AUSTRALIAN WINES(1)

READING BETWEEN THE WINES:

Australia is another wine producing country known for its great taste and combined value. While the Aussies whip up several Old World specialties, they always deliver New World charm, style, and unmatched regional character.

Australia is best worshipped for its feisty, spice-full Shiraz. Not far behind are its oaky Chardonnays, sweet Rieslings, and rich Cabs. Aussie vintners are master blendsmen, intermingling some of the most creative and innovative blends on the market. In the past five years, Australia has become the number ten wine producer in the world and has upped its imports to the U.S. by four times.

Wine buffs are so optimistic that they’re predicting Aussie exports will double again in the next five. In other words, look out wine world, here comes Australia!

MAJOR AUSTRALIAN WINE REGIONS

Australia’s wine country prospers mostly “down under,” along its southern expanse. The major regions in Australia are Western Australia (Margaret River, Pemberton), New South Wales (Hunter Valley), South Australia (Coonawarra, Clare Valley, Padthaway, Adelaide Hills, Barossa), Tasmania, and Victoria (Yarra Valley, Geelong, Mornington Peninsula, Goulburn Valley).

THE GRAPES

The top grapes used in Australia are as follows:

AUSTRALIAN REDS:

Shiraz

The Shiraz fruit covers more vineyard than any other varietal in Australia and it’s served its time in Aussie soil since the 19th century. This grape supplies an array of sexy, peppery reds, varying from light and fruity styles to big, bold, well-aging ones.

Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot

Add a dash of Merlot or a dab of Shiraz; the Aussies love to blend their Cabs. Cab and Shiraz blends started off the trend, but as Merlot has become all the rage so have Cab/Merlot blends. Australia’s full-fledge Cab boasts a more subtle character than its California relatives, and is bigheartedly fruity.

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