Reviewing The Australian Wine
Historically, Australian winemakers have rejected the French approach and followed their own path. In France, it is believed that the finest wines come from a certain climate and soil. However, Australian wine producers feel that it’s all in the grape and the way they’re blended to achieve a consistent flavor. The varied climate makes Australia particularly suited for all types of wine production, such as reds, whites and sparkling wines. The most popular styles to emerge from Australia are Riesling, Chardonnay, Semillon, Pinot Grigio, Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and “Bourdeaux Blends,” which are Cabernet-Merlot mixes.
You will likely never forget the first time you try an Australian Riesling: as the white wine explodes with hints of apricot, peat and a particularly sweet-and-sour green grape flavor. Compared to German Rieslings, the Aussie variety is drier, with less sweetness and more aroma. Chardonnay is a relatively new variety in Australia, but you can find smooth or crisp varieties, depending on which vineyard you buy from. The Australians sometimes pair Chardonnay with Semillon white wine. Semillon itself is a drier white that goes well with fish. Unlike Semillon, which is produced in humid regions of Australia, the Pinot Grigios come from the cooler climate regions and are a crisper, more tart wine, as opposed to aromatic and subtle.
Red wines, like Shiraz, are very popular and include ripe fruit, tannins and spices that complement beef, lamb and pork entrees. Pinot Noirs are smooth reds with a long finish that is delicious with ham, duck and cheese. Drier in nature, Cabernet Sauvignon has a bold taste and deep flavor, and is often popular as a “Bordeaux Blend,” mixed with Merlot.
Penfolds Grange is the most famous brand of wine from an Australian producer. This brand has won more than 50 gold medals for its Shiraz. Other red Australian wine international award winners include Henschke Hill of Grace, Clarendon Hills Astralis, D’Arenberg Dead Arm, Torbreck Run Rig and St Henri. Thanks to a number of wine promotions, Yellow Tail, with its signature kangaroo label, has been selling well at a reasonable $10/bottle price! If you’re just getting started on your Australian wine experience, then add the following bottles to your shopping list and give it a go, mate. Try Jacob’s Creek Reserve Shiraz, Wyndham Estate Chardonnay, Penfolds Thomas Hyland Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 and Wolf Blass Yellow Label Cabernet Sauvignon.
Looking to experience Australian wines for less? Budget Travel Magazine recommends one of several options. First, you can explore Hunter Valley, a small country town north of Sydney and the oldest wine-producing region. Here, you’ll enjoy free wine tastings from among the 80-plus wineries. You don’t have to buy a bottle to try Semillon, Shiraz, Chardonnay, Cabernet or Pinot Noirs here. Rothbury Estate, Tamburlaine and McGuigan Wines shouldn’t be missed. Twenty-eight miles north of Adelaide, you can explore The Barossa wine region, a quiet valley with over 50 wineries. Be sure to check out Penfolds, Seppelt and Yaldara Wines, where you’ll experience Shiraz, Grenache, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Frontigac, as these are just some of the favored varieties. Thirdly, the Yarra Valley, which is situated 38 miles east of Melbourne, is one of Australia’s best cool-climate wine regions, featuring sparkling wines, Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs and Cabernets. Try Domaine Chandon, De Bortoli and Coldstream Hills while you’re in town. Of course, there are extravagant wine-themed vacations for the real die-hards, but if you’re just looking for a good self-guided smattering of what’s offered, then you can certainly do-it-yourself on a dime. Most tastings are free, while others charge just $4.50 for two or three samples and a tour.
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