Australia Flashcards
(124 cards)
1
Q
Describe Australia’s wine law
A
there is a hierarchy of GIs incorporating zones, regions, and sub regions
2
Q
what is a zone in Australia
A
a large area without any particular qualifying attributes
3
Q
what can a zone be in Australia
A
either states (south Australia) or cover several states (south eastern Australia)
4
Q
what type of zone is rarely seen on a label in Australia?
A
ones that make up part of a state - except for Barossa
5
Q
Give some examples of regions in Australia?
A
Clare Valley, Coonawarra, and Margaret River
6
Q
Describe a region in Australia
A
smaller than zones and can vary in size, they must have consistent and distinct qualities from neighboring regions.
7
Q
When are regions split into sub regions in Australia
A
if there are notable areas that have distinct and unique qualities
8
Q
Although a sub region must fall within one region explain zones ? and give an example
A
some regions are covered by several zones
Eden valley is a region within Barossa zone which is within the zone of south Australia which is in turn within the zone of South Eastern Australia
9
Q
what has Australia been successful at
A
taking international grape varietals and crafting them into unique new styles.
10
Q
Give examples of some of most famous varietals Australia has crafted new styles for?
A
lime flavored Rielsings, full bodied Shiraz, elegant Cabernets, and subtle Semillons that evolve for decades
11
Q
What is Australia’s principle grape of either color
A
Shiraz - grown in most regions
12
Q
What type of regions can produce full bodied intensely fruit flavored Shiraz in Australia
A
hot regions such as Hunter Valley and warm regions such as Barossa Valley
13
Q
What are the characteristics of a Shiraz from Australia
A
earthy or spicy notes and develop leather aromas as they age.
14
Q
Describe the climate of Australia
A
the land mass is similar to USA and larger than Europe giving a diverse set of climates, but due to latitude the main growing regions have hot or warm climates. most regions have low rainfall and irrigation in the growing season is essential.
15
Q
Most of regions in Australia are tempered by what?
A
either the Indian or Southern Oceans or the Murray River system
16
Q
what regions are cooled by altitude in Australia?
A
Eden Valley and Adelaide Hills
17
Q
what is a major problem in Australia
A
drought - even years where the Murray RIver which supplies irrigation can be low
18
Q
what else is a problem in Australia caused by hot summers and dry conditions?
A
bush fires even the smoke of the fires can cause a pungent taint in the wines
19
Q
where have planting increases in Australia
A
higher altitudes on the mainland and in Tasmania which is more southerly in latitude
20
Q
Wine makers are beginning to make more restrained styles of Shriaz in AUstralia - describe them
A
leaner more peppery - made in cooler regions such as Geelong and Heathcote. these are often combines with blends
21
Q
What does Shiraz do when blended with Cab Sauv
A
gives a softness and body - similar to a Merlot in Bordeaux
22
Q
Describe an Australian Cab Sauv
A
usually darker with firmer tannins and higher acidity than Shiraz displaying black fruits (black currant, black cherry) often underpinned with toasty oak notes.
23
Q
what are classic regions in AUstralia for Cab Sauv
A
Coonawarra and Margaret River Valley.
24
Q
Where is Merlot typically found in Australia
A
blended with Cab Sauv to prove plummy fleshy fruit and body
25
Where are the best PInot Noirs found in Australia
in cooler or moderate regions such as Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula and Tasmania
26
Describe characteristics of best PInot Noirs in Australia
med bodied, with med alcohol, med-high acidity, and typical flavors of cherry and strawberry.
27
What varietals is perfect to ripen in Australia's hot regions
Grenache, Petit Verdot, and Mataro (mourvedre) - Tempranillo and Sangiovese have recently become popular as well due to the hot climate
28
what is the most planted white grape variety in Australia?
Chardonnay - made in a range of styles
29
Describe a basic Australian Chardonnay
a blend of fruit from different regions, produced unoaked to give peachy flavors or with the aid of oak chips or staves to add vanilla or hints of toast.
30
Describe a high end Chardonnay from a cool or moderate climate In regions such as Adelaide Hills, Mornington Peninsula and Yarra Valley or Margaret River
often beautifully balanced with fresh vibrant fruit complemented by subtle flavors from careful use of lees, MLF and oak Maturation.
31
What region is the benchmark of Sauvignon Blanc In Austrailia?
Adelaide Hills.
32
Describe a Sauvignon Blanc from Adelaide Hills
concentrated passion fruit with refreshingly high acidity.
33
What is the classic region for Semillon in Australia
Hunter Valley - although widely planted
34
Describe characteristics of Semillon wine from Hunter Valley
has distinctive style. harvested early, with low sugar levels and high acidity. contact with oxygen is kept at a minimum and inert vessels are used for fermentation and storage. resulting wines are light in alcohol, and almost neutral in flavors when first bottled, but develop extraordinary flavors with age of honey and toast.
35
How long can the best Semillon wines from HUnter Valley be aged in the bottle
20 years or more.
36
Describe a Semillon from Western Australia
more herbaceous style made which can be mistaken for Sauvignon Blanc
37
Describe a Barossa Valley style Semillon
fuller body softer style traditionally, but early picked unoaked versions now also being produced
38
Describe Riesling from Australia
style unique to Australia having pronounced citrus aromas (lime, grapefruit, lemon) in youth that quickly develop into toast, honey and petrol as the wine ages. typically unoaked with high acidity and are usually dry or off dry. although some sweet ones are made
39
what are classic regions for Rieslings in Australia
Eden and CLare Valleys, in South Australia. Tasmania and the Frankland River sub regions are also developing a reputation for reislings that are less citrus and more floral.
40
Describe the South eastern australian zone
"super zone" in Australia that covers all the GIs within south australia, Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland which allows for blending across of most of AUstralia's ergions.
41
Wines labeled with South Eastern Australian zone are what kind of brands
high volume brands which take advantage of sourcing fruit from Riverland, Murray-Darling and Riverina, which have high yields of healthy grapes but lack the flavor concentration from high quality areas
42
How is wine enhanced that is made in high quantities but low qualities in AUstralia
blending components from regions such as Barossa, Adelaide Hills or McLAren Vale.
43
What does Riverina also speciailze in
Semillon made from botrytised grapes - morning fogs and mists help with development of noble rot
44
Where is the majority of Austraila's wine produced
South Australia
45
where are the vineyards concentrated in South Australia
south east of the state
46
What is the heartland of wine production in Australia
BArossa Valley which is to the north of Adelaide
47
What kind of climate is seen in BArossa
warm dry climate that uses bush vines
48
What varieties are produced in outstanding quality in BArossa
Shiraz, CAbernet Sauvignon, and Grenache
49
Describe a classic SHiraz from Barossa
full bodied, with soft tannins, ripe black fruit complemented by sweet american oak. as it ages it develops aromas of spice and leather
50
what is the most notable white variety in Barossa
Semillon - made in fresh unoaked style
51
Wines with a Barossa Label are made where?
come from Barossa zone and and can be made from fruits sourced from Barossa and Eden Valley
52
Where is Eden valley
located in the hills to the east of Barossa Valley
53
describe eden Valley climate
cool to moderate climate that varies with altitude
54
Describe a Riesling from Eden Valley
outstanding quality made in cooler vineyards, having intesne lime and grapefruit characteristics with a steely character. the best have longevity displaying marmalade and toasty characters after 10 years
55
besides reisling, what other varietals are seen in Eden Valley
shiraz, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon
56
what is the specialty of Clare Valley
Rielsing
57
where is CLare Valley
north west of barossa valley.
58
describe climate of clare valley
warm climate is tempered by cool afternoon breezes and cold nights. many vineyards are planted at 300-400 m even as high as 570 m.
59
Describe Clare Valley Rieslings
dry in style intense citrus and lime aromas and high acidity. can develop honey and toast characters with bottle age.
60
Describe Clare Valley Shiraz
fragrant, powerful and structured,
61
Describe a Cab Sauv from Clare Valley
can be produced with varying styles depending on soil and elevation. best ones have a long aging potential
62
Where is Adelaide HIlls region
25 km east of Adelaide
63
Describe the climate of Adelaide Hills
moderate where all vineyards are planted above 400 m in altitude. rainfall occurs mostly in the winter and soils have little water retaining capacity which means irrigation is necessary during the growing season.
64
What is Adelaide Hills region known for
refreshing Sauvignon Blancs and elegant Chardonnays that have high neutral acidities and pronounced citrus and peach aromas.
65
What other varietal is grown in Adelaide Hills
PInot noir for still reds and to blend with Chardonnay for sparkling
66
Where is McLaren Vale located?
on the coast to the south of Adelaide.
67
Describe the climate of McLaren Vale
afternoon breezes from nearby ocean temper the warm climate.
68
What type of wine does McLaren Vale largely produce?
red wine - Cab Suav, Merlot. Shiraz, and Grenache
69
Describe characteristics of red wines from McLAren VAle
intensely flavored with dark fruit aromas and have soft ripe tannins.
70
Where is Coonawarra
narrow strip of land that is 1.5 km wide by 1.5 km long. it is 400 km southeast of Adelaide towards the Victorian border
71
Describe Coonawarra climate
Has a distinctive red terra rossa soil over a limestone subsoil. under influence of cold currents from the Antarctic the maritime climate is moderate and cloud cover moderates summer temperatures
72
What varietal predominates in Coonawarra?
Cabernet Sauvignon
73
What varietals besides Cab are also planted in Coonawarra?
Shiraz, Merlot, and Chardonnay
74
Describe characteristics of a Cab in Coonawarra
concentrated structured wines with characteristics of cassis, and eucalyptus, or menthol aromas- best examples age very well.
75
Where is Victoria Austraila
located around Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay
76
Describe the climate of Victoria Australia
some of the coolest vineyard locations on Austrailian mainland. Benefit from ocean breezes allowing to grow high quality Pinot Noir and CHardonnay for sparkling wine
77
Where is the Great Diving Range found? and what does it provide
further inland from Victoria - a range of altitudes and aspects
78
What varietals are seen in high altitude sites of Macedon Ranges and Upper Giulburn?
Elegant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay as well as aromatic Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc
79
What do regions in Victoria on lowers slopes grow?
later ripening black varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz - often fresher and lighter then those from hotter regions
80
Where is Yarra Valley located?
to the north east of Melbourne
81
describe the climate of Yarra Valley
broadly speaking it is cool to moderate and maritime. but varied widely with wide range of altitude and aspect.
82
What is the specialty varietal in Yarra VAlley
Pinot noir - making sparkling and table wines
83
Describe Pinot Noir from YArra Valley
rich in fruit with strawberries, plums and dark cherries. Tannins are ripe and soft. careful oak handling adds complexity. age worthy wines are made by the best
84
Besides PInot Noir what other varietals are found in Yarra Valley
Chardonnay, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon
85
What varietals are prominent in Mornington Peninsula
PInot Noir and CHardonnay
86
what is the climate of Mornington Peninsula
located to south of Melbourne, coastal wine region has a cool to moderate maritime climate. vintages can vary widely due to chance of cool wet and windy weather at flowering time and often at harvest.
87
What do the best years look like in Mornington Peninsula
long growing season,, producing fragrant elegant wines with finesse.
88
Describe a Pinot Noir from Mornington Peninsula
ranges from light and delicate to more structured but they all tend to display pure fruit characteristics
89
Describe a Chardonnay from Mornington Peninsula
reflect cool conditions having citrus and pear and apple aromas, high acidities that are usually softened by MLF
90
Where is the Geelong region in Australia
to the west of Melbourne
91
What is the climate of Geelong
similar to Mornington Peninsula
92
Describe a Geelong CHardonnay
renowned for its quality and tends to be complex concentrated and full bodied.
93
What are the major red grapes planted in Geelong
pinot noir and shiraz - also used for sparkling
94
Describe a PInot Noir from Geelong
it can take on many earthy flavors
95
Describe a Shiraz from Geelong
generally fresh and peppery
96
Where is Heathcote
located in the center of Victoria much further inland than Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula and Geelong.
97
Describe the climate of Heathcote
cooling influences come from altitude rather than ocean giving a moderate climate
98
Describe Shiraz from Healthcote
firmer structure and fresher fruit flavors than those of warmer reasons
99
Besides Shiraz what other varieties are grown in Healthcote
Chardonnay and Cab Sauv as well as Mediterranean grapes like Sangiovese and Tempranillo
100
Where is Gouldburn Valley located?
to the east of Healthcote
101
What is the climate of Gouldburn?
heat is mitigated slightly by the lakes and creeks associated with the Gouldburn River
102
What is the most planted variety in Gouldburn?
Shiraz
103
What is the specialty grape of Gouldburn
Marsanne - producing wines of citrus fruits in youth and developing honeyed aromas with bottle age
104
Which region has the longest history of wine production in Austrailia?
New South Wales
105
What is the main region in New South Wales?
Hunter Valley - however, Mudgee, Orange and Cowra offer slightly cooler conditions.
106
Where are vineyards in New South Wales located
inland from Sydney on the western slopes of the great Diving Range, planted at altitude
107
What type of concentrated wines are produced in New South Wales
Chardonnay, and Cab Sauv
108
WHat is the climate of Hunter Valley
hot humid climate. high cloud cover and ocean breezes reduce the effect of heat during peak of summer. Lots of rainy unsettled weather at harvest.
109
What is needed in Hunter VAlley to minimise rot?
good canopy management techniques
110
What is the most planted grape variety in Hunter Valley
Semillon - light bodied, low in alcohol, high acidity and flavors initially rather neutral but evolve into complex spectrum of toast, nut and honey flavors with bottle age
111
What is another widely planted variety in Hunter Valley
Chardonnay - both oaked and unoaked
112
What is the largest produced black variety in Hunter Valley
Shiraz - producing wines of black fruit flavors (cherry, and blackberry) soft tannins, med body and earthy undertones
113
Where are wine regions of Western Australia located
south west tip of this large state
114
Describe wines from Western Australia regions
only wines not part of South Eastern Australia Super zone. often blended together and labelled as Western Australia
115
Where is Margaret River region located?
about 200 km south of Perth.
116
Describe climate of MArgaret River ?
coastal region has warm maritime climate. rainfall is high compared to other Australian regions, but falls mainly in the winter.
117
what variety is mainly planted in MArgaret River?
CAb Sauv and often blended with Merlot in a bordeaux like blend.
118
Describe Chardonnay from MArgaret River
concentrated stone fruit flavors , high levels of natural acids, a range style is produced using barrel aging and MLF to add complexity
119
Describe Sauvignon Blanc from Margaret River
also widely planted, often blended with Semillon resulting in wines with gooseberry and tropical fruit aromas with high acidity.
120
What is included in the Great Southern region in Australia
the sub regions of Mount Barker and Frankland river
121
What are the sub regions of Mount Barker and Frankland river known for
deeply colored Cab Sauvignon, elegant peppery Shiraz and floral Riesling
122
Describe Tasmania's climate
cool maritime cool by prevailing winds off teh SOuthern Ocean providing conditions generally free from extremes
123
Describe wine styles in Tasmania
started as sparkling, but now also makes still wines
124
What are prinicple varieties from Tasmania
Pinor Noir, CHardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris, but even Cab Sauvignon can ripen in the warmest driest areas.
