As a Wine Industry professional, I host many tastings, events and training courses. And at each of these events I feel it is my duty, as an ambassador of Australian wines, to attempt to change peoples perceptions from Aussie Plonk to Australian Fine Wine.
There seems to be three defined types of people when it comes to New world wines. New World devotees, truly open minded Wine drinkers ready to tackle all corners of the worlds wine regions and the old-world-guard. I would love to try and expose the huge array of different wine regions in Australia to those Francophiles
and show that not all Aussie wines are rich, buttery and oaky Chardonnay's or 16% fruit bombs.
So, for those who are interested in learning a little more about this wonderful country, here are my favourite, stunning, complex and ancient wine regions of Australia.
Tasmania
Tasmania, known for its spectacular beauty and pristine environment, now has more than 40 vineyards and wineries, many of them boutique producers. Tasmania's cool maritime climate lends itself to the production of elegant wines with excellent natural acidity, ideal for sparkling wine production and the two grape varieties commonly used in its production - Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Mornington Peninsula, Victoria
One of Australia's only true maritime wine regions, Mornington Penisiula is surrounded by Bass Strait, Port Phillip Bay and Western Port Bay. The landscape is open, with gently undulating hills and a moderately cool to very cool climate. Despite, or perhaps because of this marginal profile, Mornington Penisiula has come to prominence as a region that can coax the very best of Pinot Noir, ranging from hauntingly delicate styles to those that are intense and lingering. the constant factor is the purity of the varietal expression.
Adelaide Hills, South Australia
The Adelaide Hills run in a north-south direction and form part of South Australia's Mount Lofty ranges, approx 14 km east of the city of Adelaide. First planted in the late 1970's, there are now over 80 wine grape growers and 20 wineries in the region. The climate is considered to be relatively cool, resulting in wines that are typically fresh, fragrant and aromatic, yet crisp and food friendly with distinctive acidity and fine structure. Sauvignon Blanc is the most widely grown variety in the Adelaide Hills and is also one of Australia's most significant contemporary wine styles.
Beechworth, Victoria
The picturesque town of Beechworth, perched precariously on a hillside, was built around a gold rush when it was discovered in 1852. Established in the 1980's commercial viticulture is practiced on a small scale and the passion and talent of winemakers attracted to the region has seen many brands build a devoted following. Located three hour's drive north-east of Melbourne, this historic gold-rush town is also home to many talented artists and artisans from around the world. Principal grape varieties grown are Chardonnay, Shiraz and Pinot Noir.
Perth Hills, Western Australia
Viticulture has been practiced for over a hundred years in the Perth Hills, albeit on a generally tiny scale. It is located just 22km from the state capital Perth and is a pretty region- lush, native plant vegetation grows side by side with exotics introduced from around the world. Many of the best white wines to originate from this region are made from Chardonnay and the style is often generous and full-bodied. The major red varieties grown are Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache.
Orange, New South Wales
Orange has an established reputation as an orchard region, although grape vines were first planted commercially in 1980. Located 250km from Sydney, the region is dominated by Mount Canobolas, which provides the high-altitude slopes and hence the cooler climate. Spectacular panoramic views are enjoyed by many vineyards. While Orange successfully produces many varieties the main stand outs are Merlot and Chardonnay.
Back in January I attended an Australian trade tasting where Andrew Jefford (regular Decanter Magazine contributor) hosted a masterclass on Australian 'Terrior'. Terrior is a French term, that encompasses all the elements that combine to help grapes grow and ultimately create wines, eg Warmth, sun light, soil types, rain levels etc. Andrew has spent the last 15 months in Australia and truly believes that "there are many australian winemakers who not only understand the Terrior of their vineyards but are making wines which reflect that diversity of Terrior with a range of new and intriguing profiles" This is my belief also, with wines such as Eden Valley Rieslings, Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noirs, McLaren Vale Shiraz, Coonawarra Cabernets and Margaret River Chardonnays, Australia has a wealth of diverse regions and winemakers who are creating wines of 'place', and should no longer be feared or looked down upon.
There seems to be three defined types of people when it comes to New world wines. New World devotees, truly open minded Wine drinkers ready to tackle all corners of the worlds wine regions and the old-world-guard. I would love to try and expose the huge array of different wine regions in Australia to those Francophiles
and show that not all Aussie wines are rich, buttery and oaky Chardonnay's or 16% fruit bombs.
So, for those who are interested in learning a little more about this wonderful country, here are my favourite, stunning, complex and ancient wine regions of Australia.
Tasmania
Tasmania, known for its spectacular beauty and pristine environment, now has more than 40 vineyards and wineries, many of them boutique producers. Tasmania's cool maritime climate lends itself to the production of elegant wines with excellent natural acidity, ideal for sparkling wine production and the two grape varieties commonly used in its production - Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Mornington Peninsula, Victoria
One of Australia's only true maritime wine regions, Mornington Penisiula is surrounded by Bass Strait, Port Phillip Bay and Western Port Bay. The landscape is open, with gently undulating hills and a moderately cool to very cool climate. Despite, or perhaps because of this marginal profile, Mornington Penisiula has come to prominence as a region that can coax the very best of Pinot Noir, ranging from hauntingly delicate styles to those that are intense and lingering. the constant factor is the purity of the varietal expression.
Adelaide Hills, South Australia
The Adelaide Hills run in a north-south direction and form part of South Australia's Mount Lofty ranges, approx 14 km east of the city of Adelaide. First planted in the late 1970's, there are now over 80 wine grape growers and 20 wineries in the region. The climate is considered to be relatively cool, resulting in wines that are typically fresh, fragrant and aromatic, yet crisp and food friendly with distinctive acidity and fine structure. Sauvignon Blanc is the most widely grown variety in the Adelaide Hills and is also one of Australia's most significant contemporary wine styles.
Beechworth, Victoria
The picturesque town of Beechworth, perched precariously on a hillside, was built around a gold rush when it was discovered in 1852. Established in the 1980's commercial viticulture is practiced on a small scale and the passion and talent of winemakers attracted to the region has seen many brands build a devoted following. Located three hour's drive north-east of Melbourne, this historic gold-rush town is also home to many talented artists and artisans from around the world. Principal grape varieties grown are Chardonnay, Shiraz and Pinot Noir.
Perth Hills, Western Australia
Viticulture has been practiced for over a hundred years in the Perth Hills, albeit on a generally tiny scale. It is located just 22km from the state capital Perth and is a pretty region- lush, native plant vegetation grows side by side with exotics introduced from around the world. Many of the best white wines to originate from this region are made from Chardonnay and the style is often generous and full-bodied. The major red varieties grown are Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache.
Orange, New South Wales
Orange has an established reputation as an orchard region, although grape vines were first planted commercially in 1980. Located 250km from Sydney, the region is dominated by Mount Canobolas, which provides the high-altitude slopes and hence the cooler climate. Spectacular panoramic views are enjoyed by many vineyards. While Orange successfully produces many varieties the main stand outs are Merlot and Chardonnay.
Back in January I attended an Australian trade tasting where Andrew Jefford (regular Decanter Magazine contributor) hosted a masterclass on Australian 'Terrior'. Terrior is a French term, that encompasses all the elements that combine to help grapes grow and ultimately create wines, eg Warmth, sun light, soil types, rain levels etc. Andrew has spent the last 15 months in Australia and truly believes that "there are many australian winemakers who not only understand the Terrior of their vineyards but are making wines which reflect that diversity of Terrior with a range of new and intriguing profiles" This is my belief also, with wines such as Eden Valley Rieslings, Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noirs, McLaren Vale Shiraz, Coonawarra Cabernets and Margaret River Chardonnays, Australia has a wealth of diverse regions and winemakers who are creating wines of 'place', and should no longer be feared or looked down upon.