20. Australia Flashcards
What percentage of Australia’s overall wine production does sparkling wine represent?
Less than 6%
What is the split between domestic/export sales of Australia’s sparkling wine?
80% domestic, 20% export
What methods of production are used in Australia sparkling wine?
Traditional method - classic Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Meunier blends
Tank method - Glera/Prosecco/Moscato
Sparkling Shiraz
Pet Nat
What regions of Australia are grapes grown for traditionally made sparkling wine?
The cooler regions of Australia, especially Tasmania, but also in regions such as Yarra Valley, Adelaide Hills and the alpine regions of Victoria & New South Wales on higher altitude sites.
Why do cooler regions produce grapes highly suitable for quality sparkling wine
- High acidity
- Moderate potential alcohol levels
- Ripe but medium intensity fruit characters
- Lower yields
What is the leading region for high-quality traditional method sparkling wines?
Tasmania. Nearly 40% of total wine grape production is made into sparkling wine
Describe the climate of Tasmania
It is varied. The Tamar Valley is much warmer (sheltered from cold Southern Ocean). Southern Tasmania is generally cooler than the north coast. The coldest areas are cooler than Champagne
What are the main challenges for grape growing
- Spring frosts
- High rainfall
- Coulure in early season
- Botrytis later season
Where is fruit grown for inexpensive sparkling wines?
A wide range of reasons, including Riverland, Riverina and Murray-Darling - labeled “South Eastern Australia”
What are some common elements of viticulture for inexpensive sparkling wines?
- Irrigation essential
- Mechanisation standard
- Fruit picked early for lower potential alcohol to retain high acidity.
- Yields 2-3x as high as in cool areas
- Prices 1/4 the prices of fruit that goes into premium quality wine
Where is fruit for sparkling red wine grown?
Warm climate regions, especially central Victoria, Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale. Style requires richness and intensity of flavor and so grapes are picked at same time as still wine
What time on lees do premium producers of sparkling wine use?
Similar to Champagne. Significant number age wine on lees for 3 or more years, and emerging category of ‘late disgorged’ wines, with 6 years or more of aging.
Where do wine makers in Tasmania make their wines?
Most large producers press grapes on island but then complete winemaking on mainland. Refrigerated juice/base wine transported to mainland Australia - specialized equipment for 2nd fermentation
What are the aroma/flavor characteristics of premium traditional method Australia sparkling wines?
- Med+ to high acidity
- Medium alcohol
- Med - to med + body
- Med - to med + flavor intensity
- Lighter styles - softly fruity (citrus/apple)
- Fuller body styles - prominent autolytic notes
- May or may not malolactic conversion - depends on style
What are the aroma/flavor characteristics of inexpensive and mid-priced sparking wines
- Med to med+ acidity
- Dry to medium-sweet
- Low to medium alchohol
- Light to medium body
- Fruity - some intensely so - citrus, ripe stone fruit, grapey Moscato
- Little/no autolytic character
