 Australia,
the world's largest island continent, grows an amazing diversity of
wine varietals in over 60 internationally renowned wine growing
regions. The climates in these regions vary greatly, and the soil
types range from deep black volcanic loams to sandy soils over
gravel and rich red clay over limestone. Mirroring Australia's wide
variety of climates and soils are Australia's colorful and
free-spirited people; together resulting in dynamic, bold wines that
could only be produced in this part of the world.
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Varietals
Australia currently
commercially produces more than 90 different grape varietals
Perhaps the most popular of all Australian varietals, Shiraz,
is famous for it's bold fruit flavors and ability to pair well
with many foods. Australian Cabernet Sauvignon,
powerful and full-bodied, is also very highly regarded in
the international market. Other successful and well-known
varietals produced in Australia include Grenache, Barbera,
Cabernet Franc, Zinfandel, Tempranillo, Merlot, Mourvedre, Rose,
Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Colombard,
Gewurztraminer, Viognier, Semillon, Verdelho, Sauvignon Blanc,
Marsanne, Muscat, Pinot Gris/Grigio, Riesling, Tawny, and both
sparkling red & white wines.
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Wine Growing Regions
Australia has over 60 distinct wine growing regions. A few
of the most vibrant and popular wine destinations include (but
are definitely not limited to) ...
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Barossa
Valley: has a profound and unique German influence; It's
warm climate is well suited to produce full-bodied reds and
robust whites. (renowned for its Shiraz)
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Clare
Valley: Most of the wine here is made in smaller
quantities as this region is famous for very high-quality
production.
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Coonawara:
Its rich terra rossa soil is famous for producing
high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.
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Heathcote:
Its slightly cooler climate produces wines of finesse and
longetivity.
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Hunter
Valley: Australia's oldest wine region; famous for its
production of Semillon
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Margaret River: This region has three sides
surrounded by the ocean producing a strong maritime climate;
renowned for its Shiraz
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McLaren
Vale: one of the most richly varied and highly developed
areas of Australia; famous for wines of outstanding quality
(especially its Cabernet Sauvignon)
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Mudgee:
highly regarded for it's Chardonnay; also produces powerful
Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasmania:
It's cool maritime climate produces wines with excellent
natural acid.
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Yarra
Valley: This region specializes in Chardonnay and Pinot
Noir (the key varietals for sparkling wines).
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Export
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Australia's
annual wine export exceeds $2.7 billion! The UK
continues to be Australia's biggest customer purchasing 43%
of Australia's exported wine in 2004-2005. The US
comes in second at 40%, and other nations (including Canada,
New Zealand, Ireland, Germany, Japan and Scandinavia) are
responsible for purchasing the remaining 17%.
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Australia is
the world's fourth largest wine exporter (selling to
over 100 different countries).
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Australian
Chardonnay, marketed to the UK in the 1980's, was one of
Australia's first successful export wines.
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