By Gerd Hirschmann
posted
Jun 8, 2012
Australia is the fourth largest wine exporter in the world after
Italy, France and Spain; and the second biggest source of imports
into the US after Italy by volume. By value it ranks third behind
France, an indication that more wine from Australia ranks in the
'budget-value' level, though there are some very good high-end
wines as well.
Wine production in Australia is most concentrated in the
southeastern part of the continent, and to some extent on the
southwest coast. The grape variety Australia is famous for is
Syrah, or Shiraz, as it is called there. It is the same grape grown
in the Rhone Valley of France that is thought to have originated
from Shiraz, Persia, but pronounced without the 'z' in French, and
to differentiate themselves the Australians added the 'z' again in
English, perhaps with a bit more twang as in 'shiraice'.
Chardonnay is the dominant grapes for white wines, with some
Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Semillon, the latter often blended
with Chardonnay. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pint Noir are the
other red grape varieties that have taken a strong hold on the
continent.
Australia's place-of-origin system is similar to that of the US in
that it is simply an area on a map, known as 'geographical
indication' or 'GI'. There are no restrictions on procedure or
yield for grape growers or winemakers in these areas, unlike the
systems in Europe. In order to list the 'GI' or the grape on the
label, the wine must contain at least 85% of that area or varietal,
and blending grapes or sources can be listed or not.
Most of the well-known wine areas are in Southeastern Australia
with the exception of Margaret River all the way to the west where
constant sea breezes kept the region cool. This makes ideal
conditions for crisp and delicious white wines, particularly
Chardonnay.
Famous for its quality wines is McLaren Vale, one of the four
regions surrounding Adelaide, the others being: Barossa Valley,
Clare Valley and Eden Valley. The climate of this entire region is
very "Mediterranean", generally warm and dry, with cool breezes
blowing in from the ocean. McLaren Vale and Barossa Valley's
reputation is built on Shiraz, while Eden and Clare Valleys are
better known for their Riesling.
Coonawarra, also in South Australia, but further south east, is
known for its limestone soil, which is bright red, called 'terra
rossa'. It is best known for quality Cabernet Sauvignon. A little
more eastwards, around the city of Melbourne in Victoria are the
areas of Heathcote, Bendigo, Goulburn Valley and Rutherglen. All
are influenced by the distinctive climate of cool winds descending
from the Mt Carmel Range with moderate summer temperatures. All of
these areas are known for their big and bold premium shiraz
wines.
Australia usually stands for high-alcohol, fruit-driven and
full-bodied wines that are a result of sheer unlimited sunshine and
warm-to-hot temperatures. While many wines are simple, inexpensive,
high-volume brands that have been commercially very successful,
there is a good number of handcrafted, complex Shiraz or Shiraz
blends that are highly regarded by wine drinkers that like
expressive wines with silky tannins, balanced structure and
impressive length.
Tagged:
Wine Experiments, wine, Australia
