Australia Flashcards
(25 cards)
When did vines arrive in Australia?
Vines arrived on the continent with the First Fleet of British prisoners in 1788
What significant event spurred the arrival of free settlers in Australia?
The promise of gold
By what year had wine spread throughout New South Wales and the southeast?
By 1850
How much wine was exported to Britain by 1854?
Over 6000 liters
What two brands are mentioned as recognizable Australian wine producers from the early period?
- Penfolds
- Lindemans
What factors led to a fall in domestic demand for wine in Australia?
- Depletion of easily extractable gold
- Restrictive state trade barriers
What significant economic challenges did the Australian wine industry face in the latter half of the 19th century?
- Economic recession
- Phylloxera
What measures were taken to combat the spread of phylloxera?
Strict and immediate measures confining it to Victoria and a portion of New South Wales
Which state emerged as Australia’s largest wine production region after the phylloxera outbreak?
South Australia
What year marked the creation of the Commonwealth of Australia?
1901
What impact did federation have on interstate trade barriers?
Brought a relaxation of the interstate trade barriers
What percentage of the nation’s grapes does South Australia annually produce?
50%
What was the main focus of Australian wine production around the turn of the century?
Sweet, fortified wine production
What percentage of Australia’s production consisted of sweet, fortified wines until the 1960s?
Approximately 80%
Which country imported more wine from Australia than France before World War II?
Britain
What significant contribution did Australian wineries make during World War II?
Provided assistance during a critical wartime beer shortage for the US Army
What shift in wine production began to occur in Australia by 1970?
Momentum was building for dry table wines
What factors contributed to Australia becoming a leader in the global wine market by the 21st century?
- Surge in quality at the lowest level
- Adoption of new technologies
- Changing consumer preferences
- Skyrocketing domestic consumption
Which varietal wines led the Australian wine industry in the mid-1990s?
- Chardonnay
- Shiraz (Syrah)
- Cabernet Sauvignon
What innovative packaging technology was developed by Australians?
Bag-in-the-box technology
What closure technology were Australians early proponents of?
Stelvin closure
What characterized the Australian varietal wines during their rise?
- Fruity
- Clean
- Uncomplicated
- Soft
- Technically sound
What was Australia’s gross annual wine sales by 2003?
4.5 billion dollars
What is Australia’s rank in global wine exports by volume as of the latest data?
Fifth largest
