Australia – a wide red and white land

Whether you love red or white wine, Australia spoils you for choice. From the east to the west (and not forgetting Tasmania in the south), there’s a premium region that is turning out wines that has wine lovers all over the world clamouring for more.

Barossa Valley

Located 70km from Adelaide, the Barossa Valley is undoubtedly one of our most famous regions. Home to some of the biggest names in Australian wine, the Barossa also has a signature variety that the world has come to know as quintessentially Australian: Shiraz.

 

Barossa Shiraz is typically big, bold, and sumptuous, either on its own or when blended with other red varieties. The wine tends to be fruit forward but not overpowering, with judicious use of oak and excellent structure. It’s a red that cries out to be paired with your favourite winter meat dish.  

Coonawarra

Of course, if there’s a challenger to the Barossa’s fame then it will come from the Coonawarra. World famous for its 'cigar shaped' strip of red terra rossa soil, the Coonawarra has been turning out world-class reds since it was first planted to the vine in 1890. Around 90% of the Coonawarra is planted to red grapes, of which Cabernet Sauvignon is by far the most prominent.

 

Coonawarra Cab is generally picked at full ripeness to produce medium to full bodied reds, distinguished by dark fruits, soft spice and distinctive Coonawarra minty overtones. A firm tannin profile and a gentle savouriness completes these delicious and sought after reds.

Margaret River

The Margaret River is undoubtedly the jewel in Western Australia’s wine crown. Even though this region produces only 3% of Australia’s total wine production, it accounts for 20% of Australia’s premium wines. The most prominent variety in the region is Cabernet Sauvignon with Shiraz and Merlot following behind … so it stands to reason that red blends are all the rage from this picturesque region.  

 

Blending Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from the Margaret River just makes sense. The Bordeaux-like conditions of the region suit both varieties superbly, producing fragrant, elegant wines with generous blackcurrant fruit and subtle cedar characters.

Hunter Valley

Many good judges believe that Hunter Valley Semillon rates among the greatest and most distinctive in Australia – and the world! The classic Hunter Sem style is early-harvested with zero oak exposure, preserving the natural acidity of the grape. The Hunter has a particular suitability to producing world-class Semillon, possessing both the climate and abundance of sandy soils that Semillon thrives in.

 

So what is typical of the contemporary Hunter Semillon style? Basically you’ll enjoy vibrant lifted citrus and tropical fruits balanced by crisp fine acidity and a beautifully long and lingering finish.

Clare Valley

First planted to the vine in 1841, the Clare Valley is home to some of Australia’s oldest and most recognisable wineries: Sevenhill, Leasingham, Wendouree, Knappstein … the list goes on. In fact, the Clare Valley’s reputation for fine wine is only equalled by its natural beauty.

 

The Clare specialises producing elegant and long-lived Cab Sav and Shiraz, but it is the Rieslings that the Clare produces that have stopped the world. The typical style is quite restrained and austere when young, with lemons, lime and mineral notes to the fore. Zesty acid backbones make Clare valley Rieslings perfect for ageing, where it will evolve beautifully in the bottle.

Tasmania

Much to everyone’s embarrassment, Tasmania has sometimes been left off the map of Australia, particularly at sporting events. Even though these were undoubtedly oversights, no wine lover would dream of omitting Tasmania from a map of Australian wine regions. This fabulous little island produces elegant cool-climate wines that are cherished by wine fans.

 

Much to everyone’s embarrassment, Tasmania has sometimes been left off the map of Australia, particularly at sporting events. Even though these were undoubtedly oversights, no wine lover would ever dream of omitting Tasmania from a map of Australian wine regions. This fabulous little island produces elegant cool-climate wines that are cherished by wine fans all over the world.

 

Even though Sparkling and Pinot Noir are to the fore, sauvignon Blanc is another cool-climate variety that Tasmania excels at. Sav Blancs from this region have restrained floral, citrus and herbal notes on the nose, with a palate filled with fresh tropical fruits balanced with crisp acidity.