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Grapes were first planted in 1788, but they did not initially do well. At the time, there was a lot of enthusiasm for making wine but less practical know-how. That changed in the 19th century, when several people brought grape growing and wine making knowledge to Australia. In the mid-1800s, immigrants with wine making traditions arrived and brought their wine knowledge with them. Australian wine improved by leaps and bounds butwas met with several challenges in the late 1800s.

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CLIMATE

Contrary to popular opinion, Australia is home to a range of climatic conditions. Hot and dry in Western Australia and New South Wales, warm with ocean breezes in Victoria and South Australia, and decidedly cooler in Tasmania, Australia’s climate
is hard to generalise. The same goes for its soil types and topography, which is what creates the numerous micro-climates where grapes are grown. Despite such variety, producers tend to place less emphasis on where the vines are planted and often blend wines across Australia’s regions.

WINE STYLES OF AUSTRALIA

Here are some typical wine styles from the region of Australia.

Earthy Whites

Rich Oaky Whites

Soft Fruity Reds

Spicy Reds

Powerful Reds

KEY VARIETALS OF AUSTRALIA

Syrah

Syrah, or Shiraz as the Aussies say, is defined by its bright fruit flavours, spice and elegant texture. It's also often renowned for having a fair bit of grunt and many fall into the powerful reds category - particularly ones the from Aussie. These often have tobacco and peppercorn flavours as well as deep, brooding fruit flavours bringing the oomph.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cab Sauvs will often be big, powerful reds with lavishly layered palate often with a touch of cedar wood. When blended it elevates the concentration of flavours and helps add a big finish.

It’s often blended with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Or with Syrah if you’re in Aussie.

Chardonnay

Fresh pear, hazelnut, pineapple and white flower flavours and aromas. Try it with creamy leeks with ham, oysters or a classic risotto Milanese are all excellent pairing choices.

KEY REGIONS & VARIETALS

Australian wine growing areas are separated based on geography. These boundary lines are legally protected
and referred to as Geographical Indicators (GI). So, you cannot use the Eden Valley GI unless the grapes are actually grown in Eden Valley, much like how we do things here in New Zealand. These GIs can be located within one another and you’ll often hear them referred to as zones and regions.

There aren’t any restrictions on how the grapes are grown or turned into wine. However, the 85% rule applies in Aus just like it does here.

WINES TO TRY

BLOGS FEATURING AUSSIE WINES

Joelle Thomson's Amazing Value Picks: Riesling from down under

Dry and decadent? Or sweetly seductive? Riesling can excel at both styles from super succulent and sweet right through to deliciously dry wines. It...

Top 10 Tips on… Syrah

 Syrah, or Shiraz as the Aussies say, is defined by its bright fruit flavours, spice and elegant texture. It's also often renowned for having a fai...

Lynnette Hudson's Selection: Warming winter reds

It is winter and nothing expresses this time of year more than snuggling in front of the fire with a hearty red wine and your favourite comfort foo...