Ch. 31 – Australia Flashcards

Question

Eden Valley

Answer 1

In Barossa Zone (not valley at all, rolling hills) - part of Mount Lofty Ranges - can be steep enough to limit mechanization - cooler with altitude More exposed - higher rainfall than Barossa Valley - strong wind can affect flowering Soils with good water holding capacity - dry farming common Known for old vines - Shiraz, Riesling, Grenache Equal production of white and red - Riesling is signature - dry, high acidity, med alcohol (lemon, lime, floral) - can age very well (honey, nuts, toast) Shiraz - higher acidity, more structured tannins, lower alcohol (compared to Barossa)

Answer 2

(part of Mount Lofty Ranges Zone) Characterized by valleys and steep hillsides - restricts mechanization - variety of aspects, topography, soils Cool to moderate maritime climate - moderation from altitude and ocean - high diurnal range - retain acidity Full-bodied reds at lower altitudes Whites and Pinot at higher altitudes - due to low latitude, sunlight is intense so fruit is riper than expected Relatively high rainfall levels - collected in dams + underground water for irrigation - relatively high humidity (fungal diseases require spraying) Sauvignon Blanc (ripe fruit) Chardonnay (stone fruit) - malo, oak, and lees aging common Pinot Noir - tend to have firmer tannins than Victoria Shiraz in both styles, but less grown here than in most regions

Answer 3

(part of Month Lofty Ranges Zone) Shallow valley within a series of ridges and hills Warm climate - tempered by cool afternoon breezes and cold nights - wide diurnal range - 300-500m White grapes on higher exposed sites, black grapes on lower, warmer sites Not particularly steep slopes - mechanization possible Rain mostly during winter - dams for irrigation - low humidity - low disease pressure - dry-farming for some premium wines grown at lower yields Known for Riesling - sunburn issue (shady canopies) - dry, lime aroma, higher acidity than in Eden Shiraz, Cabernet - eucalyptus, minty notes

Answer 4

Polish Hill - slate soils - low fertility - flinty, less aromatic - more suitable for ageing Watervale - limestone soils - more fertile - more aromatic, floral

Answer 5

(part of Fleurieu Zone) Gulf St. Vincent to west and Adelaide Hills to east Maritime climate - warm to hot summers - winds from Gulf and coming down from hills moderate temps - lower disease pressure Low rainfall during growing season - low disease pressure - ideal for organic Altitude and proximity to sea determine the microclimate - most vineyards flat or gently sloping Soils: - poor in the north - more fertile in the south (higher yields) 90% red (high volume to premium) - Mainly Shiraz then Cabernet, Grenache - tend to be full-bodied high alcohol - at low altitudes, can be jammy - large stock of old bush vines from Shiraz, Grenache - increased interest in Mediterranean varieties (e.g. Sangiovese, Fiano) which can retain acidity despite warmth Dominated by large vineyards - planted to allow mechanization - smaller, premium producers tend to work with lower yields and hand-pick Lot of organic and biodynamic - created Sustainable Winegrowing Australia, which aims to minimize environmental impact, promote sustainable water use - irrigation water almost all from sustainable sources

Answer 6

Part of Limestone Coast Zone 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 during growing season - irrigation widely used but some dry-farm - water from underground aquifers Challenges: - rain and wind during flowering and fruit set - spring frost (sprinklers) Terra rossa soil - free draining iron-rich loam over limestone base that vines struggle to penetrate - slightly alkaline, which reduces uptake of nutrients - controls vigor - low yields of concentrated grapes - expensive locations Other locations, not on terra rossa, are more vigorous and produce higher yields of less concentrated grapes Cabernet (mint, eucalyptus, oak ageing) Shiraz (lighter than Barossa; herbal) Chardonnay, Riesling Remote location - problem with labor availability - prompted mechanization - now, relying on more migrant labor

Answer 7

3rd state in terms of production - more focused on quality (beside Murray-Darling Basin) - smaller producers - higher prices Phylloxera remains threat here - number of recent outbreaks (Yarra Valley) - quarantine and biosecurity laws - replanting program underway

Answer 8

(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 a danger on valley floor (cold air sinking) One of the wettest regions in Australia - high humidity - fungal disease threat Soils: - Lower Yarra - well-draining - irrigation needed - Upper Yarra - deeper, volcanic soils - can be dry-farmed Pinot Noir most planted - light-bodied from Upper Yarra - med-bodied from Lower Yarra (riper) - whole bunch increasing - mix of new and used oak - trend for old and larger (foudres) Chardonnay - white peach, grapefruit, melon - one of first 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 (herbal) - lower, warmer areas

Answer 9

(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 - extends growing season - high humidity (disease limited by wind) - moderate rainfall during growing season Relatively flat (but Red Hill ridge runs along center of Peninsula) - up to 250m - red basalt soils - retain winter water - no irrigation needed - fertile soils - vigor can be problem - Lyre trellising - away from the ridge, soil is free-draining and irrigation is needed Pinot Noir (50%) - light-bodied, perfumed from Red Hill - fuller-bodied, riper from flatter areas - cold soaking often practised - whole bunch or stem inclusion may be used - many aged in French oak (proportion new) Chardonnay (30%) - med body, high acidity - lees aging and oak aging (only small % of new) - some use malo for rounder style Shiraz, Pinot Gris High land prices (tourism and holiday homes) - small wineries with cellar doors and restaurants

Answer 10

(Part of Port Phillip Zone) where Phiylloxera was first discovered in Australia Cool climate - close to Port Phillip Bay and Bass Strait - moderate rainfall - strong winds reduce humidity and disease risk Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in cooler sites - riper and fuller-bodied than Yarra - proportion of whole bunches Shiraz and Cabernet in warmer sites - Shiraz is med-bodied with spice

Answer 11

(Part of Port Phillip Zone) ~40 small quality-focused wineries part of Great Dividing Range - up to 800m - one of coolest climates in Australia - careful site selection is essential, to reduce frost and enhance ripening Soils: - shallow soils on hillsides, which naturally reduces yields - deeper soils on lower slopes Chardonnay and Pinot Noir Riesling (lemon-lime) Shiraz - distinctive black pepper - needs a warmer site

Answer 12

Part of Western Victoria Zone Extension of Great Dividing Ridge Moderate climate & altitude - wide diurnal range (retaining acidity) - can be dry-farmed (good soil) Pyrenees is lower, warmer than Grampians - otherwise similar climate/soils Shiraz - medium body, peppery and spicy - vary from fresh red fruit (cool sites) to concentrated black fruit (warmer sites)

Answer 13

Part of Western Victoria Zone One of the coldest mainland regions - close to coast - influenced by cold Antarctic winds - but high number of sunshine hours - 0-460m Riesling - high acidity, pronounced lemon, lime Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Cabernet (all fresh styles with moderate alcohol)

Answer 14

Part of North East Victoria Zone up to 860m (among highest in country) - very cool temperatures - relatively high rainfall (disease risk) - temperatures rise down the slope, but still moderated by river and altitude - generally well-drained loam with high fertility (vigor) Lighter-bodied whites in higher sites; fuller-bodied whites/reds in lower sites Cabernet, Merlot are most planted reds Settled by Italian immigrants - Pinot Grigio - Prosecco - Sangiovese, Barbera, Nebbiolo Majority consumed domestically - difficult to sell internationally due to competition with Italy - relatively expensive due to small volume - increase in exports lately due to interest in different varieties

Answer 15

Part of North East Victoria Zone in foothills of Great Dividing Range - huge range of altitudes - up to 1,000m - wide range of microclimates Chardonnay, Shiraz (med bodied)

Answer 16

Part of Central Victoria Zone warm flat plains Ripe full bodied reds + Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne

Answer 17

Part of Central Victoria Zone warm flat plains Ripe full bodied reds

Answer 18

Part of Central Victoria Zone cooler region in foothills of Great Dividing Range - high quality Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc

Answer 19

Part of Central Victoria Zone narrow strip along Mount Carmel Range at 160-320m - altitude moderates temperature - winds funneled along slopes - wide diurnal range - no frost problems, due to slopes - low rainfall during growing season - calcareous red soil that retains water - dry-farming is common Dominated by reds (especially Shiraz) - Shiraz (distinctive high acidity, full body, high alcohol, ripe dark fruit) - up to outstanding quality Producer: Heathcote Estate

Answer 20

Mostly small family owned wineries Coastal flats and hillside slopes high rainfall during growing season - due to tropical weather systems Chardonnay, Pinot Noir widely grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot in warmer sites

Answer 21

Second largest producing state North of Sydney: - sub-tropical climate - moderate to high temperatures - high humidity and rainfall - Hunter Valley heavily influenced Most other regions protected from tropical weather by Great Dividing Range - continental climate - hot and dry - Big Rivers Zone (Riverina) Altitude also plays role as cooling influence

Answer 22

One region - Hunter (slightly smaller area than Hunter Valley Zone) 3 official sub-regions but also often split unofficially into Lower Hunter and Upper Hunter Almost tropical climate - one of the hottest and most humid regions in Australia - relatively cool nights - low latitude = intense sunshine - afternoon cloud cover - plentiful rain during growing season - high humidity (fungal diseases!) - irrigation not required - exposed to tropical storms Topography: - east of Great Dividing Range - rolling hills - relatively low altitude - loam soils, over clay base Lower Hunter - closer to coast - sea breezes - slightly cooler Equal amounts of white and red Semillon Chardonnay (oaked and unoaked) Shiraz (med bodied, aged in large oak)

Answer 23

Hunter Valley Semillon - dry, light bodied, high acidity, low alcohol - delicate citrus, neutral in youth - can age for decades (toast, honey, hay) - picked early, pressed without skin contact - fermented at moderate temp in steel and finished in bottle shortly after - often aged in bottle before release - rarely see any oak Producer: Tyrrell's

Answer 24

Just inland of Great Dividing Range - protection from tropical weather - lower rainfall - irrigation often needed Continental climate - cooling influence from altitude - wide diurnal range - spring frost can be an issue - intense sunlight due to low latitude

Answer 25

Part of Central Ranges (Often labelled 'Orange Region') Vineyards on slopes of Mount Canobolas (volcano) - 600-900m - windy = lower frost pressure Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon planted on lower, warmer slopes (med bodied) Chardonnay (planted higher) - high acidity - malo is typical - subtle oak, potential to age

Answer 26

Part of Central Ranges Zone (adjacent to Hunter Valley) Lower and warmer than Orange - riper fruit Black varieties dominate - Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon

Answer 27

Part of Central Ranges Zone Lower and warmer than Orange - riper fruit Dominated by Chardonnay

Answer 28

Part of Southern New South Wales Sheltered from maritime influence by hills and Snowy Mountains - continental climate - altitude provides cooling influence - 500-850m - large diurnal range - high light intensity due to altitude - frost can be issue - relatively dry summer = irrigation Mainly black varieties - Shiraz (ripe, high tannins, high acidity) - Shiraz-Viognier blends White: Riesling Good to outstanding

Answer 29

Part of Southern New South Wales Sheltered from maritime influence by hills and Snowy Mountains - continental climate - altitude provides cooling influence - large diurnal range Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay

Answer 30

Part of Southern New South Wales Sheltered from maritime influence by hills and Snowy Mountains - continental climate - altitude provides cooling influence - large diurnal range Slightly cooler than Hilltops Pinot Noir and Chardonnay

Answer 31

Separated from mainland by Bass Strait Less than 1% of Australian production by volume - but key producer of premium wines Cool Maritime climate - southerly latitude - westerly winds from Southern Ocean - bring high level of rainfall to west side South - cooler due to latitude - longer hours of sunlight - north-facing to maximize sunlight South-east - drier - irrigation often necessary North and west - plentiful rainfall during growing - fungal diseases - danger of spring frost (fans & sprinklers) Pinot Noir - light to medium body, med+ acidity, strawberry, cherry Chardonnay - med body, apple, white peach, pear - naturally high acidity - often full malo to soften acidity - all top wines undergo barrel fermentation - old oak 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: Tamar Ridge

Answer 32

Swan Valley - same latitude as Hunter Valley - one of Australia's hottest regions - extremely ripe grapes - also fortified wines

Answer 33

Part of South West Australia Zone Surrounded by water on three sides - Indian and Southern Ocean - low latitude, so warm - moderating effect from oceans - Warm Indian Ocean means temp do not drop too much at night - longer ripening each day (ripe fruit character) - relatively dry growing season, despite high annual rainfall Relatively flat with gentle hills and valleys - low ridge runs down the centre of region - free-draining gravel soils - irrigation necessary - low fertility - ridge provides some shelter for vineyards to the east Cabernet is most planted - often blended with Merlot, made in a Bordeaux style (new French oak) Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon blends - steel or barrel-fermented But known for Chardonnay - high acidity, med+ (full) body and concentrated stone fruit flavors - Malo tends to be blocked - full range of styles - well-suited to barrel fermentation and maturation - French oak, with a proportion new - lees contact

Answer 34

Part of South West Australia Zone Five official sub-regions - Albany (maritime) - Denmark (maritime) - Mount Barker (altitude) - Porongurup (altitude) - Frankland River (altitude, continental) Maritime influence is lower further inland Rainfall varies from low to moderate - many dry farmed or low irrigation - Frankland River needs irrigation 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 whole bunches Cabernet Sauvignon - Mount Barker - powerful, blackcurrant, herbal - Porongurup - more elegant, med body, savory Riesling is flagship white (Porongurup) Sauvignon Blanc (herbaceous) Chardonnay

Answer 35

Large number of smaller producers - many growers have contracts to sell to larger companies - 5 companies dominate production volume, e.g. Accolade, Treasury Wine Wine Australia - controls export - promotes Australian wine 5th largest exporter (2/3 of production) - great rise in volume but also value - China leads in sales value, thanks to free trade agreement - UK, USA Domestic market - cellar door sales - wine tourism - interest in less-common varieties (encouraging experimentation)

Ch. 31 – Australia Flashcards

(59 cards)