Australia Flashcards
(203 cards)
1
Q
What is the climate in Australia?
A
- Overall the climate is hot Mediterranean with a maritime influence near the coast.
- There are cool climate regions such as Tasmania and high altitude mainland sites
- The climate in inland wine regions especially Victoria and South Australia is continental with hotter summers and milder winters than mainland Europe
- The Hunter Valley is subtropical with warm temperature, high humidity and cloud cover
2
Q
What are these three biggest issues facing the Australian wine trade?
A
- Climate change and impact on water availability and quality
- Supply-demand imbalanced leading sometimes to over production while capacity grows
- Aggressive pricing with wine sold at heavily discounted prices with little profit for the company
3
Q
What has been the cause of Australia’s success in the international wine world?
A
- Varietals labelled wines that give a wine drinker a clear idea of what they can expect when they buy a bottle
- Clear concept of marketing and creating labels, both back and front that appeal to the shopper
- Investment in wine technology and innovation
4
Q
How big is the Australian wine trade?
A
- Australia is the 5th largest wine producer
- Australia is the 5th largest wine exporter
- Australia has ~135ha of vines
- Australia has ~2,500 wineries
- Australia has an annual production of over 1.37 litres
5
Q
Is Australia in the top 5 wine exporting countries?
A
Yes, it is the fifth largest wine exporting country and the fifth largest wine producing country
6
Q
Is Australia one of the biggest wine producing countries?
A
Yes it is the fifth largest wine producing country and the fifth largest wine exporter
7
Q
What is the Australian hierarchy of production areas?
A
Super zones - South Eastern Australia GI State Zones - Area Zone Regions - Eden Valley Sub regions - High Eden
8
Q
What percentage of Australian vineyards does the super zone ‘South Eastern Australia’ cover?
A
95% it allows blending from different regions whilst still allowing the region to be used on the label in Europe. It is typically used for cheap bulk wine from the Murray-Darling corridor
9
Q
If a variety is included on a label of Australian wine how much of that stated variety needs to be in the blend?
A
85% blended wines often include the names of the predominant varieties which must be listed in decreasing order of importance
10
Q
How many wine regions are there in Australia?
A
65 eg Eden Valley, Goulburn Valley
11
Q
How many sub regions are there in Australia?
A
There are 14 subregions including High Eden and Nagambie Lakes
12
Q
Which areas make up the Murray-Darling corridor?
A
- Riverina
- Murray-Darling
- Swan-Hill
- Riverland
13
Q
Which did Australia phase out the use of Burgundy, Claret, Chablis etc?
A
Due to EU laws protecting denominations of origin
14
Q
What are some of Australia’s oldest vines?
A
Un grafted, bush trained Shiraz
15
Q
What is the topography like in Australia?
A
Vineyards are generally planted near the coast on flag rolling countryside due to arid, desert conditions inland, exception of Murray-Darling where the rivers once provided water for irrigation, drought is now threatening this
16
Q
Are Australia’s vineyards wire trained?
A
Yes most young vineyards are wire training for ease of pruning and machine harvesting.
Some of the world’s oldest vines are in Australia, these are ungrafted, bush trained Shiraz
17
Q
What is the only notable fine wine made in the Murray Darling corridor?
A
De Bortoli’s ’Noble One’ a botrytised Semillon from Riverina in the style of a fine Sauterne
18
Q
Did Phylloxera reach Australia?
A
Yes. Historically important vineyards in Victoria were destroyed by Phylloxera and have had further recent outbreaks. March the second Phylloxera outbreak in a month was recorded.
South Australia has never been plagued by Phylloxera and has some very old ungrafted Shiraz vines.
19
Q
How much of Australia’s total wine production does South Australia account for?
A
About half of Australia’s total wine production
20
Q
What is more important in Australia white or black grapes?
A
Black grapes. Black grapes account for over 3/5 of Australian plantings. Of these almost half are Shiraz and almost a third Cabernet Sauvignon
21
Q
How important is Victoria region of Australia?
A
Victoria accounts for 25% of total production
22
Q
What is the climate in Tasmania?
A
It is a cool climate region
23
Q
What percentage of production does Western Australia enjoy?
A
Only 3% of production but 30% of awards. High quality, commanding high prices on the international market.
24
Q
How many different varieties are grown in Australia?
A
Around 90 but there are 8 main white and 8 main red varieties
25
What are the eight main red varieties in Australia? In order of importance.
1. Shiraz
2. Cabernet Sauvignon
3. Merlot
4. Pinot Noir
5. Ruby Cabernet (bulk wine only)
6. Grenache
7. Mataro (Mourvèdre)
8. Cabernet Franc
26
What is the most important grape variety in Australia?
Shiraz
27
What are the 8 most important white grape varieties in Australia?
1. Chardonnay
2. Thomson Seedless (bulk wine)
3. Sauvignon
4. Semillon
5. Riesling
6. Muscat Gordo Blanco (bulk wine)
7. Colombard (bulk wine)
8. Verdelho
28
What are the top 5 white grape varieties in Australia?
1. Chardonnay
2. Thomson Seedless (bulk wine)
3. Sauvignon Blanc
4. Semillon
5. Riesling
29
What are the top five grape varieties in Australia?
1. Shiraz
2. Chardonnay
3. Cabernet Sauvignon
4. Merlot
5. Sauvignon Blanc
30
What is the most important white grape variety in Australia?
Chardonnay
31
What is the Classic Australian region for Sémillon?
Hunter Valley, in New South Wales inland from Sydney
32
What are the two classic regions for Riesling in Australia?
Eden Valley
| Clare Valley
33
What are the two classic regions for Cabernet Sauvignon in Australia?
Coonawarra
| Margaret River
34
What is the only real quality wine from Big Rivers Zone in Australia?
Sweet botrytised Sémillon from Riverina, DeBortolli make a ‘Noble One’
35
Why is grey rot a problem in Lower Hunter Zone?
Due to high rainfall at harvest
36
Why does being close to Sydney help Hunter Valley?
The proximity to Sydney means it enjoys a lot of tourism and hence wine sales
37
What grape dominates in the Upper Hunter Valley Zone?
Chardonnay
38
Why is the Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon from Central Ranges Zone concentrated?
Cool climate
39
What is planted at higher altitudes in Australia’s Central Ranges Zone?
Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling
In the hilltop region Chardonnay and Sémillon is grown
Reds such as Cabernet Sauvignon are at lower vineyards
40
Why is frost a problem in Canberra district?
It is a problem at high altitude vineyards
41
What is grown at high altitude vineyards in Canberra?
Pinot Noir and Riesling?
42
Why are fungal diseases a problem in Port Philip Zone, Australia?
The climate is cool and wet, leading to under-ripeness and fungal diseases
43
What is the most widely planted grape in the Port Philip Zone?
Chardonnay with citrus character and crisp acidity due to cool wet climate
44
What is the climate in Mornington Peninsula?
Maritime
45
Where is the Mornington Peninsula?
South of Melbourne in Victoria
46
What do the boutique producers in Mornington Peninsula specialise in?
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
47
What does the Central Victoria Zone - The Goulburn Valley and Heathcote regions specialise in?
Distinctive whites from Rhône Varieties, Marsanne, Rousanne and Viognier; Quality Rieslings, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon
48
What wines is Tasmania known for?
Sparkling wines, also producing elegant Pinot Noir and white wines from Alsatian varieties
49
Why is their lots of healthy fruit in Lower Murray Zone, Riverland region?
Hot climate, low rainfall
50
Why do wines from Riverland reach sugar ripeness before phenolic ripeness?
The hot climate
51
What is the Classic region for Shiraz?
Barossa Valley? It is full bodied, soft and spicy developing aromas of leather with age
52
What grape does Adelaide Hills specialise in?
Cool, climate Chardonnay with elegance, high acidity and nectarine and lemon character
53
What colour is the soil in Coonawarra?
Red terra Rossa soil over a limestone base producing excellent Cabernet Sauvignon.
54
What are the main viticultural problems in Coonawarra?
Spring frost
Rain at harvest
Under-ripeness of fruit due to cool climate as influenced by ocean currents.
55
Who coined the term ‘Flying winemaker’?
Tony Laithwaite
He hired a team of young Australian winemakers to work on the 1987 vintage in a French co-op winery
56
What was the original idea behind ‘flying winemakers’?
To apply Australian hard work and technological expertise to inexpensive grapes.
It worked as there was a number of highly trained winemakers who are relatively ideal during harvest time in the northern hemisphere
57
What three things can be considered a sign of Australian influence on the wine world?
1. Wine production
- flying winemakers - hard working
- pioneered canopy management, irrigation techniques such as partial rootstock drying and high tech soil mapping
- hygiene
- water usage
- research and innovation from Australian Wine Research Institute and Australian oenology and viticultural universities like Roseworthy, Adelaide and Charles Stuart University
2. Marketing
- developing and selling brands
- varietal labelling
- consumer-friendly labels
3. Distribution
5th biggest exporter of wines
Important exporter to US & UK
58
Why is grafting commonly used in Australia?
Usually grafting is done to protect against Phylloxera.
Phylloxera has never entered the states of South Australian Western Australia and Tasmania nor Hunter Valley in New South Wales.
Top grafting is practiced to allow vineyards to respond to changes in market demand and fashion by changing just the fruiting varieties and leaving the established root system.
59
What does ‘Special Late Harvested’ mean in relation to Australian wines?
A term which according to EU law should be applied to wines of more than 15% made in Australia from fresh ripe grapes of which a significant proportion has been dried out using natural conditions in a manner favouring the concentration of sugars in the berries.
60
What is Roseworthy?
Australia’s first agricultural college established in 1883.
Located north of Adelaide in South Australia close to Barossa Valley
It trained a high proportion of winemakers and viticulturalists in Australia and New Zealand and contributed to the technical standing of the Australian wine industry.
61
What is Charles Sturt University?
One of Australia’s foremost research and teaching institutions for grape growers and wine makers.
Launched in 1976 to a satisfy the growing need for wine industry in addition to Roseworthy.
62
Who was Len Evans?
A promoter, taster, judge, teacher, writer and maker of wine that did more to advance the cause of wine in Australia than any other.
He was one of the few to see the future lay in table wine rather than fortified wines and helped establish table wine as important to Australia’s social life and economy.
A natural performer, he turned blind tasting into a competitive sport and convinced Australian’s that real men could indeed drink table wine.
63
Who was James Busby? And what are the 3 things he is celebrated for?
James Busby (1801-1871) is the so called father of Australian viticulture.
Celebrated for his:
- enthusiasm for development of viticulture in Australia
- writings on viticulture
- vine importations
He was convinced of the future of viticulture in the colony and wrote several important books/manuals on how to cultivate wine in Australia
He created a significant collection of vine cuttings and important clones of Chardonnay and Shiraz vines can be traced back to his imports.
64
Which country established the wine show System?
Australia
Wine shows to place in each Australian state
Trophies and medals awarded are used extensions in marketing and promotions
65
What is a lifestyle winery?
A term coined in New Zealand for a small winery established and run , typically by an educated young to middle-aged couple who have access to funds generated by another career, more for its lifestyle appeal than as a strictly commercial proposition
66
How much of the trade does cellar door/direct to consumer sales account for in Australia?
~10% of total domestic sales volume and over 50% of revenue for half of Australian wine makers (those making up to 5,000 cases per year)
67
What affects the sun exposure of grapes in the Hunter Valley?
Significant fog which moderates the sub tropical climate
68
Which is Australia’s biggest export market by value?
China
69
How much of Australia’s total wine is exported?
60% Australia is the 5th biggest exporting country
70
What are Australia’s top 5 exporting markets?
1. Mainland China (33% of value)
2. USA (18%)
3. UK (14%)
4. Canada (7%)
5. Hong Kong (5%)
71
How much of Australia’s exported wine is exported to China?
33% of Australian exports go to mainland China
5% to Hong Kong
72
How much of Australia’s exported wines go to the UK?
14%
73
How important to Australia is the US market?
The USA represents 14% of value of total exports
Canada is 7%
74
What is the climate in Clare Valley, Australia?
Continental
75
What moderates temperatures in Clare Valley?
Afternoon breezes moderate summer heat
Altitude - 400-500m
76
Where geographically is Clare Valley?
South Australia
Northern extremity of Mount Lofty Ranges
400-500m altitude
77
What wine is Clare Valley known for?
Riesling - Australia’s benchmark style of Riesling
Although it does make red wines of considerable weight. Cabernet Sauvignon either varietal or blended with Shiraz or Merlot
78
What is the soil in Clare Valley?
Free draining with significant limestone deposits
79
What altitude do vineyards sit at in Clare Valley?
400-500m
80
What is the taste profile of a Clare Valley Riesling?
Drier and leaner than Eden Valley.
Mouth puckering acidity, notes of citrus fruits, apples and minerals
81
What is varietal Cabernet Sauvignon like in Clare Valley?
Inky, rich and full bodied with a characteristic eucalyptus note
82
Name a top producer in Clare Valley?
Grosset (The Grosset Polish Hill Riesling is one of the region’s best with the winemaker Jeff Grosset strongly influenced by his early career experience in Germany)
Jim Barry
Kilikanoon
Wendouree
83
Key facts re Clare Valley?
1. Fine wine region in South Australia
2. Strongly continental climates warm summer days and cool nights
3. Altitude of 400-500m
4. Afternoon breezes and altitude moderate climate
5. Known for Benchmark Australian Riesling - drier and leaner than Eden Valley, mouth puckering acidity, citrus fruits, apple and minerals, evolving into more complex toasty character with age
6. Also produces weighty reds - full bodied inky Cab Sav and Cab blends
7. Free draining soils with limestone deposits
84
The Barossa Zone incorporates which two quality wine regions?
Barossa Valley
| Eden Valley
85
Where is Barossa Valley?
In South Australia
North East of Adelaide
Sheltered from the sea by Mount Lofty Ranges of which the Barossa Ranges form part
86
Who established vines in Barossa in 1842?
Silesian settlers, the Germanic heritage lingers in the architecture and cuisine of the region and the importance of Riesling and names of winemaking families
87
What is the climate in Barossa Valley?
Continental with hot and dry summers
88
How much of plantings are black grapes in Barossa Valley?
2/3 of plantings
89
Why are the grapes remarkably concentrated in Barossa Valley?
Heat, drought and infertility
Vine stress means vine is focused its energy on grapes. Roots need to bore deep beyond the inferior clay soils to drink at the water table
90
What is Barossa Valley known for?
It’s old vine Shiraz many are planted on own roots (ungrafted)
Dark, Rich, opulent, sophisticated Shiraz
91
What is the classic Barossa Valley Shiraz style?
Extremely dark, rich, opulent and sophisticated Shiraz
92
What is the most planted white variety in Barossa Valley?
Sémillon
Followed by Chardonnay and Riesling
Shiraz is king though
93
What is Shiraz often blended with in Barossa Valley?
Old vine Grenache and Mourvèdre (Mataro) in a Southern Rhône style blend GSM
Or with Cabernet Sauvignon
94
Key facts re Barossa Valley
1. Heart of Australian fine wine
2. The most famous wine region in Australia
3. Increasing trend towards plantings off The Valley floor on higher ground on the hillsides
4. Ungrafted 150 year old old vine Shiraz, Mourvèdre & Grenache - dry grown - unmatched anywhere else in the world
5. Barossa Zone includes Barossa Valley and Clare Valley
6. Continental climate
7. 2/3 of plantings are red. Shiraz reigns supreme
8. Top white variety is Sémillon, followed by Chardonnay and Riesling
95
Where is Eden Valley?
1. Wine region in South Australia
2. North East of Adelaide
3. Adjacent and South east of Barossa Valley
4. Lies in the Barossa Ranges, vineyards at altitude
96
What accounts for about half of all plantings in Eden Valley?
Black varieties
But Eden Valley is chiefly known for dry, austere Riesling
97
What is the Shiraz in Eden Valley like compared to Barossa Valley?
Shiraz from Eden Valley is lighter in body, higher in acidity and more savoury than Shiraz from Barossa Valley
Elegant? Medium body Shiraz like Hill of Grace
98
What is the style of Riesling from Eden Valley?
Dry, austere and textural Riesling that are long lived
99
Where is Henschke’s Hill of Grace sourced from?
A single vineyard in the Eden Valley
100
What is Penfold’s Grange?
A Shiraz dominated blend that is often thought of as Australia’s first growth sourced gem vineyards all around South Australia
101
Key facts re Eden Valley?
1. Wine region in South Australia (High Eden is a sub region)
2. Reputation for lime juice accented long lived Riesling, high quality, medium bodied dry/off dry high acidity. Lemon and lime developing into honey, petrol and toast with age
3. Elegant medium bodied Shiraz (Hill of Grace - Australian wine icon)
4. Adjacent and south east of Barossa in Barossa Ranges, vineyards at altitude
102
What is the signature Eden Valley Riesling style?
1. High quality
2. Medium bodied
3. Dry/off dry
4. High acidity
5. Lemon and lime when young
6. Developing honey, petrol and toast with age
103
What is Coonawarra?
1. Important wine region in South Australia’s Limestone Coast Zone
2. Most important area for Cabernet Sauvignon
3. Grown on famous ‘terra rossa’ red soils
4. Cool, Mediterranean climate, similar to Bordeaux
5. Slightly warmer and less growing season rainfall than Bordeaux
104
What is the classic Coonawarra wine style?
The hallmarks of Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon is concentrated black currant and plum, verging on prune in hotter vintages
Along with a classic cedar note mingling with some eucalyptus
Fashion is for heavy structured tannins extracted in the winemaking
105
What are two top producers in Coonawarra?
Balnaves
| Majella
106
What grape is Padthaway known for?
All major grape varieties are grown in Padthaway in South Australia but the regional speciality is long lived Shiraz
107
What is the climate in Padthaway?
Moderately cool climate.
Warmer than Coonawarra due to more maritime influence
Richer fruit flavours than Coonawarra
108
What five regions does the Fleurieu Zone encompass?
The Fleurieu Zone in South Australia includes:
1. Currency Creek
2. Kangaroo Island
3. Langhorne Creek
4. McLaren Vale
5. Southern Fleurieu
109
What is the climate in McLaren Vale, South Australia?
Mediterranean with significant maritime with considerable variations in meso climate
110
Where is McLaren Vale?
1. South Australia
2. North of the Fleurieu Peninsula
3. South of Adelaide
4. South West of Adelaide Hills
111
What tempers the climate in McLaren Vale?
Sea breezes from the Gulf St Vincent
112
What increases the diurnal temperature in McLaren Vale and extends the ripening season?
Cool, nighttime air descending from the hills
113
What are the soils in McLaren Vale?
Mostly sandy loam, significant patches of alluvial gravel, clay and lime
114
What has led the most detailed terroir mapping of any wine region in the world in McLaren Vale?
The diversity of soils.
Mostly sandy loam with significant patches of alluvial gravels, yellow clays and lime
115
What Southern Australian producer has been making exceptional Northern and Southern Rhône style wines for over 100 years?
D’Arenburg with its famous Dead Arm Shiraz
116
What proportion of plantings are red in McLaren Vale, South Australia?
4/5 of plantings
117
What is the flavour profile of McLaren Vale Shiraz compared to Barossa Valley?
McLaren Vale Shiraz is less enormous, flavour profile of chocolate, mocha, earth and spice that is more savoury than sweet.
118
What is special about the Grenache in McLaren Vale?
Much is old vine and dry farmed - pre-Phylloxera plantings
119
What is the climate in Adelaide Hills, South Australia?
Cool Climate
120
What is the classic wine of Adelaide Hills?
Cool climate Chardonnay with elegance, high acidity and nectarine and lemon characters
121
At what altitude must Vineyards be planted above to qualify for the Adelaide Hills GI?
400m +
122
What is a top producer in South Australia’s Adelaide Hills?
Shaw + Smith
The Lane Vineyards
Tapanappa
Ashton Hills
123
Who pioneered Chardonnay in Adelaide Hills in the 1970s?
Brian Croser one of the region’s pioneers
124
What is the most planted variety in Adelaide Hills?
Chardonnay
125
What is the their biggest wine producing state in Australia?
Victoria
126
What is the climate in Victoria?
Coastal regions around Melbourne in Port Phillip Zone are cool and wet
Inland Victoria is very hot with long dry summers
127
What three regions are in Port Philip Zone?
Mornington Peninsula
Geelong
Yarra Valley
128
What are the dominant grapes in Mornington Peninsula?
Chardonnay
| Pinot Noir
129
What is the climate in Mornington Peninsula and why?
Maritime cool climate
South East of Melbourne on South of Australia
With water on three sides - Uber maritime
Has 740 mm of rain per year
130
Where do vine grow in Mornington Peninsula?
On gentle sloped up to 250m in altitude
Site aspect and orientation are critical for ripening grapes and reducing disease in this cool, wet region
131
What is the average rainfall in Mornington Peninsula?
740mm per year maritime climate
132
Where is Mornington Peninsula?
Australia
Victoria state
SE of Melbourne
In Port Philip Zone
Water to three sides
133
What is the dominant grapes in Geelong?
Pinot Noir
Chardonnay
Also Shiraz, Cab Sav further inland
134
Where is Geelong?
Australia
Victoria
Port Philip Zone
West side of Port Philip Bay
135
What is the climate in Geelong?
Similar to Mornington Peninsula
Maritime, cool climate by coast
Warmer inland
136
What is the soil in Geelong?
Mostly red clay loam
137
What can struggle to ripen in cooler year in Geelong?
Cab Sav and Shiraz planted inland
138
Which still wine is Geelong known for?
Cool climate Pinot Noir
139
What is the most important region in the Port Philip Zone?
Yarra Valley
140
Where is Yarra Valley?
Australia
Victoria
Port Philip Zone
West of Port Philip Bay
141
When did Phylloxera arrive in Yarra Valley?
As recently as 2006
It had been in neighbouring Geelong long before
142
What geographical features define Yarra Valley?
The Yarra River and Yarra Ranges
143
Where are vines cultivated in Yarra Valley?
On steep slopes and along flat alluvial riverbeds
144
Why does Pinot Noir do so well in Yarra Valley?
Cool climate
Hilly topography
Free draining soils
Relatively dry climate
145
Which grapes gives a classic Australian style in Yarra Valley?
Pinot Noir
146
Which two grapes dominate plantings in Yarra Valley?
Pinot Noir
Chardonnay
147
What is the altitude range in the Yarra Valley?
50-470m
148
Which region is home to Moët and Chandon’s Australian venture?
Yarra Valley
149
What two regions in Central Victoria specialise in Rhône varietals?
Goulburn Valley and Heathcote
Both make some great dry farmed Shiraz, Marsanne, Rousanne and Viognier
Goulburn has some of the oldest Marsanne plantings in the world
150
What is the climate in Goulburn Valley?
Hot and dry but moderated by rivers and lakes
151
What is the climate in Heathcote?
Hot and dry, although cool southerly winds help to temper the heat
152
What is the soil in Heathcote?
Red clay soil on mountainous slopes
153
What unique style is Heathcote known for?
Heathcote Shiraz
Dark and brooding
Notes of blackberry, plum, cherry, black pepper, leather, coffee and aniseed
Vibrant acidity
Firm and mouth coating tannins
Long finish
154
What is the climate in the Pyrenees, Victoria?
Cool climate
155
What are the two grapes most associated with the Pyrenees, Victoria?
Shiraz
| Chardonnay
156
What is the Shiraz of Pyrenees like compared to Heathcote Shiraz?
Pyrenees Shiraz is fruitier with less spice and smoother tannins
Heathcote Shiraz is dark and brooding, firm tannins, vibrant acidity - coffee, leather, aniseed with blackberry plum and cherry
157
Which Western Victoria Zone never fell to Phylloxera?
Grampians
158
What is Grampians best known for?
Shiraz
159
What is the climate in Grampians?
Cool climate due to altitude in Great Dividing Range and inland location
160
What is the style of Shiraz found in Grampians compared to other regions in Victoria or Southern Australia?
Shiraz with more pepper, liquorice and game notes and higher acidity
161
What can help explain the low alcohol levels of Semillon in Hunter Valley?
Despite being essentially sub tropical there is a lot of fog/cloud cover that restricts sugar accumulation in grapes
162
What wine is Hunter Valley known for?
Hunter Valley Sémillon is Australia’s gift to the wine world
Complex notes of toast, nuts, beeswax and tarragon, high acidity and low alcohol
Tyrell’s Vat 47 Chardonnay the classic oaked Chardonnay herolds from Hunter Valley
163
Why does most Hunter Valley wine never leave New South Wales?
Relatively small production ~2,400 ha (less than 2% of national total) and thirsty Sydney on its doorstep
164
How much of Australia’s total wine production comes from Hunter Valley?
Less than 2%, it has only ~2,400 ha of vineyards
165
What is the classic taste profile of Hunter Valley Sémillon?
High acidity
Low alcohol
Complex notes of toast, nuts, beeswax and tarragon
166
What is the difference between Hunter Valley Shiraz and other Australian styles?
More meaty, peppery, and medicinal
More muscular tannins
A touch less alcohol
167
What is the climate in Hunter Valley?
Essentially sub tropical
750’m annual rainfall concentrated in period from Jan-April
Humid
Cloud cover and fog restricts sugar accumulation of grapes
168
What is the soil in Hunter Valley?
Relatively infertile volcanic basalt and red clay
169
What three wine regions in New South Wales make up the Central Ranges Zone?
Mudgee
Orange
Cowra
170
What altitude must Vineyards been in Orange to qualify for the GI?
Above 600m
171
Why are people excited by the potential for Pinot and Riesling in Orange, New South Wales?
The high altitude moderates hear
Warm dry summers and long dry autumns are perfect for late harvest and ripening varieties like Pinot Noir and Riesling
172
What is the best performing wine in Cowra?
Chardonnay harvested early
173
What is the climate in Cowra?
The flat plains of Cowra are hot and dry
174
What leads to high acidity and concentration in wines of Mudgee, Central Ranges Zone - New South Wales?
Lack of irrigation which restricts yields and high altitude 450-1,000m
175
What are the star performers in Mudgee, New South Wales?
Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay
176
What is the climate in Mudgee?
As hot as Hunter Valley but with less cloud cover and rain
177
What does ‘Mudgee’ translate as?
Nestle of hills
It is in the Central Ranges Zone of New South Wales
178
How much of Australia’s wine production does New South Wales account for?
About a 1/3, most of this is bulk wine from Riverina and Murray-Darling
179
What is the climate in Orange?
Cool continental climate due to altitude
Warm sunny summers and long dry autumns
180
What are the two signature wines grown in Canberra District?
Riesling
| Pinot Noir
181
What is the climate in Canberra?
Continental
Hot dry summers and cold winters
Frost is a problem due to altitude 500-850m
Hills to the east block any sea influence
182
Where is Swan District?
Western Australia on the coast
183
Which district has the dubious honor of being the hottest district in Australia?
Swan District
184
Which district had 90% of Western Australia’s production in 1970s and now accounts for less than 10%?
Swan District in the Greater Perth Zone, Western Australia
185
What is the main producer in Swan District?
Houghton, part of Hardy’s
Produces a HWB blend Houghton White Burgundy from Verdelho, Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay
186
What are the main grapes in Swan District?
Chardonnay
Chenin Blanc
Verdelho
Which make up the Houghton White Burgundy or HWB in Europe. Houghton part of Hardy’s is the region’s biggest producer
187
How far away is Margaret River from Perth?
240km south
188
What is the most important wine region in Western Australia?
Margaret River
189
How much rain does Margaret River receive?
1100mm annually, mostly concentrated in winter
190
What moderates the temperature of Margaret River?
Cool Indian Ocean currents
191
What is the most planted variety in Margaret River?
Cabernet Sauvignon
192
How does the Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaret River differ from Coonawarra Cabernet?
Margaret River Cabernet is more herbal and leafy and lacks the eucalyptus notes of Coonawarra
In short it is more French
The tannins are usually very firm and the wines reward cellaring
193
What is considered by many to be Australia’s best Chardonnay?
The Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay from Margaret River, Western Australia
194
Why did viticulture take off in Western Australia only in 1970s?
After a govt state commissioned report into viability of winemaking identified Margaret River as most closely matching Bordeaux
195
What is the only major wine making state in Australia not to be included in the South Eastern Australia super Zone?
Western Australia
And the winemakers there are proud of it
196
How does the Riesling of Great Southern compare to Clare and Eden Valley Rieslings?
Great Southern Riesling from coastal sub regions of Denmark or Albany is generally subtler, lighter in body with racy acidity
197
What is the climate in Great Southern?
Maritime by the coast - Denmark, Albany
Continental inland - Mount Baker, Frankland River, Porongurup
198
What is the soil in Great Southern, Western Australia?
Gravel and sandy loam
199
What are the most important grape varieties in Great Southern, Western Australia?
Cabernet Sauvignon & Riesling
Pinot Noir, Shiraz
Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc also grown
200
What are the two coastal sub-regions in Great Southern, Western Australia?
Denmark
| Albany
201
What are three inland subregions of Great Southern, Western Australia?
Mount Barker
Frankland River
Porongurup
202
What is the Fremantle Doctor (Freo Doctor)?
Cooling afternoon sea breeze in Western Australia moderates Swan District
203
Which three regions are in the Greater Perth Zone?
Swan District
Perth Hills
Peel
