Ch. 31 – Australia Flashcards

1
Q

Australia

A

Australia

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2
Q

Wine history of Australia

A

Vines arrived with first settlers in 1788

  • 19th century commercial viticulture
  • cuttings by James Busby

Phylloxera - eventially found

  • strict quarantine regulations
  • some areas Phylloxera free
  • some of oldest vineyards (Shiraz, Cabernet, Grenache)

Phylloxera in Europe started export from Australia

  • after focus returned to domestic market
  • fortified wines

1950s

  • Orlandos (Jacob’s Creek), Lindemans, Hardys, Penfolds - started to modernize the industry (steel and temperature control)
  • 1970 Boutique winery movement and wineries in colder regions

Wine of Australia 1980 - export market

  • modern, varietal labelling with descriptors
  • world’s fifth largest exporter
  • followed by oversupply and higher competition
  • shift towards quality
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3
Q

Climate in Australia

A

Very favourable environment for viti

  • intense sunshine, low rainfall, low humidity,
  • grapes ripen reliably

Most vineyards 30’-37’S (North Africa, South Europe)
- Strong sunlight

Wide range of climates.
- most vineyards rely on cooling influences

Relatively flat - cooling influence of ocean can travel long distance inland

Spring frost can be issue in colder areas
Winds from ocean can disrupt flowering
Drought is constant problem

Great Dividing Ridge creates barrier - protecting southern regions from tropical weather coming from Pacific in North
- also creates rain shadow in some regions

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4
Q

Soil in Australia

A

Very complex geology, all known rock types can be found

Some regions are known for distinct soils
- Terra rossa - Coonawara

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5
Q

Vineyard management

A

Irrigation - even in wet regions (free-draining soils)

  • Murray-Darling Basin rivers
  • Rainwater collected in dams
  • Underground water sources
  • recycled wastewater
  • as sustainable as possible -drip irrigation

High vigour - heat+ sufficient water

  • canopy management
  • old vines - lower vigour
  • Scott-Henry, Smart-Dyson

Heavily mechanized

  • gentle slopes or flat, wide spacing
  • relatively high labour costs, remote locations
  • some harvest by hand

Soil salinity

  • not enough rain to carry away salt deposited
  • more difficult for vine to get water - reduced vigour
  • Chardonnay very sensitive
  • managed by rootstock and changing irrigation patterns to larger volumes of water at less frequency

Bush fires and smoke taint

Phylloxera

  • many regions did not have problem
  • quarantine and biosecurity laws
  • rootstock as assurance
  • present in Victoria and NSW

Low humidity - ideal for sustainable/organic

Pest - kangaroos and birds

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6
Q

Common pests in Australia

A

Kangaroos and birds

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7
Q

Phylloxera in Australia

A
  • many regions did not have problem
  • quarantine and biosecurity laws
  • rootstock as assurance
  • present in Victoria and NSW
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8
Q

Managing high soil salinity

A

Not enough rain to carry away salt deposited

more difficult for vine to get water - reduced vigour

Chardonnay very sensitive

Managed by rootstock and changing irrigation patterns to larger volumes of water at less frequency

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9
Q

Irrigation in Australia and its sources

A

Irrigation - even in wet regions (free-draining soils)

  • Murray-Darling Basin rivers
  • Rainwater collected in dams
  • Underground water sources
  • recycled wastewater
  • as sustainable as possible -drip irrigation
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10
Q

Main grape varieties in Australia

A
Shiraz 30%
Cabernet Sauvignon
Chardonnay
Merlot
Sauvignon Blanc
Pinot Noir
Semillon
Pinot Gris
Riesling
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11
Q

Original cuttings brought from Europe by:

A

James Busby

and European immigrants

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12
Q

Australian Wine Research Institute is located at:

A

Adelaide

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13
Q

Progress of Australian wine styles

A

Original full bodied, ripe, fruity wines with plenty of oak

Now diversification - new site selections, vineyard managemet and precise harvest dates.

Experimentation
 - ambient yeast
 - skin contact
 - lees contact
- solids in ferment
 . whole bunch and stems

Screwcap is most common closure

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14
Q

Shiraz

A

30% of all plantings (successful on export)

Adaptable - wide variety of styles

Usually full bodied, high in alcohol, high level of soft tannins
Pronounced aroma of dark fruits and earthy, spicy tones
Develops leatherly

Cooler regions - less fruit intensity and distinct black pepper aroma

Trend toward less intense, more approachable style
- reducing extraction
- whole bunch
- reducing new oak
(American traditional, French increasing)

Widely used in blends (GSM, Shiraz-Viognier, Bordeaux varieties)
- premium usually co-fermented (Cheaper blended)

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15
Q

Blending partners of Shiraz

A

GSM blends
- Grenache, Shiraz, Mataro

Shiraz-Viognier

  • premium usually co-fermented
  • cheaper blended

Cabernet
- Shiraz has similar function as Merlot in Bordeaux

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16
Q

Cabernet Sauvignon

A

Single varietal or blends (Bordeaux or Shiraz)

Cooler or warmer climate (higher acidity and tannin than Shiraz)

  • Ripe black fruit (blackcurrant and cherry)
  • oak

Leading regions:

  • Coonawara - distinctive mint and eucalyptus aroma
  • Margaret River - often blended with Merlot, riper, more subtle herbal notes
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17
Q

Merlot

A

Widely used in blends but also single-varietal

Wìde range of styles

Better clones - raising quality

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18
Q

Pinot Noir

A

Cool or moderate climate

  • Yarra Valley
  • Mornington Peninsula
  • Tasmania
  • med body, med alcohol, high acidity, red fruit (cherry, raspberry)

Whole bunch, cold maceration, stem inclusion

Often matured in French oak (new oak is reducing)

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19
Q

Grenache

A

Rhone style blends with Shiraz and Mataro

Old bush wines (McLaren Vale, Eden Valley, Barossa Valley)

  • modern style is greater freshness, higher acidity, lower alcohol and fresher fruit
  • sometimes proportion of whole bunches or stems
  • Small new oak barrels tend to overwhelm it
  • large barrels or old oak
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20
Q

Chardonnay

A

Almost in every region

Ripe fruit (citrus, peach), med (med+) acidity and well-integrated oak

  • ambient yeast
  • high levels of solids
  • barrel ferment
  • lees ageing
  • barrel maturation (French oak)
  • malo (partial or full or none - depending on climate)

Sometimes blended with Semillon

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21
Q

Sauvignon Blanc

A

Cooler climate regions

  • Mornington Peninsula
  • Tasmania
Adelaide hills (reputation for) 
 - citrus, tropical notes

Less herbaceous

Fermented in steel
Lees contact sometimes or barrel ferment (Margaret River)

Sometimes blended with Semillon

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22
Q

Semillon

A

Single varietal or blended with SB or Chardonnay

Hunter Valley

  • Low alcohol, high acidity, unoaked style
  • fairly neutral in youth
  • develops with bottle age

Barossa
- fuller bodied, higher alcohol and oak notes

Frequently affected by botrytis (Riverina)

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23
Q

Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio

A
picked early (Grigio) 
riper, fruitier, spicier, fuller bodied (Gris)

Mornington Peninsula, Tasmania

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24
Q

Riesling

A

Cooler regions

  • Clare and Eden Valleys
  • Great Southern
  • Canberra
  • Tasmania

Bone dry, high acidity (apple, lemon, lime, grapefruit)

Fermented in steel

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25
Q

System of GIs in Australia

A

Geographical Indications (1990s)

Zones

  • no rules regarding boundaries and no requirements for shared geographic or climatic characteristics
  • can cover entire state

Regions

  • 65 regions registered
  • must have consistent and distinct qualities
  • must produce at least 500 tonnes of grapes a year across at least 5 differently owned vineayrds (each at least 5ha)
  • Tasmania is region (not a zone)

Sub-regions

  • 14 sub regions registered
  • particular topography, climates soils

Gives range of labelling options

Eden Valley can be labelled:

  • Eden Valley
  • Barossa
  • Adelaide
  • South Australia
  • South Eastern Australia
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26
Q

Labelling law

A

governed by: Label Integrity Programme (LIP)

If GI, vintage or grape is stated 85% of grapes must conform

If multiple grape varieties - listed in descending order of how much they contribute

Growers, producers, suppliers are regularly audited by Australia Grape and Wine Authority (Wine Australia) which oversees LIP

No GI based rules for growing or winemaking

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27
Q

South Eastern Australia Zone

A

Covers whole Victoria, NSW and Tasmania + corners of South Australia and Queensland

Allows blending across the zone - high volume wines

Mostly from Murray-Darling Basin

  • Riverland
  • Riverina
  • Murray-Darling

Hot continental climate
Rivers provide slight cooling influence and water for irrigation
Ideal conditions for high volume production
Rain shadow of Great Dividing Range

Casella Family Brands (Yellow Tail), De Bortoli, Australian Vintage, Lindeman’s

Shiraz, Chardonnay, Semillon
- med body, high alcohol, low acidity

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28
Q

Area in Riverina known for botrytised wines

A

Griffith

Semillon grape

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29
Q

South Australia Zones and Regions

A

Barossa Zone

  • Barossa Valley
  • Eden Valley

Mount Lofty Ranges Zone

  • Adelaide Hills
  • Clare Valley

Fleurieu Zone
- McLaren Vale

Limestone Coast Zone
- Coonawara

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30
Q

Victoria Zones and Regions

A

Port Phillip Zone

  • Yarra Valley
  • Morninton Peninsula
  • Geelong
  • Macedon Ranges

Western Victoria Zone

  • Grampians
  • Pyrenees
  • Henty

North East Victoria Zone

  • King Valley
  • Beechworth

Central Victoria Zone

  • Goulburn Valley
  • Bendigo
  • Uppel Goulburn
  • Heathcote

Gippsland Zone

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31
Q

Barossa Zone regions

A
  • Barossa Valley

- Eden Valley

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32
Q

Mount Lofty Ranges Zone regions

A
  • Adelaide Hills

- Clare Valley

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33
Q

Region in Fleurieu Zone

A

McLaren Vale

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34
Q

Region in Limestone Coast Zone

A

Coonawara

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35
Q

Port Phillip Zone Regions

A
  • Yarra Valley
  • Morninton Peninsula
  • Geelong
  • Macedon Ranges
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36
Q

Regions in Western Victoria Zone

A
  • Grampians
  • Pyrenees
  • Henty
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37
Q

Regions in North East Victoria Zone

A
  • King Valley

- Beechworth

38
Q

Regions in Central Victoria Zone

A
  • Goulburn Valley
  • Bendigo
  • Uppel Goulburn
  • Heathcote
39
Q

New South Wales zones and regions

A

Hunter Valley Zone
- Hunter

Central Ranges Zone

  • Orange
  • Mudgee
  • Cowra

Southern New South Wales Zone

  • Canberra District
  • Hilltops
  • Tumbarumba

Big Rivers

40
Q

Western Australia Zones and regions

A

South West Ausralia Zone

  • Margaret River
  • Great Southern
    • Albany
    • Denmark
    • Mount Barker
    • Frankland River
    • Porongurup

Greater Perth

41
Q

Sub Regions in Greath Southern

A
  • Albany
    • Denmark
    • Mount Barker
    • Frankland River
    • Porongurup
42
Q

South Australia

A

Largest wine producing state by volume (50%)

Diversity of climate, topography and soils

South Australia Zone covers the whole state and is also part of South East Australia Zone

43
Q

Barossa Valley

A

Plain protected by low hills on the west and Adelaide Hills on the south

One of Australia’s largest wine regions (9,000ha)

Sheltered location - warm climate

  • low rainfall (160mm) irrigation necessary
  • low disease pressure
  • valley sides a bit cooler

Complex soils
- ironstone layer (north) - water retaining - some of the most ageworthy wines

Large stock of old vines

  • Shiraz, Grenache (low yielding, dry farmed)
  • Barossa Old Vine Charter (appears on label)

Shiraz (60%) - full body, high alcohol, soft tannins, ripe (cooked, dried) fruit. American oak is traditional (French is on increase)
- spicy, leatherly with bottle age

Cabernet Sauvignon - cooler, higher sites
- richer, riper than Coonawara or Margaret

Grenache and Rhone blends

Some Chardonnay and Semillon (barrel aged)

Producers: John Duval, Glaetzer Wines

44
Q

Which Australian region has a chart for old vines which appear on the label

A

Barossa

45
Q

Eden Valley

A

In Barossa Zone (not valley at all, rolling hills)

Can be steep enought to limit mìechanization (over 600m)
- cooler with altitude

Higher rainfall than Barossa (230mm)
Strong wind (affecting flowering)

Soils with good water holding capacity - dry farming common

Known for old vines - Shiraz, Riesling, Grenache

Equal production of white and red
Riesling signature
- dry, high acidity, med alcohol (lemon, lime)
- can age very well (honey, nuts, toast)

Shiraz - higher acidity, more structured tannins,lower alcohol (compare to Barossa)

Producers: Henschke, Pewsey Vale

46
Q

Adelaide Hills region

A

(part of Mount Lofty Ranges Zone)

One of Australia’s oldest regions
- characterised by valleys and steep hillsites (restrict mechanization)

Maritime cool to moderate climate (altitude moderation and ocean) - high diurnal range - retain acidity

Relatively high rainfall levels (300mm) - collected in dams (irrigation) + underground water for irrigation
- relatively high humidity (fungal diseases)

Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay (both still and sparkling)
Gruner Veltliner, Arneis, Fiano
Pinot Noir (also for sparkling)
- tend to have more tannins than Victoria
Shiraz and Italian varieties - Sangiovese, Nebbiolo

Alternative varieties and low intervention styles

Producers: Penfolds, Shaw + Smith

47
Q

Clare Valley

A

(part of Month Lofty Ranges Zone)

Warm climate (tempered by cool afternoon breezes and cold nights) - wide diurnal range
300-500m

Not particularly steep slopes (mechanization possible)

Rain (250mm), Dams for irrigation
- low humidity (low disease pressure)

Small family owned vineyards (72% black varieties)
- Shiraz, Cabernet (eucaluptus, minty notes)

Well known for Riesling (25%)

  • sunburn issue (thick canopies)
  • dry fermented, lime aroma, higher acidity than in Eden
  • Polish Hill - slate soil - less aromatic and suitable for bottle ageing
  • Waterwale - more fertile soils - more aromatic

Producers: Jim Barry, Wenduree

48
Q

Two sites for Riesling in Clare Valley

A

Polish Hill - slate soils

  • less aromatic
  • more suitable for ageing

Watervale

  • more fertile soils
  • more aromatic
49
Q

McLaren Vale

A

(part of Fleurieu Zone)

Gulf St. Vincent to west and Adellaide Hills to east

Warm to hot summers (maritime) with winds from Gulf (moderating temperatures and lowering disease pressure)

Low rainfall (less than 200mm)
 - low disease pressure - ideal for organic

Altitude and proximity to ocean decides on site

Complex geology - sand to loam to clay
- Poor north, fertile south

90% red wine (high volume to premium)

  • Mainly Shiraz then Cabernet, Grenache
  • large stock of old vines - Shiraz, Grenache
  • increased interest in Sangiovese, Fiano, Vermentino

Dominated by large vinayards (planted to allow mechanization)

Sustainable Winegrowing Australia (water use)

Producers: Hardys, Mollydooker, Yangarra

50
Q

Coonawara

A

Part of Limestone Coast Zone
Reputation for excellent quality Cabernet

Moderate climate

  • moderated by sea breezes - compared to Bordeaux
  • wide diurnal range
  • relatively flat, so maritime influence can travel far inland
  • Cloud cover moderates temperature

Relatively low rainfall (260mm)

  • irrigation used but some dry-farm
  • water from uderground aquifers

Strong winds
Spring frost can be problem (sprinklers)

Terra rossa soil (expensive locations)

  • free draining iron-rich loam over limestone base
  • slightly alcaline - reduces uptake of nutrients
  • Controls vigour
  • low yields of concentrated grapes

Cabernet (mint, eucalyptus, oak ageing)
Shiraz (lighter than Barossa)
Chardonnay, Riesling,

Remote location - problem with labour (mechanization)

Producers: Katnook, Wynns

51
Q

Soil typical for Coonawara

A

Terra rossa

  • free draining iron-rich loam over limestone base
  • slightly alcaline - reduces uptake of nutrients
  • Controls vigour
  • low yields of concentrated grapes
52
Q

Victoria general

A

Split into six smaller zones

3rd state in terms of production
- more focused on quality (beside Murray-Darling Basin)

Phylloxera remains threat here - number of recent outbreaks (Yarra Valley)
- replanting program underway

53
Q

Yarra Valley

A

part of Port Phillip Zone
Cool to moderate climate with maritime influence
- 50-350m
- Upper Yarra - cooler, higher altitude
- Lower Yarra - warmer, lower altitude
- frost can be danger (cool air sinking from gentle hills)

450-500mm (one of wettest regions)

  • high humidity
  • fungal disease threat
  • Lower Yarra - well drained (loamy clay) - irrigates
  • Upper Yarra - deeper, volcanic soils - dry farmed

Pinot Noir (50+ %)
- whole bunch increasing
- Mix of new and used oak
Chardonnay (25%)
- white peach, grapefruit, melon
- one of firts regions to move from oaky tropical full style
- new and old oak used
- may use high degree of solids (smoky, reductive)
- some lees contact, malo often avoided
Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon (lower warmer parts)

Producers: Mount Mary, Yarra Yering

54
Q

Mornington Peninsula

A

Part of Port Phillip Zone

Port Phillip Bay on one side and Bass Strait (separates from Tasmania) on the other

Cool to moderate climate

  • strong cooling influence of wind (avoids frost)
  • moderating influence of water
  • mild autumn conditions
  • high humidity (disease limited by wind)
  • up to 390mm

Relatively flat (Red Hill runds along centre of Peninsula)

  • up to 250m
  • red basalt soils (Red Hill) - retain winter water
  • no irrigation needed
  • fertile soils (vigour can be problem - Lyre trellising)
  • away from the ridge - freedraining soils - irrigation needed
Pinot Noir (45%) range of styles 
 - cold soaking often practised 
 - whole bunch or stem inclusion may be
 - many aged in French oak (proportion new)
Chardonnay (25%)
 - med body, high acidity 
 - lees ageing and oak ageing (only small % of new)
 - some use malo for rounder style
Shiraz, Pinot Grispa

High land prices (tourism and holiday homes) - small vineries with cellar doors and restaurants

Producers: Yabby Lake, Paringa, Paradigm Hill, Ten Minutes by Tractor, Mooroodoc Estate, Kooyong

55
Q

Soil in Red Hill (Mornington Peninsula)

A

Red basalt

  • retains winter water
  • no irrigation needed
56
Q

Geelong

A

Part of Port Phillip Zone
where Phiylloxera was first discovered in Australia

Cool climate

  • close Port Phillip Bay and Bass Strait - moderating
  • strong south west winds - reduce humidity (disease)

Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (cooler sites)
- riper and fuller (than Yarra)
- proportion of whole bunch
Shiraz, Cabernet (warmer)

Producers: Paradise IV Wines, Wines By Farr

57
Q

Macedon Ranges

A

Part of Port Phillip Zone

around 40 quality focused wineries

part of Great Dividing Range

  • 300-800m (one of coolest vineyards in mainland)
  • careful site is essential - reduce frost and enhance ripening
  • granitic sandy loam - naturally reduces yield
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (Still and sparkling)
Elegant Riesling (specialty) 
Shiraz - distinctive black pepper (needs warm vineyard and sunny year)
58
Q

Grampians

A

Part of Western Victoria Zone

Extention of Great Dividing Ridge

Moderate climate (by altitude 240-440m)
 - wide diurnal range (retaining acidity)
 - slopes reduce risk of spring frost 
  (lower vineyards are at risk)
 - relatively low rainfall (250mm)
 - sandy loamy soils retain water well
 - many vineyards do not need irrigation
 - quite acidic soils - reduced vigour

Shiraz -medium body, peppery and spicy
- vary from fresh red fruit (cool sites) to concentrated black fruit (warmer sites)

Producer: Mount Langi Ghiran

59
Q

Pyrenees

A

Part of Western Australia Zone

Extention of Great Dividing Ridge

relatively gentle slopes (lower than Grampians - warmer)

Moderate climate
 - wide diurnal range (retaining acidity)
 - slopes reduce risk of spring frost 
  (lower vineyards are at risk)
 - relatively low rainfall (250mm)
 - sandy loamy soils retain water well
 - many vineyards do not need irrigation
 - quite acidic soils - reduced vigour

Shiraz -medium body, peppery and spicy
- vary from fresh red fruit (cool sites) to concentrated black fruit (warmer sites)

Producer: Dalwhinnie

60
Q

Henty

A

Part of Western Australia Zone

One of coldest mainland regions

  • influenced by cold Antarctic winds
  • but high number of sunshine hours
  • 0-460m

Riesling (signature) - high acidity, pronounced lemon, lime
Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Cabernet (all fresh styles with moderate alcohol)

61
Q

King Valley

A

Part of North East Victoria Zone

up to 860m

  • very cool temperatures
  • relatively high rainfall - disease concern
  • temparatures rise down the slope (still moderated by river)
  • generally well drained loam with high fertility (vigour)

Higher sites - lighter bodied whites

Settled by Italian immigrants

  • Pinot Gris (often in Pinot Grigio style)
  • Glera/Prosecco (for sparkling wine)
  • Sangiovese, Barbera, Nebbiolo

Majority consumed domestically (difficult to sell internationally - relatively expensive due to small volume)

Producers: Pizzini, de Bortoli

62
Q

Beechworth

A

Part of North East Victoria Zone

in hills south of Rutherglen

  • 200-1,000m
  • wide range of mesoclimates

Chardonnay, Shiraz (med bodied), Pinot Noir, Sangiove, Nebbiolo

63
Q

Rutherglen

A

Part of North East Victoria Zone

Continental climate

Flat plains

Famous for fortified and full-bodied reds

64
Q

Goulburn Valley

A

Part of Central Victoria Zone

warm flat plains

Ripe full bodied reds
+ Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne

65
Q

Bendigo

A

Part of Central Victoria Zone

warm flat plains

Ripe full bodied reds

66
Q

Upper Goulburn

A

Part of Central Victoria Zone

cooler region in foothills of Great Dividing Range

  • high quality Chardonnay and aromatic whites
    • Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc
67
Q

Heathcote

A

Part of Central Victoria Zone

narrow strip along Mount Carmel Range at 160-320m

  • altitude moderates temperature
  • southerly winds funnelled along slopes
  • wide diurnal range
  • consistent rainfall over 250mm (no frost problems)
  • calcareous red soil from weathered greenstone - good water retention - dry farming common

84% red wine

  • Shiraz (distinctive high acidity, full body, high alcohol)
  • up to outstanding quality

Producers: Jasper Hill, Heathcote Estate

68
Q

Gippsland Zone

A

unofficially divided into 5 regions

Mostly small family owned wineries

Coastal flats and hillside slopes

420-530mm rain

Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot

69
Q

New South Wales general information

A

Second largest producing state

Moderate to high temperatures sub-tropical climate noth of Sydney, high humidity and rainfall
- Hunter Valley heavily influenced

Most of regions protected from tropical weather by Great Dividing Range

  • continental climate - hot and dry
  • Big Rivers - Riverina

Altitude also plays role as cooling influence

70
Q

Hunter Valley Zone

A

One region - Hunter (slightly smaller area than Hunter Valley)

3 official sub-regions but also often split unofficially into Lower Hunter and Upper Hunter

32-33’S almost tropical climate

  • one of hottest and most humid regions in Australia
  • relatively cool nights
  • low latitude - intense sunshine
  • afternoon cloud cover
  • 500mm - high humidity (fungal diseases!)
  • irrigation not required

Lower Hunter

  • sea breezes (closer to coast)
  • relatively low altitude

Equal part of white and red

Famous for unique Semillon

  • dry, light bodied, high acidity, low alcohol
  • delicate citrus, neutral in youth
  • can age for decades - toast, honey, hay
  • usually picked early, pressed without skin contact
  • fermented at moderate temp in steel and finished in bottle shortly after
  • rarely see any oak

Producers: Tyrrell’s and Mount Pleasant

Also: Chardonnay (oaked and unoaked)
Shiraz

71
Q

Hunter Semillon expression and winemaking

A
  • dry, light bodied, high acidity, low alcohol
  • delicate citrus, neutral in youth
  • can age for decades - toast, honey, hay
  • usually picked early, pressed without skin contact
  • fermented at moderate temp in steel and finished in bottle shortly after
  • rarely see any oak

Producers: Tyrrell’s and Mount Pleasant

72
Q

Regions producing high volume wines

A

Riverina

Murray-Darling (together Big Rivers)

Riverland

73
Q

Orange

A

Part of Central Ranges
Often labelled ‘Orange Region)

Continental climate

  • altitude cooling influence (spring frost issues)
  • wide diurnal range
  • Shaded by ranges from tropical weather and rain

Vineyards on slopes of Mount Canobolas (volcano)

  • 600-900m
  • deep red volcanic basalt, yellow/brown clay and shallow gravel
  • windy - lower frost pressure
Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon
Chardonnay (planted higher) 
 - malo is usual
 - subtle oak, potential to age
Sauvignon Blanc (high quality)
Pinot Gris

Producers: Ross Hill, Tamburlaine

74
Q

Mudgee

A

Part of Central Ranges Zone
(adjacent to Hunter Valley)

Lower and warmer than Orange (riper fruit)

Continental climate

  • altitude cooling influence (spring frost issues)
  • wide diurnal range
  • Shaded by ranges from tropical weather and rain

Black varieties dominated - Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon

75
Q

Cowra

A

Part of Central Ranges Zone

Lower and warmer than Orange (riper fruit)

Continental climate

  • altitude cooling influence (spring frost issues)
  • wide diurnal range
  • Shaded by ranges from tropical weather and rain

Dominated by Chardonnay

76
Q

Cowra

A

Part of Central Ranges Zone

Lower and warmer than Orange (riper fruit)

Continental climate

  • altitude cooling influence (spring frost issues)
  • wide diurnal range
  • Shaded by ranges from tropical weather and rain

Dominated by Chardonnay

77
Q

Canberra District

A

Part of Southern New South Wales (only 2 vineyards in Canberra)

Sheltered from maritime influence by Snowy Mountains

  • continental climate
  • cooling influence from altitude
  • 500-850m - large diurnal range, high light intensity
  • frost can be issue
  • relatively dry summer - irrigation

Mainly black varieties - Shiraz, Shiraz-Viognier blends
White: Riesling

Producers: Clonakilla and Ravensworth

78
Q

Hilltops region

A

Part of Southern New South Wales

increasingly recognised for quality

Continental climate (Shletered from maritime influence by Snowy Mountains)

Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay

79
Q

Tumbarumba

A

Part of Southern New South Wales

increasingly recognised for quality

Continental climate (Shletered fro maritime influence by Snowy Mountains)

Slightly cooler than Hilltops

Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (still and sparkling)

80
Q

Tasmania

A

Separated from mainland by Bass Strait

Less than 1% of Australian production by volume

  • but key producer of premium wines
  • well known for sparkling wines (1/3 of production)

Cool Maritime climate (41-43’S)

  • westerly winds blow from Southern Ocean
  • bringing high level of rainfall (does not reach east)
Number of informal regions 
 - Coal River
 - Tamar Valley
 - Piper's River
(most of them sheltered by mountains from winds)

South - cooler, longer hours of sunlight
- South-east - drier -irrigation often necessary
- Vineyards tend to face north (east) to maximise sun
- North-east (up to 350mm of rain) - fungal diseases
(also danger of spring frost) - sprinklers

Half red half white
Pinot Noir (50%)
- light to medium, med+ acidity, strawberry, cherry
Chardonnay (25%)
- med body, apple, white peach, pear
- naturally high acidity - often full malo
- all top wines barrel ageing (old or a bit of new)
Other: Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Merlot, Cabernet, Shiraz

Little is exported, strong domestic market
Popular tourist destination - cellar door sales

Producers: Tolpuddle, Tamar Ridge

81
Q

What does separate Tasmania from the mainland?

A

Bass Strait

82
Q

Name some of Tasmania’s informal regions

A
  • Coal River
  • Tamar Valley
  • Piper’s River
83
Q

Expression of Tasmania Pinot Noir and Chardonnay

A

Pinot Noir (50%)
- light to medium, med+ acidity, strawberry, cherry
Chardonnay (25%)
- med body, apple, white peach, pear
- naturally high acidity - often full malo
- all top wines barrel ageing (old or a bit of new)
Other: Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Merlot, Cabernet, Shiraz

84
Q

Region in Western Australia which produces high volumes of inexpensive wine

A

Swan Valley

extremey ripe grapes
same latitude as Hunter Valley
also fortified wines

85
Q

Margaret River

A

Part of South West Australia Zone

Surrounded by water on three sides (Indian and Southern Ocean) - moderating effect

  • Warm Indian Ocean - temp do not drop too much at night - longer ripening each day (ripe fruit character)
  • low spring frost problems
  • relatively dry growing season 275mm (1000mm in a year)

Relatively flat with gentle hills and valleys (40-90m)

  • low ridge runs down the centre of region (with free-draining gravel soils - irrigation necessary)
  • low fertility
  • ridge provides some shelter for vineyards to the east

Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon (most planted)
- tend to be blend (gooseberry, tropical)
But known for Chardonnay
- natural high acidity, med+ (full) body and concentrated stone fruit flavours
- Malo tends to be blocked
- full range of styles
- well-suited to barrel ferment and maturation
(some new French oak)
- lees contact

Producers: Leeuwin and Moss Wood

86
Q

Margaret River Chardonnay

A
  • natural high acidity, med+ (ful) body and concentrated stone fruit flavours
  • Malo tends to be blocked
  • full range of styles
  • well-suited to barrel ferment and maturation
    (some new French oak)
  • lees contact
87
Q

Great Southern

A

Part of South West Australia Zone

Five official sub-regions

  • Albany (maritime)
  • Denmark (maritime)
  • Mount Barker
  • Porungurup
  • Frankland River (important altitude, more continental)

Maritime influence is lower further inland
Rainfall between 220 and 350mm
- many dry farmed or low irrigation
- problematic due to high salinity

Shiraz (30%)

  • Mount Barker and Frankland River (warmer)
  • high acidity and tannin, med to full body
  • blackberry, cherry, herbal, peppery, spicy
  • some use proportion of new bunches
  • Producers: Larry Cherubino and Howard Park

Cabernet Sauvignon

  • Mount Barker and north Denmark
  • powerful, balckcurrant, herbal
  • Porongurup (more elegant, med body, savoury)
Riesling (Porungurup)
Sauvignon Blanc (Albany, Denmark)
Chardonnay
88
Q

Five sub-regions of Great Southern

A
  • Albany (maritime)
  • Denmark (maritime)
  • Mount Barker
  • Porungurup
  • Frankland River (important altitude, more continental)
89
Q

Wine business

A

Dominated by smaller producers
Many growers have contracts to sell to larger companies

Wine Australia

  • research and development
  • controls export
  • promotes Australian wine

5th largest exporter (2/3 of production)

  • great rise in volume but also value
  • Chardonnay, Shiraz, Cabernet
  • China (super-premium) - Free trade agreement
  • UK, USA

Domestic market

  • Cellar door sales
  • well established wine tourism
  • websites and online shops are very common for direct sales
  • interest in less-common varieties (encouraging experimentation)
90
Q

5 main companies dominating market

A
Accolade Wines 
Casella Family Brands
 Treasury Wine Estates
Pernod Ricard
Australian Vintage

87% of all exports