Australia - Wine Regions Flashcards
(96 cards)
1
Q
South Eastern Australia Zone
What does it cover, why was it created, and what wines does it produce?
A
- Comprises several zones (e.g., Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania)
- Created to allow for blending grapes across the zone
- Majority is inexpensive, high-volume
2
Q
South Eastern Australia Zone
From what regions do most grapes come from?
A
- The three largest areas in terms of production and area under vine
- Riverland
- Murray-Darling
- Riverina
3
Q
South Eastern Australia Zone
What is the climate and climatic influences in the Murray-Darling Basin?
A
- Hot continental
- Slight cooling influence from rivers
- Ideal conditions for consistently producing high yields of healthy grapes
- Low rainfall (down to 135mm)
- Predominantly sandy soils
- -> irrigation is essential
- -> irrigation water from rivers, but droughts increased water prices and pushed some growers out of business
4
Q
South Eastern Australia Zone
What are the most grown varieties, what is the typical profile, how are higher quality wines achieved?
A
- Shiraz and Chardonnay
- Typical profile
- Ripe fruit
- Low acidity
- Medium body
- High alcohol
- Higher-quality wines
- Through lower yields OR
- Better suited varieties, like Petit Verdot, Viognier and Italian varieties such as Vermentino, Nero d’Avola and Montepulciano
5
Q
South Eastern Australia Zone
What special type of wine comes from Riverina?
A
- Sweet wines from botrytized Semillon
- Mostly labeled with individual region’s name
6
Q
South Australia - Barossa Zone
What is the reputation of the zone and in what two regions is it split?
A
- One of the best-known wine-producing areas
- Barossa Valley
- Eden Valley
7
Q
South Australia - Barossa Zone - Barossa Valley
How large is it?
A
- 11,000 ha
- One of Australia’s largest wine regions
8
Q
South Australia - Barossa Zone - Barossa Valley
Where are the vineyards located and what are climatic influences?
A
- Plain (at about 300m), protected by hills around it (e.g., Eden Valley and Adelaide Hills)
- Warm climate with high diurnal range
- Low rainfall (160 mm during growing season)
- -> irrigation necessary
- -> low disease pressure
- Ideal conditions for the production of ripe, full-bodied red wines
- Complex variety of soils
9
Q
South Australia - Barossa Zone - Barossa Valley
What special plantings exist?
A
- Low-yielding, dry-farmed bush vines
- Some of the world’s oldest vines
- Mostly Shiraz and Grenache
10
Q
South Australia - Barossa Zone - Barossa Valley
What are the five most important varieties?
A
- Shiraz
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Grenache
- Chardonnay
- Semillon
11
Q
South Australia - Barossa Zone - Barossa Valley
Describe the typical style of Shiraz (plantings, intensity, aromas, body, tannins, alcohol, ageing, trend)
A
- 2/3 of plantings
- Pronounced intensity
- Ripe (and often cooked or dried) black fruit aromas
- Full body
- High, soft tannins
- High alcohol
- Can age for a long time, developing spicy, leathery aromas
- Trend towards fresher, more elegant and structured style
12
Q
South Australia - Barossa Zone - Barossa Valley
How much is planted with white wines and what are the styles of Chardonnay and Semillon?
A
- Roughly 10%
- Warm climate Chardonnay: ripe tropical fruit, full body
- Warm climate Semillon: lower acidity, more body, higher alcohol compared to Hunter Valley
13
Q
South Australia - Barossa Zone - Barossa Valley
Name two significant producers
A
- John Duval
- Glaetzer Wines
14
Q
South Australia - Barossa Zone - Eden Valley
Where are vineyards located and what are climatic influences?
A
- East of the Barossa Valley
- Hills with some gradient
- Cooling influences from altitude (up to 600m)
- Higher rainfall than in Barossa (230 mm during growing season)
- Wind can affect flowering and ripening
- Variety of soils with good water holding capacity
15
Q
South Australia - Barossa Zone - Eden Valley
What is the ratio between black and white varieties? What is the most planted variety and its typical style? (aromas, sweetness, acidity, alcohol, ageing, quality, price)
A
- Roughly 50/50 black and white
- Riesling (> 1/3 of plantings)
- Citrus and floral aromas
- Dry
- High acidity
- Medium alcohol
- Best wines develop honey, nuttiness and toast over time (often aged prior to release)
- Good to outstanding quality
- Mid- to premium priced
16
Q
South Australia - Barossa Zone - Eden Valley
What is the most planted black variety? How does the style compare to Barossa Valley? (aromas, acidity, tannin, alcohol)
A
- Shiraz is the most planted black variety
- Compared to Barossa:
- Aromas, between very ripe (Barossa) and peppery from cool climates
- Higher acidity
- More structured tannins
- Lower alcohol
17
Q
South Australia - Barossa Zone - Eden Valley
Name two significant producers
A
- Henschke
- Pewsey Vale
18
Q
South Australia - Mount Lofty Ranges Zone
What is it and what two important regions does it include?
A
- Range of mountains surrounding Barossa Valley
- Adelaide Hills
- Clare Valley
19
Q
South Australia - Mount Lofty Ranges Zone - Adelaide Hills
Where are vineyards located, what is the climate and the climatic influences?
A
- Valleys and steep hillsides (mechanization often limited)
- Variety of aspects, topography, and soils
- Cool to moderate climate, varying with altitude (400-500m) and proximity to ocean
- High diurnal range in cooler sites to retain acidity
- Relatively low latitude -> intense sunlight -> riper fruit flavors
- Site selection is important: depending on the site, it can produce full-bodied red wines or cool climate varieties
20
Q
South Australia - Mount Lofty Ranges Zone - Adelaide Hills
Comment on rainfall and the resulting effect on grape growing
A
- Maritime climate
- Relatively high rainfall (300mm during growing season)
- -> collected in dams for irrigation
- -> can disrupt fruit set
- -> fungal diseases and rot
21
Q
South Australia - Mount Lofty Ranges Zone - Adelaide Hills
What are the four most planted varieties?
A
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Noir
- Shiraz
22
Q
South Australia - Mount Lofty Ranges Zone - Adelaide Hills
Describe the typical style of Sauvignon Blanc (aromas, acidity, alcohol, quality, price)
A
- Intense ripe fruit
- High acidity
- Medium alcohol
- Good to very good quality
- Mid-priced
23
Q
South Australia - Mount Lofty Ranges Zone - Adelaide Hills
Describe the typical style of Chardonnay (types of wine, aromas, acidity, body, quality, price)
A
- Still and sparkling wines
- Ripe stone fruit flavors
- Medium(+) to high acidity
- Medium body
- Malolactic conversion, oak maturation and lees ageing are commonly practiced
- Very good to outstanding quality
- Mid- to premium priced
24
Q
South Australia - Mount Lofty Ranges Zone - Adelaide Hills
Describe the typical style of Pinot Noir (types of wine, aromas, acidity, body, tannins, alcohol, quality, price)
A
- Significant amounts for sparkling wine
- Still wines:
- Red fruit
- Medium(+) acidity
- Medium body
- Firmer tannins than from Victoria
- Medium alcohol
- Good to very good quality
- Mid- to premium prices
25
**South Australia - Mount Lofty Ranges Zone - Adelaide Hills**
Name two significant producers
* Shaw + Smith
* Penfolds
26
**South Australia - Mount Lofty Ranges Zone - Clare Valley**
Where is it located, what is the climate and climatic influences and where are white and black varieties grown?
* North of Adelaide
* **Warm climate**, moderated by afternoon breezes and cold nights
* **High diurnal range** -> slow ripening and retained acidity
* **Altitude** of 300-500m
* Variety of microclimates:
* **White grapes** at higher altitudes and more exposed slopes
* **Black varieties** on lower, warmer sites
27
**South Australia - Mount Lofty Ranges Zone - Clare Valley**
What is the rainfall and its effect on grape growing?
* **Low rainfall** (250mm during growing season)
* Dams to retain irrigation water
* Some producers dry-farm for premium wines
* Low risk of fungal diseases
28
**South Australia - Mount Lofty Ranges Zone - Clare Valley**
What is the ratio between black and white varieties and what are the most planted varieties?
* 50/50 black and white
* Riesling
* Shiraz
* Cabernet Sauvignon
29
**South Australia - Mount Lofty Ranges Zone - Clare Valley**
What can be a problem in the vineyard?
Describe the typical style of Riesling (% plantings, aromas, sweetness, acidity, quality, price)
* >35% of plantings
* Sunburn is an issue due to the intense sunlight from low latitude (canopy to provide shade)
* Lime aromas
* Dry
* High acidity
* Good to outstanding quality
* Mid- to premium priced
30
**South Australia - Mount Lofty Ranges Zone - Clare Valley**
In what way does Riesling highlight the different soil types in Clare Valley?
* **Slate soils of Polish Hill**:
* Low in fertility
* Less aromatic, flintier styles of Riesling
* Neutral in youth, but develop honey and toasty notes in bottle
* **Limestone soils of Watervale**:
* More fertile
* More aromatic, floral style
* Can be drunk when younger
31
**South Australia - Mount Lofty Ranges Zone - Clare Valley**
Name two significant producers
* Jim Barry
* Wendouree
32
**South Australia - Mount Lofty Ranges Zone - Clare Valley**
Describe the typical style of red wine (varieties, intensity, aromas, acidity, tannins, quality, price)
* Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon
* Pronounced intensity
* Ripe black fruit with distinctive minty or eucalyptus characteristic
* Medium to medium(+) acidity
* Medium to medium(+) tannins
* Good to outstanding quality
* Mid- to premium priced (some super-premium)
33
**South Australia - Fleurieu Zone - McLaren Vale**
What is the climate, climatic influences and rainfall?
* Warm to hot summers
* **Wind** from ocean and Adelaide Hills
* Range of microclimates depending on
* **Proximity to ocean**
* **Altitude** (0-350m)
* **Soil** (poorer in the north, more fertile in the south)
* Low rainfall levels (< 200mm) during growing season
* -> low disease risk
34
**South Australia - Fleurieu Zone - McLaren Vale**
What is the ratio between black and white varieties, what styles are produced and what are the most planted varieties?
* >90% of plantings are **black grapes**
* **Full range of styles**:
* Inexpensive, high volume to super-premium priced
* Single-varietal and blends
* **Most planted varieties**:
* Shiraz (>50% of plantings)
* Cabernet Sauvignon
* Grenache
35
**South Australia - Fleurieu Zone - McLaren Vale**
Describe the general style of red wines (color, intensity, aromas, body, alcohol) and what is the difference between wines from lower and higher sites?
* Deep color
* Pronounced intensity
* Dark fruit flavors, often with spices from oak
* Full body
* High alcohol
* **Lower sites**: cooked or jammy fruit
* **Higher sites**: higher acidity and tannins
36
**South Australia - Fleurieu Zone - McLaren Vale**
What special plantings can be found? Describe the typical style of Grenache (aromas, acidity, body, tannins, oak, price)
* **Old, dry-farmed bush vines** from Shiraz and Grenache
* Grenache produces wines with
* Fresh red fruit and spice or herbal notes
* Medium acidity
* Medium to medium(+) body
* Medium tannins
* Old oak (if used at all)
* Premium price
37
**South Australia - Fleurieu Zone - McLaren Vale**
How does the majority of vineyards look like? How is harvest conducted?
* Mostly large, mechanized vineyards
* Many quality-minded smaller producers work with lower yields and pick by hand
38
**South Australia - Fleurieu Zone - McLaren Vale**
Is organic and biodynamic viticulture practiced?
* **Low disease pressure**
* Ideal for organic and biodynamic viticulture
* **Own sustainability program**: irrigation almost entirely from sustainable resources (e.g., dams, boreholes and recycled wastewater)
39
**South Australia - Fleurieu Zone - McLaren Vale**
Name three significant producers
* Hardys
* Mollydooker
* Yangarra
40
**South Australia - Limestone Coast Zone - Coonawarra**
What is the climate, climatic influences, and resulting hazards?
* Moderate **maritime climate**
* **Very similar to Bordeaux**, but slightly warmer and drier in the growing season
* **Relatively low rainfall** (260mm) during the growing season
* -> irrigation is widely used
* Wind and rain can affect flowering and fruit set
* **Spring frost** is also an issue -> sprinklers
41
**South Australia - Limestone Coast Zone - Coonawarra**
What special soil exist and what influence does it have on grape growing?
* Famous **terra rossa**, or red soil
* Free-draining, iron-rich loam over a hard limestone base
* -> roots may struggle to penetrate deep -> **restricting access to water and nutrients**
* -> Lower vigor and yields -> **concentrated grapes**
* **Narrow strip of terra rossa** in the central core of the region -> high prices
42
**South Australia - Limestone Coast Zone - Coonawarra**
What type of wine is Coonawarra known for? (variety, aromas, body, tannin, alcohol, oak)
* Known for producing some of Australia's finest red wines
* **Cabernet Sauvignon** (>50% plantings)
* Concentrated aromas of dark fruit (cassis to plum), with mint and eucalyptus, spice from oak
* Medium to full body
* High, firm tannins
* Medium alcohol
43
**South Australia - Limestone Coast Zone - Coonawarra**
What other varieties besides Cabernet Sauvignon are successfully grown?
* **Shiraz**: lighter-bodied than Barossa Shiraz, but still with concentrated blackberry and herbal, minty notes
* **White grape varieties** make up only 13% of plantings
* Good and very-good quality **Chardonnay**, with ripe fruit
* **Riesling**: fruitier and lower acidity than from elsewhere in South Australia
44
**South Australia - Limestone Coast Zone - Coonawarra**
What is a problem in the vineyard?
* **Isolated region**, so labor can be a major problem
* Nowadays, **immigrant labor** is used for green harvesting and leaf removal, and hand harvesting of grapes
45
**South Australia - Limestone Coast Zone - Coonawarra**
Name two significant producers
* Wynns
* Katnook
46
**Victoria**
Comment on Phylloxera
* Still a threat
* Yarra Vallley is classified as infested zone
* Mornington Peninsula is "at risk"
* -> all new vineyards are planted on resistant rootstocks
* -> some are replanted, giving opportunity to think of the best suited varieties
47
**Victoria - Port Phillip Zone - Yarra Valley**
What is the area under vine?
2,500 ha
48
**Victoria - Port Phillip Zone - Yarra Valley**
What is the climate and climatic influences?
* **Cool to moderate climate**
* Variation due to altitude: **50-350m**
* Upper Yarra Valley: cooler, higher altitude
* Lower Yarra Valley: warmer, lower altitude
* **Gentle slopes**, providing a range of different microclimates
49
**Victoria - Port Phillip Zone - Yarra Valley**
What is the rainfall, what are hazards and what is the soil?
* **High rainfall** (over 1,100mm)
* -> high humidity and risk of fungal disease
* **Frost** can be a problem in the valley floor
* **Soil in Lower Yarra**: loamy clay with low fertility and good drainage -> often irrigation necessary
* **Soil Upper Yarra**: deeper and more fertile volcanic soils which can be dry-farmed
50
**Victoria - Port Phillip Zone - Yarra Valley**
How much of plantings are black and what is the most planted black variety? (distinction between cooler and warmer areas in aromas and body, quality, price)
* 60% are black varieties
* **Pinot Noir** (>30%)
* **Cooler areas**:
* Perfumed fruity aromas (often whole bunch fermentation)
* Light body
* **Warmer areas**:
* Riper fruit
* Medium body
* Good to outstanding quality
* Mid- to premium priced
51
**Victoria - Port Phillip Zone - Yarra Valley**
What is the most planted white variety? Describe the typical style (aromas, acidity, oak, lees, malo, quality, price)
* **Chardonnay** (>25%)
* White peach, grapefruit and melon
* High acidity
* Oak (trend towards larger oak vessels)
* Lees contact to enhance texture
* Malo is still often avoided
* Good to outstanding quality
* Mid- to premium priced
52
**Victoria - Port Phillip Zone - Yarra Valley**
What two other varieties are grown and where? Describe the typical style (aromas, body)
* Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon in the **lower, warmer parts**
* **Shiraz**
* Fresh blackberry, raspberry and plum fruit and spicy notes (often whole bunch fermentation)
* Medium body
* **Cabernet Sauvignon**
* Distinct herbal notes
* Medium body
53
**Victoria - Port Phillip Zone - Yarra Valley**
Name two significant producers
* Mount Mary
* Yarra Yering
54
**Victoria - Port Phillip Zone - Mornington Peninsula**
What is the climate and climatic influence and their effect on grape growing?
* Narrow peninsula
* **Cool to moderate maritime climate**
* Moderating effect of the water **extends the growing season**
* **Cooling effect of the wind** -> low frost risk and reduced disease risk, but can affect flowering
* **Lower rainfall than in Yarra**, but still a lot of rain (350mm during the growing season) -> threat at flowering and harvest time
55
**Victoria - Port Phillip Zone - Mornington Peninsula**
Where are vineyards located and what is the soil?
* **Red Hill** (ridge along the center) up to 250m
* Red basalt soils retain winter rainwater throughout the growing season -> no need to irrigate
* Fertile, so vigor is a problem -> careful vineyard management is required
* Otherwise, **relatively flat**
* with free-draining clay and sand -> irrigation is often needed
56
**Victoria - Port Phillip Zone - Mornington Peninsula**
What is the most planted variety? Describe the resulting two styles of wines (aromas, acidity, body, tannins, techniques, quality, price)
* **Pinot Noir** (>50% of plantings)
* **Perfumed red fruits** (particularly those from Red Hill)
* Medium(+) acidity
* Light body
* **More intense and ripe** (usually from the lower vineyards)
* Higher tannins
* Depending on style: cold soaking (color), whole bunch fermentation (complexity), stem inclusion (tannins)
* Often aged in French oak (a portion new)
* Good to outstanding quality
* Premium priced
57
**Victoria - Port Phillip Zone - Mornington Peninsula**
What is the second most planted variety? Describe the typical style (aromas, acidity, body, alcohol, techniques, quality, price)
* Chardonnay (>30% of plantings)
* Citrus, peach and melon
* High acidity
* Medium body
* Medium alcohol
* Techniques: often lees and oak ageing, some use malo
* Good to outstanding quality
* Premium priced
58
**Victoria - Port Phillip Zone - Mornington Peninsula**
How is the production landscape? Name two significant producers
* Dominated by small wineries and vineyards
* Yabby Lake
* Paringa
59
**Victoria - Port Phillip Zone - Geelong**
What is the climate and climatic influences?
* **Cool climate**
* Moderating influence from the **ocean**
* **Lower rainfall** than in Yarra Valley (500-600mm)
* **Strong winds** reduce humidity and risk of fungal diseases
60
**Victoria - Port Phillip Zone - Geelong**
What are the main varieties planted, where are they planted, and what is the typical quality and price?
* Cool sites: **Chardonnay and Pinot Noir**
* Warmer sites: **Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon**
* Good to very good quality
* Mid- to premium priced
61
**Victoria - Port Phillip Zone - Macedon Ranges**
Where are vineyards located and what are climatic influences?
* One of the **coolest climates** in mainland Australia
* Altitudes of **300-800m**
* -> Careful site selection to **reduce frost risk** and **enhance ripening**
62
**Victoria - Port Phillip Zone - Macedon Ranges**
What is the region known for and what varieties are planted?
* Small quality-focused wineries
* Chardonnay (Still/Sparkling)
* Pinot Noir (Still/Sparkling)
* Riesling (lime, lemon)
* Shiraz (black pepper and in warmer parts)
63
**Victoria - Western Victoria Zone - Grampians**
What is the climate and climatic influences?
* **Moderate climate**, moderated by altitude
* Altitude of 240-440m
* -> **high diurnal range**
* -> low frost risk due to slopes
* **Low rainfall** (250mm) during the growing season
* Soils: sandy, loamy -> **retain water well** (no irrigation needed)
64
**Victoria - Western Victoria Zone - Pyrenees**
How does the climate compare to Grampians?
* NO mountains
* Gentle slopes
* **Warmer than Grampians**
65
**Victoria - Western Victoria Zone - Grampians & Pyrenees**
What is the best known variety? Describe the typical style (aromas, body, quality, price)
* **Shiraz**
* Fresh red fruit (cooler parts - Grampians), more intense and concentrated black fruits (lower, warmer parts Pyrenees)
* Peppery and spicy notes
* Medium body
* Good to very good quality
* Mid-priced (some premium)
66
**Victoria - Western Victoria Zone - Henty**
What is the climate, climatic influences and main variety?
* One of the **coldest mainland regions** -> cold Antarctic winds
* High number of **sunshine hours**
* Altitude between **0 to 460m**
* **Riesling** (lemon aromas)
* Also the known other varieties
67
**Victoria - North East Victoria Zone - King Valley**
Where are vineyards located and what are climatic influences?
* **250-860m** (amongst the highest in Australia)
* Highest points -> **Very cool temps and high rainfall**
* Going down the valley -> temps rise considerably
* **Well draining soil with high fertility** -> vigor needs to be managed
68
**Victoria - North East Victoria Zone - King Valley**
Comment on grape varieties and general quality and price levels
* Italian immigrants influenced the area
* **Glera** (sparkling wine)
* **Pinot Gris** (Pinot Grigio style)
* **Sangiovese, Barbera, Nebbiolo** (most interest)
* Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon (most planted)
* **Good to very good quality**
* **Mid- to premium priced**
69
**Victoria - North East Victoria Zone - King Valley**
Name two significant producers
* Pizzini
* de Bortoli
70
**Victoria - North East Victoria Zone - Beechworth**
Where are vineyards located and what are the most important varieties?
* **200-1,000m** in altitude -> wide range of climates
* **Medium-bodied Chardonnay and Shiraz**
* Additionally: Pinot noir, Sangiovese and Nebbiolo
71
**Victoria - Central Victoria Zone**
What regions does it include?
* **Warm, flat plains** -> full-bodied reds
* Goulburn Valley (additionally Viognier, Rousanne, Marsanne)
* Bendigo
* **Foothills of Great Dividing Range**
* Upper Goulburn (Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc)
72
**Victoria - Central Victoria Zone - Heathcote**
Describe the climate and climatic influences
* Altitudes between **160-320m**
* **Warm summer temps** moderated by **altitude and wind**
* **Diurnal range** retains acidity
* **Enough rainfall** (250mm) during the growing season
* Soil: calcareous red soil that retains water well -> dry farming is common
73
**Victoria - Central Victoria Zone - Heathcote**
Describe the typical style of wine (variety, intensity, aromas, acidity, body, alcohol, quality, price)
* Shiraz (50% of plantings)
* Pronounced intensity
* Ripe dark fruit and sweet spices
* Medium(+) acidity
* Full body
* High alcohol
* Good to outstanding quality
* Mid- to premium priced
74
**Victoria - Central Victoria Zone - Heathcote**
Name two significant producers
* Jasper Hill
* Heathcote Estate
75
**New South Wales - Hunter Valley Zone**
Where is the area and are vineyards located? What is the climate and climatic influences?
* Latitude of **32-33°S** -> almost tropical climate
* Low altitude
* **Intense sunlight** and hot day-time temperatures
* Cool nights
* **Very humid** with 500mm rainfall in the growing season
* -> fungal diseases
* -> no irrigation required
* **Lower Hunter** (closer to the coast): see breezes
* **Upper Hunter**: warmer
* Soils: sandy loams to clay loams
* Eastern side of the Great Dividing Range -> **Tropical storms** can be a problem -> often early harvesting to avoid them
76
**New South Wales - Hunter Valley Zone**
What is the region famous for? (variety, aromas, sweetness, acidity, body, alcohol, ageing, quality, price)
* Hunter Valley Semillon
* Delicate citrus and fairly neutral in their youth
* Dry
* High acidity
* Light body
* Low alcohol
* Develop toast, honey and hay with bottle ageing
* Good to outstanding quality
* Mid- to premium priced
77
**New South Wales - Hunter Valley Zone**
How is the famous Hunter Valley Semillon made?
* Grapes are **picked early**
* Gentle pressing and **NO skin contact**
* Fermentation at moderate temps in **stainless steel**
* **Bottled soon after**
78
**New South Wales - Hunter Valley Zone**
Name two significant producers
* Tyrrell's
* Mount Pleasant
79
**New South Wales - Hunter Valley Zone**
What other varieties are successfully grown? Describe their rough styles
* **Chardonnay**
* Range from Medium body and higher acidity to riper, full-bodied, with lower acidity (both oaked and unoaked)
* **Shiraz**
* Red and black fruits and spicy notes
* Medium body
* Medium to high alcohol
80
**New South Wales - Central Ranges Zone**
Where is it located, what is the climate, what regions are included, and what varieties are planted?
* Along the western, inland side of the Great Dividing Range
* **Continental climate** with cooling influence from altitude (up to 900m)
* Orange, Mudgee, Cowra
* **Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay**
81
**New South Wales - Southern New South Wales Zone**
What is the climate, what regions are included, and what varieties are planted?
* **Continental climate** with cooling influence from altitude (up to 850m)
* Canberra District, Hilltops, Tumbarumba
* **Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Riesling**
82
**Tasmania**
How large is it and what is it known for?
* > 1% of total production
* Well known for **sparkling wines** (1/3)
* Key producer of **premium still wines**
83
**Tasmania**
What is the climate and climatic influences? What is the difference between regions in the south-east and nort-west?
* **Cool maritime climate** (41-43°S)
* **Westerly winds** that bring high rainfall
* Spring frost -> fans or sprinklers
* **South-East**
* Drier and less humid
* Long hours of sunshine, but very cool
* Site selection is important to ensure ripening
* -> north facing slopes
* **North-West**
* Higher rainfall -> fungal diseases
84
**Tasmania**
What are the top regions and what do they have in common?
* Coal River Valley, Tamar Valley, and Piper's River
* -> all **sheltered by mountains** from winds and rain
85
**Tasmania**
What is the most grown black variety? What is it used for and what is the typical style? (aromas, acidity, body, alcohol, oak)
* **Pinot Noir** (42%)
* Sparkling and **still wines**
* Strawberry and cherry
* Medium(+) to high acidity
* Light to medium body
* Medium alcohol
* Matured in oak
86
**Tasmania**
What is the most grown white variety? What is it used for and what is the typical style? (aromas, acidity, body, alcohol, malo, fermentation, oak)
* **Chardonnay** (28%)
* Sparkling and **still wines**
* Apple, white peach and pear
* High acidity
* Medium body
* Medium alcohol
* **Malo often conducted** to soften acidity
* Almost always **barrel fermentation**
* Matured in oak
87
**Tasmania**
What other varieties are planted and what are significant producers?
* **Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris**, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz
* Tolpuddle and **Tamar Ridge**
88
**Western Australia**
What is the general climate and what is the focus?
* **Mostly too hot** for viticulture
* Swan Valley (north): extremely ripe grapes for **inexpensive and fortified wines**
* South West Australia: **small-scale premium wine production**
89
**South West Australia Zone - Margret River**
Where is it located, what is the climate and climatic influences?
* Latitude of **34°S moderated by oceans**
* **Warm night** time temps due to warm Indian ocean
* -> ripe fruit, no frost problems
* Relatively **flat (40-90m)** - gentle hills and valleys
* Generally high rainfall (> 1,000mm), but **only 275mm** in the growing season
* **Free-draining**, low-fertility gravelly soils
* -> **irrigation is essential** (water from dams)
90
**South West Australia Zone - Margret River**
How large is it, what is the main variety and its style? (aromas, acidity, body, tannins, oak, quality, price)
* 5,700 ha
* Cabernet Sauvignon (> 20%), often blended with Merlot
* Blackberry, blackcurrant and spice
* Medium(+) acidity
* Medium(+) to full body
* High, ripe tannins
* Bordeaux-Style French oak (some new)
* Good to outstanding quality
* Mid- to super-premium price
91
**South West Australia Zone - Margret River**
What are the most grown white varieties? What is the premium variety and what is its typical style? (aromas, acidity, body, malo, oak, lees, quality, price)
* Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Semillon (roughly 20% each)
* **Chardonnay as premium white wine**
* Concentrated stone fruit aromas
* High acidity
* Medium(+) to full body
* Malo often blocked (sometimes to reduce acidity)
* Range of styles, often barrel fermentation and maturation
* Often lees contact
* Good to outstanding quality
* Mid- to premium priced
92
**South West Australia Zone - Margret River**
What wines are made from the other two white varieties? (aromas, acidity, vessel, quality, price)
* Sauvignon Blanc mostly blended with Semillon
* Grassy, herbaceous and gooseberry to tropical fruit
* High acidity
* Mostly stainless steel, premium wines fermented in barrel
* Good to very good quality
* Mid-priced
93
**South West Australia Zone - Margret River**
Name two significant producers
* Leeuwin
* Moss Wood
94
**South West Australia Zone - Great Southern**
What are the climates in the respective regions? What effect does it have on irrigation practices?
* **Maritime climate**: Albany and Denmark
* Influence of altitude (up to 300m): Mount Barker, Porongurup
* **Continental climate** (high diurnal range): Frankland River
* **Adequate rainfall levels**, so no irrigation needed, except in Frankland River
95
**South West Australia Zone - Great Southern**
What is the most planted grape variety and in what regions is it mainly planted? Describe the typical style and name a significant producer (aromas, acidity, body, tannins, quality, price)
* **Shiraz** (30% of plantings)
* Mainly in warmer **Mount Barker and Frankland River**
* Fresh blackberry or cherry, alongside herbal, peppery and spicy notes
* High acidity
* Medium to full body
* High tannins
* Some use whole bunches to enhance fruit and floral aromas
* Good to outstanding quality
* Mid- to premium priced
* Producer: Howard Park
96
**South West Australia Zone - Great Southern**
What other varieties are planted and where?
* **Cabernet Sauvignon** (concentreated from Mount Barker, Denmark, and more elegant from Porongurup)
* **Riesling** (flagship white variety) (Porongurup as leading sub-region with good to outstanding examples)
* **Sauvignon Blanc** (highly aromatic (green, herbaceous and gooseberry) from Albany and Denmark)
* **Chardonnay** (often with barrel fermentation/maturation and lees contact)
