Wines from Australia
Our selection includes some amazing offers from Berton Vineyards, Larry Cherubino, Tahbilk, Jim Barry, and Paringa Estate
Australians are prolific producers and consumers of wine. They export an astonishing 750 million litres of wine to the international market and they consume another 530 million litres annually with a per capita consumption of around 30 litres a year. Wine is made in every state in Australia and there are more than sixty designated wine regions that are planted with around 160,000 hectares of vines. The history of Australian winemaking stretches back into the 18th century when the first attempt was made at planting grapes in New South Wales.
Unlike many European winemaking countries, Australia takes a somewhat more liberal approach to wine production and wine laws. The wines must be at least 85% from the stated vintage on the label, 85% of the stated region on the label, and 85% of the stated grape variety. There are no ageing guidelines or rules about what grapes you can grow in each region, no guidelines in harvesting yields, and no rules about terms such as "reserve" on the label.
Australia's major wine regions
BAROSSA VALLEY
The Barossa Valley is one of Australia's oldest and most prized wine regions. Located in South Australia, it was first settled in 1842 by European immigrants. There are now close to 150 wineries in the Barossa and they lay claim to some of the world's most iconic and sought after Shiraz. The shiraz of the Barossa tends to be incredibly powerful and dense in style. The fruit is generous and voluptuous and the alcohol levels usually mirror the warm growing conditions where ripeness in the berry is never a problem. Besides the world-class Shiraz production that happens mostly in the low-lying, warmer areas, cool-climate varieties both red and white do very well in the Eden Valley. Riesling in particular is very distinct in this sub-region and has been known to confound the most skilled Sommeliers.
MCLAREN VALE
This is the birthplace of the wine industry in South Australia and is home to some of the most iconic and storied old vineyards in the country. There are around 65 wineries and 270 independent grape growers in McLaren Vale. The first grapevines were planted here in 1838 and the temperate Mediterranean climate is especially suited for grape growing and producing world-class wines. Shiraz is once again the most important grape varietal grown in the region and accounts for about half the production. The other half of what is grown in McLaren is spread out amongst Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling.
YARRA VALLEY
This was Victoria's first planted wine region in 1838 and is now home to more than 80 wineries that range from small family-run operations to large multi-partnered wineries. The Yarra produces some of Australia's finest Pinot Noir and Sparkling wines because of its cool climate. The region is also well known for its fresh produce, freshwater salmon, trout and caviar, organically grown fruit and vegetables, and hand-crafted cheeses.
MARGARET RIVER
This is one of the Country's true world-class regions and one that is incredibly far away from the previously mentioned regions located in Western Australia about three hours south of Perth. There are more than 120 wineries in the region and Margaret River is home to some of Australia's best Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, and of course Shiraz.
CLARE VALLEY
Home to more than 40 wineries, most of which are very small, the Clare Valley lays claim to Australia's most recognized Rieslings. The majority of them are made in a dry style and have a distinctness that garners serious respect amongst the world Sommeliers. Rubber hose and fresh tennis balls are some of the whimsical things that people love to speak about when describing the aromatic complexity of these Rieslings. Besides Riesling, the regions' Mediterranean-like climate also works for the production of quality Chardonnay, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, and Semillon grapes.
HUNTER VALLEY
This region is Australia's oldest known growing area where you can find over 150 wineries producing incredible wines from some of the most ancient vines still living on the earth. The region in New South Wales was first planted in the 1820s and the Wyndham Estate, one of Australia's first wineries has a museum at the 1866 historical winery, that displays the original winemaking equipment. Semillon is highly decorated here and thought to be amongst the best expressions of the variety in the country, however, they also grow Shiraz, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and the Portuguese variety Verdelho.
MORNINGTON PENINSULA
Located just a short distance from Melbourne, this region in Victoria is seldom spoken about on the international wine stage, but it lays claim to over 200 vineyards. The climate here is mild and the region is best suited for both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The region is best known for its medium-bodied, dry wines and sparkling wines that show decent structure and a fair amount of complexity. Chardonnay made here reflects a wide diversity of styles, but most typically the wines are unoaked and have more citrus and tropical fruit flavours.
SWAN VALLEY
This small but recognized region lies just north of Perth in Western Australia. The wineries here are definitely a bit more boutique and many of the 40 plus wineries are understated, family-operated ventures. Swan Valley is best known for its Verdelho, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Shiraz, and Cabernet Sauvignon. They also have found great success with the production of fortified port-style wines.
In Conclusion, Australia is an incredibly diverse wine-growing country with just about every style being offered and exported around the globe. The winemaking theme is to always produce the best possible wines, using the most cutting edge technology, and of course, sourcing the most amazing resources that mother nature has bestowed upon their land. The people are always innovating and travelling the world in the offseason to find ways to improve their wines. It's an exciting and trend-setting wine region that continues to impress and almost systematically reinvent itself as time goes on.
Australia has an astonishing array of climates and wine-growing regions and produces a great range of wine styles from numerous different varietals. From South Australia comes Berton Vineyards who produce an outstanding range of wines from a variety of vineyard sites. Whether Aussie classics or experimental varietals such as Vermentino, their wine is always of excellent value. It's great to see a small team working upwards from scratch and we're proud of the whole team there.
Everyone seems to be talking about Larry Cherubino. From the cooler climates of Western Australia, He is one of the best winemakers in the country renowned for his beautifully crafted individual parcels of wines. He was named winery of the year in 2011 by the undisputed authority on Australian wine, James Halliday. He is also the highest-rated producer in Halliday's annual review since its inception in 1986. Larry's winemaking philosophy is simple-focus on the vineyards and only allow the best fruit to reach the winery.
