39 - Australia Flashcards
(53 cards)
1
Q
Australian wine laws
A
Zones: large areas without any particular qualifying attributes
- can either be states (South Australia) or cover several states (South Eastern Australia)
- can also make up part of a state, but with the possible exception Barossa these zones are rarely seen on labels
Regions:
- Coonawarra, Clare Valley, Margaret River
- can vary in size & are smaller than zones
- must have consistent & distinct qualities from neighbouring regions
- some regions are covered by several zones
(Eden Valley is a region within the Barossa zone, which is within the zone of South Australia, which in turn, is within South Eastern Australia zone)
Sub-regions:
- if there are notable areas that have distinct & unique qualities
- a sub-region must fall within one region
2
Q
climate & infl. of Australia
A
- due to Australia’s latitude, the main growing regions have warm or hot climates
- many of these regions are tempered by their proximity to either the Southern or Indian Ocean or the Murray River system
- others are cooled by altitude (Adelaide Hills, Eden Valley)
- in many regions rainfall is low & irrigation in the growing season is essential
- drought can be a significant problem & in extreme years even the Murray River can run low
- dry conditions & high summer temperatures –> bush fires are a very real risk in certain areas
- plantings have increased in high-altitude locations on the mainland & in Tasmania, which has a more southerly latitude
3
Q
black grapes in Australia (9)
A
- Shiraz
- CS
- Merlot
- PN
- Grenache
- PV
- Mataro (Mourvèdre)
- Sangiovese
- Tempranillo
4
Q
Australia’s principal grape variety of either colour
A
Shiraz
5
Q
Shiraz in Australia
A
- Australia’s principal grape variety of either colour
- grown widely in most regions
Hot regions (Hunter Valley) & warm regions (Barossa Valley)
- full-bodied
- intensely fruity
- often display earthy or spicy notes
- develop leather aromas as they age
- a number of winemakers are now making more restrained styles by controlling the level of extraction in the wm process
Cooler regions (Geelong, Heathcote)
- leaner, more peppery style
These qualities may be combined in a multi-regional blended wine
Also used to give softness & body to blends with CS, performing a similar role to Merlot in Bx
6
Q
CS in Australia
1. char, tannins & acid compared to Shiraz
2. fruit character
3. oak?
4. classic regions
A
- darker, firmer tannins & higher acidity than Shiraz
- ripe black fruit characters (blackcurrant, black cherry)
- toasty oak notes
Classic regions:
- Coonawarra
- Margaret River
7
Q
Merlot in Australia
A
- tends to be found in blended wines typically alongside CS, to provide body & fleshy, plummy fruit
8
Q
PN in Australia
A
- grown in a number of Australian regions
- the best examples tend to come from cool or moderate sites in regions such as Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula & Tasmania
- medium-bodied, medium alcohol, medium to high acidity, typical flavours of cherry & strawberry
9
Q
Australia’s hot regions are perfect for late ripening varieties such as …
A
Grenache, Petit Verdot & Mataro (Mourvèdre)
10
Q
varieties from Italy & Spain have gained in popularity in recent years in Australia
1. which grapes
2. why
A
- Sangiovese & Tempranillo
- they are well adapted to high summer temperatures & a limited water supply
11
Q
white grapes in Australia (4)
A
- Chardonnay
- SB
- Semillon
- Riesling
12
Q
most planted white grape in Australia
A
Chardonnay
13
Q
Chardonnay in Australia
A
- most planted white grape
- planted widely throughout the vy region
- made in a wide range of styles
Basic
- often a blend of fruit from different regions
- unoaked or oak chips/staves to add hints of toast & vanilla
- peachy flavours
High-quality
- cool-moderate regions (Adelaide Hills, Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Valley)
- warm regions (Margaret River)
- beautifully balanced with fresh, vibrant fruit complemented by subtle flavours from careful use of lees, MLF and/or oak maturation
14
Q
SB in Australia
A
- widely planted
- the moderate climate area of Adelaide Hills has developed a reputation as the benchmark for the variety
- tend to show concentrated passion fruit flavours alongside refreshing high acidity
15
Q
the moderate climate area of Adelaide Hills has developed a reputation as
A
the benchmark for Sauvignon Blanc
16
Q
Semillon in Australia
A
- used to make distinctive wines in a style that is unique to Australia
- planted widely
Classic region: Hunter Valley
- harvested early
- low sugar levels & high acidity
- contact with oxygen is kept to a minimum
- inert vessels for fermentation & storage
- light in alcohol & almost neutral in flavour when first bottled
- develop extraordinary flavours of honey & toast with bottle age
- best: can age for 20 years or more
Western Australia
- much more herbaceous style is made
- could be mistaken for SB
Barossa Valley
- traditionally made Semillon in a fuller-bodied, softer style
- early-picked, unoaked versions are now increasingly being produced
Riverina NSW
- specialises in the production of botrytised wines made from Semillon
- autumn morning mists & fogs favour the development of noble rot
17
Q
Riesling in Australia
A
- made in a style that is unique to Australia
- typically have pronounced citrus fruit aromas & flavours (lime, lemon, grapefruit) in youth
- develop rapidly into toast, honey & petrol notes as the wines age
- unoaked with high levels of acidity
- usually dry or slightly off-dry
- some sweet wines are also made
- Classic regions: Eden & Clare Valleys in South Australia
- Tasmania, & the Frankland River sub-region of Western Australia, are also developing reputations for high-quality Rieslings. Less citrusy & more floral
18
Q
Wine regions in Australia
6 zones/big areas
18 smaller zones/regions (3+7+5+1+2)
A
- South Eastern Australia Zone
- Murray-Darling
- Riverina
- Riverland - South Australia
- Barossa (zone)
- Barossa Valley (region)
- Eden Valley (region)
- Clare Valley (region)
- Adelaide Hills (region)
- McLaren Vale (region)
- Coonawarra (region) - Victoria
- Yarra Valley (region)
- Geelong (region)
- Mornington Peninsula (region)
- Heathcote
- Goulburn Valley (region) - New South Wales
- Hunter Valley (region)
- (Mudgee, Orange, Cowra) (regions) - Western Australia
- Margaret River (region)
- Great Southern (region) - Tasmania
19
Q
South Eastern Australia
- covers
- allows
- type of wines
- 3 areas
- how to increase quality
- the choice of components in the blend will depend on
A
- ‘super-zone’ that covers all the GIs within South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales & Queensland
- allowing blending of grapes or wines from across most of Australia’s wine regions
- the majority of wines that are labelled with this indication are high volume brands & take advantage of being able to source fruit from the fertile, irrigated vy of
–> Riverland in South Australia
–> Murray-Darling in Victoria
–> Riverina in New South Wales - these regions above can produce high yields of healthy grapes, but they lack the flavours concentration of those from high-quality areas
- blending in components from regions such as Barossa, Adelaide Hills or McLaren Vale may enhance these wines
- the choice of components in the blend will depend on
–> the grape variety
–> the style sought
–> the price point that is to be met
20
Q
3 fertile, irrigated vy areas used for fruit in South Eastern Australia
Name & zone
A
- Riverland in South Australia
- Murray-Darling in Victoria
- Riverina in New South Wales
21
Q
the choice of components in the blend of South Eastern Australia will depend on
A
- the grape variety
- the style sought
- the price point that is to be met
22
Q
where is Riverland
A
South Australia
23
Q
where is Murray-Darling
A
Victoria
24
Q
where is Riverina
A
New South Wales
25
Riverina is known for
- fruit used for high volume brands
- specialises in the production of botrytised wines made from Semillon
--> autumn morning mists & fogs in this region favour the development of noble rot
26
the majority of Australia's wine is produced in ...
South Australia
27
the vineyards in South Australia are concentrated ...
in the south east of the state
28
South Australia
- the majority of Australia's wine is produced in South Australia
- the vy are concentrated in the south east of the state
- a range of premium vineyard locations offering different characteristics
- some of Australia's most prestigious, & most expensive, wines take advantage of the blending opportunities provided by this GI & are simply labelled South Australia
29
where is Barossa Valley
- South Australia
- to the north of Adelaide
30
Barossa Valley
1. climate
2. grapes
1. warm, dry climate
2. old bush vines produce outstanding Shiraz, CS & Grenache
31
Shiraz in Barossa Valley
Classic Barossa Valley Shiraz:
- full-bodied
- soft tannins
- ripe black fruit
- complemented by sweet American oak
- softens & develops aromas of leather & spice as it ages
32
most notable white variety in Barossa Valley
- Semillon
- increasingly made in a fresh, unoaked style
33
wines labelled Barossa come from ...
**the Barossa zone** & can be made from fruit sourced from **Barossa Valley** & **Eden Valley**
34
Eden Valley
1. where
2. climate & infl.
3. grapes & wine
1. in the hills to the east of the Barossa Valley, South Australia
2. cool-moderate climate (varies with altitude)
3. grapes & wines:
Riesling
- outstanding quality Rieslings are made in the cooler vy
- intense lime & grapefruit aromas & a steely character
- best: have longevity displaying marmalade & toasty characters after ten years
Shiraz, Chardonnay & CS are also grown with success
35
Clare Valley
1. where
2. climate & infl.
3. grapes & wine
1. to the north-west of the Barossa Valley, South Australia
2. the warm climate is tempered by cool afternoon breezes & nights are cold
- many vy are planted at altitude (300-400m), some even as high as 570m
3. grapes & wines:
Riesling
- dry
- intense citrus & lime aromas
- high acidity
- with bottle age they can develop honey & toast characters
Shiraz
- fragrant, powerful & structured
CS
- excellent quality, varying styles depending on the vy location, soil & elevation
The best red wines have a long cellaring potential
36
Adelaide Hills
1. where
2. climate & infl.
3. grapes & wines
1. 25km east of Adelaide, South Australia
2. moderate climate
- all vy planted above 400m
- rainfall occurs mainly in the winter
- soils have limited water-holding capacity
- irrigation is ofrten necessary during the growing season
3. grapes & wines
- specialises in making refreshing **SB** as well as elegant **Chardonnays** with high natural acidities & pronounced citrus & peach aromas
- **PN** is also grown for still red wines & blending with Chardonnay for sparkling wine
37
McLaren Vale
1. where
2. climate & infl.
3. grapes & wines
1. on the coast to the south of Adelaide, South Australia
2. afternoon breezes from the nearby ocean temper the warm climate
3. largely produces red wine from **Shiraz**, **CS**, **Merlot** & **Grenache**
- intensely flavoured with dark fruit aromas & soft, ripe tannins
- some old vine Shiraz & Grenache are used to create wines with depth & complexity
38
Coonawarra
1. where
2. climate & infl.
3. grapes & wines
1. 400km south-east of Adelaide, towards the Victorian border. South Australia
2. a narrow strip of land 1,5km x 15km
- with a distinctive red, terra rossa soil over a limestone subsoil
- under the influence of cold currents from the Antarctic, the maritime climate is moderate
- cloud cover moderates summer temperatures
3. grapes & wines
CS
- predominates
- concentrated, structured wines
- characteristic cassis & eucalyptus or menthol aromas
- best: age very well
Shiraz, Merlot & Chardonnay are also widely planted
39
Victoria
Climatic infl.
- offers some of the coolest vy locations on the Australian mainland
- the wine regions around Melbourne & Port Phillip Bay benefit from **ocean breezes**, giving conditions cool enough to grow high-quality PN, Chardonnay & grapes for sparkling wine
- further inland the **Great Dividing Range** provides a range of **altitudes** & **aspects**
- high altitude sites (Macedon Ranges, Upper Goulburn) make elegant PN & Chardonnay as well as aromatic Rsl & SB
- regions on lower slopes grow later-ripening black varieties such as Shiraz & CS. Often fresher & lighter in style than those from Australia's hotter regions
40
what/where is the Great Dividing Range
mountain range in Victoria, Australia
41
Yarra Valley
1. where
2. climate & infl.
3. grapes & wine
1. to the north-east of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
2. cool-moderate Maritime
- very varied region with a wide range of altitude & aspects
3. grapes & wine
**PN** is the speciality:
- high-quality table wines
- excellent quality sparkling wines
- rich in fruit
- strawberries, plums & dark cherries
- ripe tannins
- soft & careful oak handling adds complexity
- top producers make age-worthy wines
**Chardonnay**, **Shiraz** & **CS** are also successfully made in a range of styles although never with quite the weight of similar wines from warmer regions
42
Mornington Peninsula
1. where
2. climate & infl.
3. grapes & wine
1. to the south of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
2. cool-moderate Maritime climate
- small boutique estates
- vintages can vary here due to the chance of cool, wet & windy weather at flowering & often at harvest
- best years have a long growing season producing fragrant, elegant wines with finesse
3. grapes & wine
**PN**
- ranges from light & delicate, to more structured
- all tend to display very pure fruit characteristics
**Chardonnay**
- reflect the cool growing conditions
- having citrus, pear & apple aromas
- high acidities that are usually softened by MLF
43
Geelong
1. where
2. climate & infl.
3. grapes & wine
1. west of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
2. similar climatic conditions to the Mornington Peninsula
--> cool-moderate Maritime climate
--> chance of cool, wet & windy weather at flowering & often at harvest
3. grapes & wine
**Chardonnay**
- renowned for its quality
- tends to be complex, concentrated & full bodied
**PN** & **Shiraz** are the major red grapes planted
- PN: can take on earhy aromas
- Shiraz: generally fresh & peppery
Both Chardonnay & PN are also used for sparkling wines
44
Heathcote
1. where
2. climate & infl.
3. grapes & wine
1. in the centre of Victoria, much further inland than the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula & Geelong
2. cooling influences here come from altitude rather than the ocean giving a moderate climate
3. grapes & wine
**Shiraz**: firmer structure & fresher fruit flavours than those of warmer regions
**Chardonnay** & **CS** are also widely planted
Mediterranean grapes such as **Sangiovese** & **Tempranillo** have shown promise
44
Heathcote
1. where
2. climate & infl.
3. grapes & wine
1. in the centre of Victoria, much further inland than the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula & Geelong
2. cooling influences here come from altitude rather than the ocean giving a moderate climate
3. grapes & wine
**Shiraz**: firmer structure & fresher fruit flavours than those of warmer regions
**Chardonnay** & **CS** are also widely planted
Mediterranean grapes such as **Sangiovese** & **Tempranillo** have shown promise
45
Goulburn Valley
1. where
2. climate & infl.
3. grapes & wine
1. to the east of Heathcote, Victoria, Australia
2. warm
- heat is mitigated slightly by the lakes & creeks associated with the Goulburn River
3. grapes & wine
- **Shiraz** is the most planted variety
- **Marsanne** is the speciality of the area, producin wines with citrus fruit in youth & developing honeyed aromas with bottle age
46
New South Wales
- has the longest history of wine production in Australia
- main region: the hot Hunter Valley
- the regions of Mudgee, Orange & Cowra offer wine producers slightly cooler conditions
- located inland from Sydney, on the western slopes of the Great Dividing Range, the vineyards are planted at altitude & are capable of producing some very concentrated Chardonnays & structured CS
47
what area has the longest history of wine production in Australia
New South Wales
48
Hunter Valley
1. where
2. climate & infl.
3. grapes & wine
1. north of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
2. hot, humid climate
- high cloud cover & ocean breezes reduce the effect of the heat in the peak of summer
- often suffers from unsettled rainy weather at harvest
--> good canopy management techniques are essential to minimise rot
3. grapes & wine
**Semillon**
- the most planted grape variety
- light bodied, low alcohol, high acidity
- flavours that are initially rather neutral but evolve into a complex spectrum of toast, nut & honey flavours with bottle age
**Chardonnay**
- also widely planted
- made in both oaked & unoaked styles
**Shiraz**
- the black variety with the largest production
- black fruit flavours (blackberry & cherry)
- soft tannins
- medium body
- earthy undertone
49
Western Australia
- the wine regions of WA are located in the south-west tip of this large state
- the fruit or wine from these regions can be blended together & labelled as Western Australia
- these are the only wines not part of the South Eastern Australia super-zone
50
Margaret River
1. where
2. climate & infl.
3. grapes & wine
1. approximately 200km south of Perth
2. coastal region with a warm maritime climate
- rainfall is high compared with other Australian regions, but falls mainly in the winter
3. grapes & wine
CS
- widely planted
- often blended with Merlot in a Bx-style blend
- a number of different styles are produced ranging from elegang & restrained to fruity & powerful
Chardonnay
- display concentrated stone-fruit aromas
- retain high levels of natural acidity
- a range of styles are produced using barrel ageing & MLF to add complexity
SB
- also widely planted
- often blended with Semillon
--> attractive gooseberry & tropical fruit aromas with high acidity
51
The Great Southern region
1. where
2. sub-regions
3. grapes & wine
1. the area to the south in Western Australia, around Albany
2. Mount Barker & Frankland River
3. deeply coloured **CS**, elegant, peppery **Shiraz** & floral **Riesling**
52
Tasmania
- cool maritime climate
- cooled by prevailing westerly winds off the Southern Ocean
--> providing conditions that are generally free from extremes
- started as a prime source of base wine for Australian sparkling wine
- has since proved it can also make excellent still wines
- principal varieties: PN, Chardonnay, SB & Pinot Gris
- even CS can ripen in the warmest, driest areas
