AUSTRALIAN WINES(2)
AUSTRALIAN WHITES:
Riesling
After laying roots in Australian soil for more than 180 years, this fresh, fruity, fragrant grape is finally gaining notoriety in Australia, giving Chardonnay a run for its grape juice. The best Aussie Rieslings are bursting out of Clare Valley and Eden Valley.
Chardonnay
Always playing with style, Australian vintners are spicing it up a bit when squashing Chardonnays into wine. The range stretches between styles with a rich, buttery, heavily oaked panache to those with a bright, citrusy, and proudly marked “unwooded” flair.
HOW TO ORDER/BUY
The Australian wine label contains most the information you need to know to make a choice — from the grape varietals and to the origin and producer. See the “Legal Quality Code” section below for the labeling requirements. If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask your server or wine shop dealer.
Just Keep in Mind:
• If you’re new to Australian wines, try the wines for which they’re known. You can’t go wrong with the Shiraz or Shiraz blends.
• If you already know what you like — order your usual Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay. Styles may vary a bit, but the basics hold up from country to country.
• It’s not difficult to find amazing Australian wines that rate well for $20-$25 and under. Don’t let the amazing value scare you off!
What Is a Boutique Wine?
Well, if finer is what you’re after — meaning slightly more to even incredibly more expensive — consider one of Australia’s boutique wines. They’re causing quite a stir in the higher-end wine market.
The original boutique wine came out of Saint-Emilion garage, and thus the French dubbed it a vin de garage. For the most part, a boutique wine is:
• “Handmade” without the use of chemical or industrial processes or mechanical aids.
• Produced and bottled in small volume at a small winery.
• An expression of the vintner’s passion for winemaking and a taste worthy accentuation of the local terroir (a wine from any old small winery is not necessarily a boutique; the wine must display passion, distinction, and the best flavor).
