, savoury, significant proportion of the Australian floral and dry, with robust acid. Aged Blanc wine community’s total production, and it’s de Blancs – like all sparkling wines that have a market niche for which there is excited spent extended time on lees – can also consumer interest. In the past few years, develop toasty notes. Some winemakers sparkling wine consumption has seen also produce single-varietal (100%) sparkling considerable growth. Pinot Noirs, known as Blanc de Noirs. In addition to Pinot Noir, Australian winemakers blend Chardonnay with ; sparkling wine blends that include red varieties such as Pinot Noir or Pinot Meunier tend to be fuller-bodied and show more delicate red fruit notes than those made from just Chardonnay.

Foundations of Australian wine ESPECIALLY SHIRAZ a uniquelyAustralian coloured, juicy, fruity SPARKLING RED, and refreshing style; crimson and skilful winemakers. wines rely onpristine wine-growing regions Traditionelle) styles, Australian sparkling and powerful (Méthode From bright andfresh to complex Key regions toast, and grapefruit the most popular; aromas

include biscuit, dough, YLES ST AND HRC ERISTICS CHARACT DRY B DRY THREE MAIN STYLES R UT STYLE strawberry, raspberry SPARKLING floral, rose petal, and red currant aromas include a niche style;

including Domaine Chandon. for exceptional sparkling wineproducers and good have soil made itamagnet Yarra Valley: The region’s cool climate premium, Traditional Method wines. structure andstyle, many of which are environment produces wines of impeccable sparkling winecommunity. Itspristine, cool Tasmania: Atrue star intheAustralian and style. crisp, cool-climate wines meet subtlety exciting sparkling wineregions –where This makes itoneof Australia’s most acid levels and develop theirfruit flavours. Chardonnay andPinot Noirto retain their conditions for sparkling winegrapes Adelaide The altitude Hills: provides ideal SPARKLING REGIONS KEY

TASMANIA Method wines premium, Traditional many of which are structure andstyle, wines of impeccable Produces sparkling Foundations of Australian wine

ADELAIDE HILLS subtlety andstyle cool-climate wines meet regions where crisp, exciting sparkling wine One of Australia’s most

YARRA VALLEY producers sparkling wine for exceptional made itamagnet good have soil Cool climate and RIESLING: DIVERSE AND DISTINCTIVE

- Australia is one of the world’s top Riesling producers - Long history in Australia; today one of the most renowned varieties - Planted in most wine regions; best examples from cooler areas - Minimal-intervention winemaking approach is common

RIESLING Riesling has a long history in Australia. From humble beginnings, it has grown into one of the country’s most renowned varieties. Australia is one of the world’s top Riesling producers, with production figures similar to the and higher than ( takes top spot). It is planted in most of Australia’s wine regions, with the best examples coming from cooler areas. In the , capturing and preserving the vibrant, pure aromas and flavours is key. This often means a less-is- more approach, including cool fermentation in stainless steel tanks and early bottling.

Foundations of Australian wine CHARACTERISTICS STYLES and drinkable and apple/orange blossom characters. perfume, withstrong citrus, green apple, are unoaked andgenerally have afloral high acidpresence. These crispwines light-bodied to medium-bodied wines with world. Riesling grapes produce aromatic pure andelegant drywhite wines inthe Australian are some of themost – – – produced: with off-dry andsome dessert wines also The most common style inAustralia isdry, Styles andcharacteristics Zippy, fresh YOUTHFUL

Dessert wine:Sweet, age-worthy, rich. Off-dry: Ahint more residual sweetness Dry: Lean, citrus-driven, low residual sugar. balanced by acidity. HIGH ACID PRESENCE LIGHT-BODIED TO MEDIUM-BODIED, AROMATIC, AND smooth and rich Honeyed, AGED

and richer mouthfeel. time, givingthewines asmoother texture while theperception of aciditysoftens over flavours of honey, toast andlemon curd, citrus-based characters transform into wines can mature for decades. The vibrant, drinkable whenit’s very young, butthebest Australian Riesling iszippy, fresh and RIESLING FLAVOURS TYPICAL Foundations of Australian wine COMMON STYLE SOME OFF-DRY AND DESSERT WINES ALSO IS DRY, WITH PRODUCED THE MOST - - -

Honey Apple Citrus KEY

Canberra district potential Excellent ageing a comeback. styles are making and dry; off-dry Typical style iscrisp or more to reach itspeak. Good Eden Valley Riesling can take 10years great intensity of flavour onthepalate. lime juice andfragrant floral aromas, and signature slate, mineral character, strong Eden Valley: Rieslings typically display a and alingeringacidsensation. typically medium-bodied withfruit richness acclaimed, age-worthy wines. Style is classic Riesling flavours andinternationally finest Riesling, setting thebenchmark for Clare Valley: Produces some of Australia’s ageing potential. a comeback. These wines have excellent and dry, however off-dry styles are making the white-wine charge. Typical style iscrisp climate wineculture, withRiesling leading Canberra District: Hometo athriving cool- Key regions

Eden Valley 10+ years to reach peak floral aromas; can take juice andfragrant character, strong lime Signature slate, mineral REGIONS

CLARE Valley persistence and along, lingering with fruit richness of lemon andlime, signature notes best Riesling; Some of Australia’s

high levels of natural acidity. with citrus and mineral characters and Typical Tasmanian style hasgreat length, production of high-qualitydryRiesling. across theisland makes itideal for the Tasmania: The inherent cool climate right worthy wines. producing fine, lime-accented andage- and Henty, are well suited to Riesling, influenced regions, including theGrampians South Western Victoria: These cool, ocean- reputations for Riesling. and Porongurup have particularly strong areas of Frankland River, Mount Barker many agesuperbly. will The three northern . Fresh andnervyintheiryouth, the citrus spectrum withan underlay of Rieslings of great intensity, typically in Great Southern:Known for producing RIESLING

South South Western Western Victoria wines age-worthy accented and Fine, lime- Foundations of Australian wine

Great Southern and agesuperbly and nervyintheiryouth intensity thatare fresh Rieslings of great

Tasmania natural acidity high levels of characters and citrus andmineral Great length with SEMILLON: A TRULY UNIQUE EXPRESSION OF A CLASSIC

- Long history in Australia - Delicate, versatile grape produced in a range of styles - Potential to age for many years - Lends itself to botrytis, or ‘’, to produce one of Australia’s most celebrated sweet wine styles

SEMILLON A true Australian original Semillon is a delicate, versatile grape with a long history in Australia, where it’s produced in a range of styles. What makes this iconic white especially exciting is its long ageing potential and the opportunities it affords winemakers to experiment with different expressions. It’s also one of the few grapes that lends itself to botrytis, or ‘noble rot’, to produce one of Australia’s most celebrated sweet wine styles.

Foundations of Australian wine CHARACTERISTICS STYLES YOUTHFUL Crisp, fresh and citrusy Semillon isrich, succulent andhoneyed. versions tend to be alittle richer. Dessert toast andhoney. -fermented andaged well for many years, developing flavours of characteristics. Butmany can also age have citrus, green apple andherbal early while crispandfresh. They typically medium-bodied drywines thatyou can enjoy Typically, Semillons are light-bodied to – – – – in Australia: There are four distinct styles of Semillon Styles andcharacteristics

Dessert wine. Blended (unoaked oroaked). Oaked. Unoaked. LIGHT-BODIED TO MEDIUM- DRY WINES - - -

BODIED BODIED Honey Apple Citrus

of toast andhoney Richer withnotes AND UNOAKED, OAKED, FOUR DISTINCT AGED DESSERT WINE FLAVOURS TYPICAL BLENDED, STYLES:

made for early drinking. clean, elegant andfruit-driven, and generally These broadly appealing blends are crisp, wine that’s greater thanthesum of itsparts. sharper SauvignonBlanc notes to create a flavour androundness to themore austere, complementary, withSemillon contributing Semillon andSauvignonBlanc are inherently and, most commonly, SauvignonBlanc. it withother varieties, including Chardonnay aroma, flavour andtexture through blending canvas for some winemakers, whoinfluence Fresh, delicate Semillon provides atempting Semillon blends SEMILLON SAUVIGNON BLANC CONTRIBUTES ROUNDNESS TO FLAVOUR AND THE SHARPER SEMILLON Foundations of Australian wine COMMONLY BLENDED NOTES VARIETIES INCLUDING SAUVIGNON BLANC WITH OTHER BLENDS AND FRUIT-DRIVEN, MADE FOR EARLY AND GENERALLY CRISP, CLEAN, ELEGANT DRINKING KEY

Barossa Valley in oak, even thoughithasn’t. – almost as ifthewinehasspent time with nutty, honey andstraw characters into anaged wineof deep golden hue, transforming from azesty, crispyoungster ageing gracefully for well over 20 years, is uniqueinthewineworld, capable of Hunter Valley: Hunter Valley Semillon more delicate styles. earlier andavoiding oak to create lighter, more Barossa winemakers are picking as tastes move towards crisp, fresh whites, that are often barrel fermented. However, Barossa Valley: Typically riper, richer styles Key regions and delicate are becoming more crisp fermented, however styles styles thatare often barrel Typically riper, richer REGIONS

Hunter Valley well over 20 years ageing gracefully for wine world, capable of Semillon isuniqueinthe Unoaked Hunter Valley

dessert wines. intense andcomplex botrytis Semillon wine isalso hometo gloriously sweet, Australia’s high-volume, everyday drinking Riverina: The region thatproduces most of and pronounced herbal, grassy tones. tropical fruit characters, lemony notes its liveliness andbright personality with styles. It’s adistinctive style known for Blanc blend isoneMargaret River’s signature Margaret River: The Semillon Sauvignon SEMILLON

MARGARET RIVER bright personality for itsliveliness and signature style, known Blanc blend isa Semillon Sauvignon Foundations of Australian wine

RIVERINA dessert wines botrytis Semillon and complex sweet, intense Produces gloriously CHARDONNAY: AUSTRALIA’S CLASSIC WHITE

- The most planted white variety and accounts for more than half of white wine production - Australia has some of the oldest plantings in the world - This versatile variety is vinified into all manner of expressions - Evolved from the big, oaky wines of the 1980s and ’90s to more restrained and elegant styles

CHARDONNAY Chardonnay is vinified into all manner of There’s no such thing as a typical Australian expressions, informed by the climate and Chardonnay. The most planted white soils in which it is grown, and by the input variety, it accounts for well over a third of of the winemaker. It has been greatly Australia’s white wine production. Some of influenced in the past decade by the shift the oldest Chardonnay plantings in the to lower-intervention winemaking and a world sit alongside more recent clones growing focus on retaining a pure expression planted for sparkling wines. of vineyards and regions. Previously known for the big, oaky styles of the 1980s and ’90s, many modern Australian Chardonnays are about acidity, restraint and elegance.

Foundations of Australian wine CHARACTERISTICS STYLES UNOAKED warm climates. to fuller-bodied, rich and ripe versions from and light-bodied cool‑climate expressions and characteristics of thisvariety, from lean winemakers have embracedflavoursall experimentation. winemaker’s Australian but itcan also be acanvas for the vineyard inwhich itsfruit was grown, Versatile Chardonnay can express the – – – of Chardonnay: Australia produces three broad styles Styles andcharacteristics

Sparkling: Dry, elegant, savoury. Oaked: Unoaked: Fresh, floral, vibrant, lean. complex, toasty. COOL-CLIMATE EXPRESSIONS AND RIPE VERSIONS FROM LEAN AND LIGHT-BODIED TO FULLER-BODIED, RICH STYLES RANGE FROM Full bodied, smooth, creamy, WARM CLIMATES THREE BROAD STYLES OAKED AND SPARKLING

to citrus, withaslatey acidity. Flavours typically range from white peach and less use of . but withalighter-handed oak treatment still delivering full‑flavoured Chardonnays the past 15years orso, withproducers rich and buttery wines have evolved over Hunter Valley: Thepreviously oaky, in theworld. against thefinest cool-climate Chardonnays with theacidstructure to ageandstand up elegant, textured andlean Chardonnays Adelaide Thiselevated Hills: region produces contrast to lean cool-climate styles. continue to produce rich, ripe styles in such astheBarossa Valley andHunter Valley such asMargaret River. Warmer climates Tasmania, to Mediterranean-like regions the cool crispness of theYarra Valley and winemaking region inAustralia –from Chardonnay grows invirtually every Key regions ch A rd O AY nn FLAVOURS TYPICAL Foundations of Australian wine WINEMAKERS HAVE CHARACTERISTICS OFVARIETY THIS EMBRACED ALL FLAVOURS AND AUSTRALIAN - - -

Citrus Stone fruit Nuts KEY

adelaide hills the world Chardonnays in cool-climate against thefinest wines stand up and lean, these Elegant, textured the region isrenowned. the restraint andtight structure for which cool climate can produce, andemphasises the extraordinary natural aciditythatthe Chardonnaycitrus and fig. benefits from Expect typical fruit flavours of melon, medium‑bodied wines withrich complexity. from delicate andunoaked through to Mornington Peninsula: Styles range that allows thewines to agegracefully. roundness of texture, withrefreshing acidity displays fruit ripeness, flavour depth and are amongtheworld’s best. Chardonnay Margaret River: Theregion’s premium wines

MARGARET RIVER REGIONS refreshing acidity flavour depth and wines withfruit ripeness, World-class, age-worthy

HUNTER Valley flavoured wines restrained yet full- into elegant and region have evolved this warm-climate and rich styles of The previously oaky

appealing flavours of fig. floral. With age, these wines can develop and stone fruit, andare minerally and high. Aromas andflavours span citrus at lower sugar levels, to keep acidlevels Yarra Valley: Grapes are often picked earlier, production of premium sparkling wines. forwardness. Chardonnay isalso used inthe without oak treatment oroverly ripe fruit are restrained and delicate, generally acidity andintense flavours. fine They Chardonnays withpiercing natural and suitable produce soils dry, elegant Tasmania: Tasmania’s cool climate ch A rd O AY nn

TASMANIA flavours intense fine acidity and piercing natural wines with Dry, delicate Foundations of Australian wine

MORNINGTON PENINSULA citrus andfig Typical flavours of melon, with rich complexity. to medium-bodied wines and unoaked through Styles range from delicate

YARRA VALLEY and stone fruit flavours of citrus of acidityand with highlevels climate wines age-worthy cool- Elegant and PINOT NOIR: COOL-CLIMATE CHARM

- Relative latecomer to the commercial wine community but now an integral variety - One of the hardest grapes to grow - Best examples come from cool-climate regions - Clonal diversity has been linked to an increase in wine quality and complexity

PINOT NOIR Pinot Noir is one of the hardest grapes Thriving in some of Australia’s coolest to grow, but carefully grown on the right corners, Pinot Noir is a relative latecomer to site and handled with skill in the winery, the commercial wine community but has it produces outstanding wines of subtlety, become an integral variety. Through crafting elegance and finesse. Clonal diversity has unique Australian expressions, winemakers been linked to an increase in quality and have secured Pinot Noir’s place among complexity in Pinot Noir wines. Dijon clones Australia’s prominent reds. have been widely credited as being particularly suited to Australia’s diverse wine‑growing regions. Today, Australian Pinot is steadily making headway on the world wine stage as producers hone their craft.

Foundations of Australian wine CHARACTERISTICS STYLES red berry andherbal notes withsilky or satiny texture adding extra dimensionsto the wines. earthy or‘forest floor’ savoury characters, Australian Pinot develop Noirwill classic are most common. With maturity, some and lightweight to medium-weight styles Its texture isoften silky, satiny orsoft, cherry,fine red berry andherbal notes. When it’s young, Australian Pinot Noirhas medium-bodied andrestrained innature. Pinot Noir istypically light-bodied to characteristics, however top Australian finesse. Pinot Noir isinfluenced by regional quality, characterised by subtlety and wines are inherently premium instyle and Pinot Noirmean themost successful The challenges of growing andmaking Styles andcharacteristics Fine cherry, YOUTHFUL LIGHT-BODIED TO AND RESTRAINED MEDIUM-BODIED IN NATURE AND savoury characters or ‘forest floor’ classic earthy Develops AGED

Australia isused insparkling styles. sparkling wine. Around halfof Pinot grown in varieties used in Traditional Method wines, Pinot Noirisoneof thethree grape As well asproducing single-variety still PINOT NOIR FLAVOURS TYPICAL Foundations of Australian wine CHARACTERISED BY SUBTLETY AND FINESSE PREMIUM WINES WINES - - -

Cherry Strawberry Raspberry KEY

Adelaide Hills and berry flavours with richer, ripe cherry medium-bodied styles cool climate produces The elevation and and a juicy backbone of acidity. characters of strawberry andcherry, medium-bodied withvibrant varietal this cool, seaside region are typically Mornington Peninsula: Pinot wines from and berry flavours. to be medium-bodied withricher, ripe cherry red wine styles and sparkling wines. Ittends Australia for Pinot Noir–used inboth still climate, thisistheleading region inSouth Adelaide With itselevation Hills: andcool restrained wines. wine regions, producing elegant and Pinot Noirgrows best inAustralia’s coolest Key regions REGIONS

Mornington peninsula backbone of acidity and cherry and a of strawberry wines withcharacters medium-bodied region producing Cool, seaside

sparkling wine. grown fruit goes into theproduction of strawberry andplum.Someof thecooler- medium-bodied, withflavours of cherry, and aspects. Itistypically light-bodied to of expressions dueto itsdifferent elevations Yarra Valley: Thisregion produces arange strawberry flavours. medium-bodied withdelicate cherry and Pinot Noir. Typical style islight-bodied to it ideal for theproduction of high-quality Tasmania: The island’s cool climate makes PINOT NOIR

Tasmania strawberry flavours delicate cherry and medium-bodied with typically light-bodied to due to itscool climate; high-quality Pinot Noir Ideal for producing Foundations of Australian wine

Yarra valley strawberry andplum with flavours of cherry, medium-bodied, light-bodied to and aspects; typically different elevations expressions dueto Produces various GRENACHE: REBIRTH OF A CLASSIC

- One of the original varieties planted in Australia - Australia boasts some of the oldest Grenache vines in the world - A workhorse grape somewhat overlooked in the early years - Today its enjoying a revival as winemakers recognise its exciting potential

GRENACHE Today, winemakers recognise the beauty Grenache was one of the original varieties of the ripe, spicy, cherry and raspberry- planted in Australia and thrived in the warm, scented characteristics that Grenache can dry South Australian climate. But it was . Australia boasts some of the oldest largely overlooked in the early years, used as Grenache vines in the world, dating back a workhorse grape and forming the backbone to 1850. It’s a rare resource that produces of fortified wines and traditional blends. incredible wines.

Foundations of Australian wine CHARACTERISTICS STYLES AND - - - FLAVOURS TYPICAL

Spice Berry Cherry – – – be used in several ways: Grenache isaversatile variety thatcan are food-friendly andhighlydrinkable. lighter, brighter styles. These elegant reds in style, from rich andintense wines to structure. Today Australian Grenache varies freshness, vibrant fruit andbalanced wines, not lacking flavour, but with lighter-coloured, perfumed, elegant red warm-climate Pinot Noir. isinmaking Itsskill Grenache issometimes referred to as Styles andcharacteristics – SEVERAL WAYS:

AS A VARIETAL IN ROSÉS AND In fortified wines, especially Tawny styles. In rosés. As blending material, particularly As avarietal dryred wine. in GSM blends. with Shiraz andMataro (Mourvèdre) IN FORTIFIED IN BLENDS, RED WINE,

RICH AND INTENSE TO LIGHTER, USED IN WINES

TODAY’S STYLES VARY FROM

BRIGHTER WINES bodied to full-bodied Perfumed, elegant Typically medium- and food-friendly consist of earth and great length. with ajuicy mouthfeel, fine, velvety tannins and . GSMsare generally full-bodied, wines withrich texture, ripe, juicy fruit, producing medium-bodied to full-bodied vineyards scattered throughout theregion, McLaren Vale: There are many old-vine wines producing medium-bodied to full-bodied nights helpbuild weight andfruit richness, Barossa Valley: Warm conditions andcool debate asto which region produces thebest! some of thebest Grenache. It’s alively two of Australia’s oldest regions, produce the Barossa Valley andMcLaren Vale, improves asthevines age, which iswhy Grenache relishes warm climates and Key regions leathery notes. bold, complex GRENACHE and white pepper. GSMblends often with rich texture andnotes of red fruit, REGIONS KEY Grenache from old vines andare and age-worthy, withspicy and

Foundations of Australian wine

Barossa valley of Grenache from old vines GSM blends often consist earth andwhite pepper; texture andnotes of red fruit, to full-bodied wines withrich nights produce medium-bodied Warm conditions andcool

M and great length mouthfeel, tannins fine full-bodied, withajuicy ripe, juicy fruit; GSMsare rich texture, spice and full-bodied wines with Medium-bodied to

C

Laren Vale

SHIRAZ: AN AUSTRALIAN LEGEND

- Australia’s iconic grape and its most famous wine export - Grown in almost every region and accounts for nearly one-quarter of total wine production - Produced in a wide range of expressions, from affordable, quaffable reds to age-worthy classics - Australia has one of the oldest continuously producing Shiraz vines in the world

SHIRAZ Shiraz was one of the original varieties Shiraz is firmly established as Australia’s planted, and today Australia has one of the iconic grape and its most famous wine oldest continuously producing Shiraz vines in export. It’s grown in almost every region, the world, with vineyards dating back to 1843. except for a handful of cooler-climate Australia adopted the name Shiraz in place of regions where it struggles to ripen, and its French name, , in the 19th century. accounts for nearly one-quarter of total wine production. You can find everything from affordable, quaffable reds to magnificent, age-worthy classics that are truly world class.

Foundations of Australian wine CHARACTERISTICS STYLES Richly textured; ripe, rich, dark fruits liquorice andearth. aromas andflavours of spice, , tar, fruit characters mature to give complex gracefully for many years. The ripe, primary The best Australian Shiraz wines can age through. They make ideal food partners. allow for more regional distinction to shine are pure expressions of thevariety and cooler climates. These more elegant wines embracing thestyle shiftto Shiraz grown in in balance. Butmany drinkers are also ripe tannins andahighalcohol level all juicy jammy fruits, seamless texture from Shiraz, withitsbold upfront flavour kick, Many drinkers love traditional, warm‑climate vine age andwinemakingtechniques. structure, depending onregion, climate, wines withvarying flavour profiles and Shiraz creates medium-bodied to full-bodied Styles andcharacteristics YOUTHFUL BOLD FLAVOURS, JUICY JAMMY DARK FRUITS, SEAMLESS TEXTURE WARM-CLIMATE RIPE TANNINS AND ELEGANT, FOOD-FRIENDLY, COOLER-CLIMATE MEDIUM-BODIED smoother character; AND spice, liquorice and earth characters Softer tannins; AGED STYLES – – – blending partner. Itisused as: Australian Shiraz also makes anexcellent

The dominant variety inShiraz Viognier. The equal partner inShiraz Cabernet, Blending material inGSM.Shiraz is aromas andsupple texture. Adding Viognier delivers heightened popular inAustralia. a blockbuster style developed andmade (Mourvèdre) isthe‘M’. the ‘S’, Grenache isthe‘G’ andMataró SHIRAZ FLAVOURS TYPICAL Foundations of Australian wine IDEAL BLENDING GSM, SHIRAZ CABERNET, PARTNER – VIOGNIER SHIRAZ SHIRAZ - COOL CLIMATE

Ripe red fruits - - - WARM CLIMATE

Dark cherry Plum Chocolate

KEY

adelaide hills tannins andacids spice aromas, fine levels, pepper and Moderate alcohol

Clare valley blueberry, sage andpepper notes. full-bodied Shiraz withclassic blackberry, neighbour produces medium-bodied to Eden Valley: TheBarossa Valley’s cooler plum andliquorice. with flavours of blackberry, black cherry, that’s plush,full-bodied andrichly textured, Clare Valley: Opulent andvibrant Shiraz bursting withflavour. typically spicy, impeccably balanced and producing powerful yet elegant Shiraz that’s Canberra District: Cool-climate region temperate Mediterranean climate. with flavour andcharacter, thanks to its Barossa Valley: Produces bold Shiraz bursting and acids. pepper andspice aromas, tannins andfine with moderate alcohol levels, fragrant maritime-influenced region makes Shiraz South Australia’s big,bold reds. This cool Adelaide Provides Hills: astark contrast to Key regions plum andliquorice flavours of blackberry, richly textured, with Plush, full-bodied and

Canberra district REGIONS full-flavoured that’s spicy, balanced and Powerful yet elegant Shiraz

Barossa Valley and character bursting with flavour Bold Shiraz

liquorice, black cherry andpeppery spice. medium-bodied Shiraz withnotes of Southern typically produces silky, elegant Mount Barker: This subregion of Great blueberry fruit andchocolate characters. producing full-bodied Shiraz withrich McLaren Vale: Warm-climate region are savoury, complex andfood-friendly. have evolved into medium-bodied wines that region was previously bigandbold, but styles Hunter Valley: Shiraz from thiswarm, humid cooler-climate Shiraz. colour andhasallthesophistication of a and spicy Shiraz that’s deeply purple in The Grampians: Produces elegant, savoury SHIRAZ

The Grampians

M purple incolour and spicy; deeply Elegant, savoury

C characters and chocolate blueberry fruit with rich Full-bodied

Laren Vale Foundations of Australian wine

Hunter Valley complex andfood-friendly wines thatare savoury, Evolved into medium-bodied

Mount barker

Eden Valley peppery spice black cherry and of liquorice, Shiraz withnotes Silky, elegant and pepper notes classic berry, sage to full-bodied with Medium-bodied CABERNET SAUVIGNON: POWERFUL AND AGE-WORTHY

- Australia’s third most planted grape variety - Known for its intensity of colour, flavour, acidity and tannins, and its ability to age for many decades - A fixture in a lot of Australia’s most historic and successful wines - Grows best in warm to cool, dry regions

CABERNET SAUVIGNON Deeply hued Cabernet Sauvignon is Australia’s third most planted grape variety and an integral part of Australia’s wine heritage. It’s known for its intensity of colour, flavour, acidity and tannins, and its ability to age for many decades. As a result, it has been a fixture in a lot of Australia’s most historic and successful wines. Although Cabernet Sauvignon can grow in a variety of climates, it’s a late-ripening vine that grows most successfully in warm to cool, dry regions.

Foundations of Australian wine CHARACTERISTICS STYLES flavours of cassis, Firm tannins, high acidity, stamp. winemakers have putauniquelyAustralian full-flavoured Cabernet Shiraz, onwhich feature inclassic blends. These include the both asingle-variety wineandadominant driven styles. Cabernet issuccessful as also produces medium-bodied, tannin- concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon,but Australia isknown for fuller-bodied, Styles andcharacteristics YOUTHFUL blackberry and herbs CONCENTRATED CABERNET, TANNIN-DRIVEN STYLES AUSTRALIA IS KNOWN BUT ALSO PRODUCES FOR FULLER-BODIED, MEDIUM-BODIED, mellow andsmooth, AND characteristics of cedar, tobacco, Tannins soften, earth, cocoa AGED

cedar, tobacco, earth, soy andcocoa. smooth, andthey take oncharacteristics of their tannins soften, becoming mellow and blackberry andherbs. Asthewines mature, high acidityandflavours of cassis, Cabernet Sauvignonshave tannins, firm complexity to agefor decades. Young the tannin structure, concentration and their flavours. High-quality examples have in need of ageto open upanddevelop most other wines, withsome expressions Australian Cabernet ages better than CABERNET SAUVIGNO N FLAVOURS TYPICAL Foundations of Australian wine AND A DOMINANT CLASSIC BLENDS SUCCESSFUL AS BOTH A SINGLE- VARIETY WINE FEATURE IN - - -

Blackberry Cherry Mint KEY eucalyptus andcassis are also present. and dark cherry. Classic flavours of mint, blackcurrant, mulberry, plum, blackberry red fruits, withconcentrated flavours of full-bodied andshowcase bold, dark and intensity. They are medium-bodied to complex Cabernet wines known for their influenced climate here produces powerful, Coonawarra: The moderate, maritime- producers of Cabernet Sauvignon. established themselves asiconic, world‑class However, three Australian wineregions have shines through nomatter where it’s grown. expressions vary, thevariety’s character all across Australia, andalthoughregional You can Cabernet find Sauvignon’s brilliance Key regions

Coonawarra and dark cherry mulberry, plum,blackberry flavours of blackcurrant, full-bodied withconcentrated wines; medium-bodied to Powerful, complex Cabernet REGIONS

Langhorne Creek Shiraz withCabernet style blends Australian fruit flavours. Signature tannins andripe black- flavourful wines withsoft Full-bodied, rich,

bouquet garniordried- aromas. dark, blueberry fruit characters andbay leaf, structure. The wines are characterised by fruit ripeness, acidityanddefined tannin They can show anastonishing balance of in texture thanthose of Coonawarra. that are richer inflavour andmore rounded produces medium-bodied to full-bodied wines Margaret River: This slightly warmer region Cabernet. typically blends Australian Shiraz withthe flavours. Langhorne Creek’s signature style wines withsoft tannins andripe black-fruit producing full-bodied, rich, flavourful climate iswell suited to Cabernet Sauvignon, Langhorne Creek: Theocean-influenced CABERNET SAUVIGNO N Foundations of Australian wine

Margaret river dried-herb aromas leaf, bouquet garnior characters andbay dark, blueberry fruit of Coonawarra; in texture than those and more rounded full-bodied; richer Medium-bodied to ALTERNATIVE VARIETIES: INNOVATION AND DIVERSITY

- Southern Mediterranean varieties well suited to Australia’s climate, food and lifestyle - Each year the number of alternative varieties being planted increases - They currently account for only 4% of Australia’s wine-producing vineyards, but are attracting attention worldwide

ALTERNATIVE VARIETIES The spirit of experimentation has been alive Innovation and diversity in Australian wine since the first colonial The imagination and curiosity of winemakers vignerons planted vines in the 1800s, but it’s has led to the success of many Southern only now that there is appetite for these Mediterranean varieties, and each year alternative varieties. The combination the number of varieties planted in Australia of creative winemakers and a thirst for increases thanks to how well suited they are something ‘new’ from consumers means to the country’s climate, food and lifestyle. making wine from alternative varieties is Alternative varieties account for only 4% today a smart business decision. of Australia’s wine-producing vineyards, but they’re attracting the attention of critics and drinkers all over the world.

Foundations of Australian wine VARIETIES ON THE RISE

FIANO: Crisp, fresh and NEBBIOLO: Fruit-pure SANGIOVESE: Firm tannins; aromatic; flavours range from and fresh to powerful, aromatic notes of plum, citrus to stone fruit to hazelnut aged and age-worthy cherry, herbs AVOLA ’ FIANO NERO D GRÜNER VELTLINER NE BBIOLO VERMENTINO SANGIOVESE

GRÜNER VELTLINER: Aromatic NERO D’AVOLA: Medium-bodied, VERMENTINO: Ranges from fresh and refreshing; quite dry, naturally fresh acidity, generous to textural; notes of almond, savoury and somewhat fruity tannins, food-friendly citrus, green apple and ‘sea spray’

VARIETIES ON THE RISE Nebbiolo (Italy) Fiano (Italy) – Characteristics: Australian Nebbiolo – Characteristics: Australian Fiano can comes in a variety of expressions, display a crisp freshness with perfumed from fruit-pure and fresh to powerful, aromatics, and flavours ranging from aged (and age-worthy) styles. lemon and grapefruit through to peach, The tar‑and-roses aroma runs equally hazelnut and apricot, with a palate that throughout most examples, and most is viscous, textured and deep. are high in tannins and acidity. – Key regions: McLaren Vale, Clare Valley, – Key regions: King Valley, Mornington Hunter Valley, Granite Belt. Peninsula, Beechworth, Yarra Valley, Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale, Clare Valley. Grüner Veltliner (Austria) – Characteristics: Grüner Veltliner’s natural Nero d’Avola (Italy) acidity and citrus fruit flavours mean it – Characteristics: In Australia, Nero d’Avola strikes a balance between being aromatic is mostly produced as a medium-bodied and refreshing; it’s quite dry, savoury and wine, with its naturally fresh acidity, somewhat fruity. generous tannins and savoury edge making it a top food-friendly wine. – Key regions: Adelaide Hills, Canberra District. – Key regions: Riverland, Murray Darling, McLaren Vale.

Foundations of Australian wine Sangiovese (Italy) DID YOU KNOW – Characteristics: Australian Sangiovese displays aromatic notes of plum and LABELLING LAWS cherry, along with herbs. On the palate, Rules apply to all variety claims the tannic structure is firm, often showing stipulating the minimum amount of a another layer of plum, cherry and single grape that a wine must contain sour cherry. for that wine to be labelled as a single variety. In Australia, at least 85% of – Key regions: King Valley, McLaren Vale, the wine must be from the grape in Beechworth. question. This percentage varies from Vermentino (Italy) country to country – for example, – Characteristics: The appeal of Australian it’s 75% in the US and 85% in the EU. Vermentino lies in its delicate nose and long, fresh palate. Styles range from fresh to textural. On the palate, expect notes of almond, lime, grapefruit, green apple and a typical ‘sea spray’ note. – Key regions: McLaren Vale, Riverland, Hunter Valley, King Valley.

Foundations of Australian wine AUSTRALIAN WINE: AS DIVERSE AS THE COUNTRY KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER: - The first vines were planted in THAT MADE IT Australia in 1788; today there are 65 wine regions growing more than 100 grape varieties

- Australia’s climate and soils are extremely diverse, and wine is produced across the country, although it’s concentrated around the southeast and southwest

- Australia has been a land mass for over 100 million years, and its soils are some of the most ancient on Earth; soils vary greatly between and within regions

AUSTRALIAN WINE: AS DIVERSE AS THE COUNTRY THAT MADE IT There’s nothing quite like Australian wine. The country’s unique landscape, climate and soils are home to a community of passionate and fiercely independent winemakers and grapegrowers. Australian wine is defined by its diversity, creativity, authenticity and quality, with producers drawing on generations of experience while experimenting with new techniques, varieties and styles in order to make delicious wines.

Foundations of Australian wine - Latitude, maritime influences and elevation all contribute to a surprising diversity of climates – ranging from alpine zones, to Mediterranean areas, to the tropics, to the very dry centre

- Each of Australia’s 65 wine regions has its own characteristics and wine styles; in general, higher-value premium wines come from smaller and cooler-climate regions

- Australia’s most prominent varieties and wine styles are sparkling wines, Riesling, Semillon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Grenache, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon

- Alternative varieties – largely Mediterranean vines – are rapidly growing in popularity, adding to the diversity of Australian wine

Today, these wines are better than ever, with a strong focus on freshness, natural acidity, balance and regional distinction. As young wine regions mature and the established ones evolve, the Australian wine scene will only increase in quality and diversity.

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

Discover more about Australian wine at www.australianwine.com Wine Australia supports the responsible service of alcohol.