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Insiders Guide to Australian Wines

Wine has been around for a long time, and some areas of the world have been producing for thousands of years. Australia’s not one of them – it’s been making wine only since Europeans came to this continent. However, within fifty years of European arrival, vineyards were appearing just about everywhere, and flourishing.

Over the course of the past hundred years, the Australian wine industry has gone through some dramatic expansion. During the 1910s, this country produced only about four and a half million gallons of wine, or about seventeen million liters, annually. By the mid 1970s, that figure had gone up to almost a hundred million gallons, or more than three hundred sixty million liters, as the world became more aware of Australia’s vineyards and wine.

The wide range of soil conditions and climate types in this country are one of the things that makes it so good for producing wine. Many different kinds of grapes and wine are favored, with climates ranging from the hot and dry to the cool and damp, with some regions requiring irrigation. Parts of Australia’s wine producing regions are very similar to the best ones in Europe.

There’s a lot of clay and limestone in Australian soils, but the specifics vary just as much as temperature and rainfall. This means that winemakers can choose the type of grape that best fits their local soil, to get the best quality grape and the best yield for that variety.

Australian wine spent a remarkably long time without notice from the rest of the world, and a set of judges in a world competition even insisted that the Victoria wines they’d just rated so highly couldn’t possible be Australian! That changed, however, when the first big boom occurred, and wine lovers everywhere found out why they shouldn’t ignore these wines. Production soared in the 1970s, and has been high ever since.

Another boom on the lower end of the price scale occurred recently – Australian imports were seen just about everywhere, offering decent, low priced wine in major retailers. These wines have fallen out of fashion somewhat, making them a little less popular now, but they still have a lot to offer. Take the time to check out some of the high quality wines Australia has to offer – you might be surprised.

As the fourth biggest exporter of wine in the world, Australia can offer a lot, and it sells to some of the world’s biggest wine producing countries. In fact, this country has been called the most powerful influence in wine, and is well known for GSM blends made from Mourvedre, Shiraz and Grenache, well balanced wines that stand up well against the competition. Australian wine shouldn’t be overlooked.

If you’ll be visiting Australia on your next holiday, don’t forget to have a look at some of the country’s excellent wine regions, and try a few wines. If you can’t make it to Australia, be sure to look at the options the next time you buy wine for your table. There are some really great wines waiting for you to find them.

Although the Margaret River Wine region is one of Australia’s largest wine regions, it produces just 3 percent of total Australian grape production, but more than 20 percent of the nation’s premium wines.

Wine Notes: Margaret River Wines

We all know that the Bordeaux region of France is famous for the world’s best Cabernet Sauvignon, but that might not be true much longer – wines from Australia’s Margaret River region are getting the attention of people who love their Cabernet. This are is just four hours south of Perth, along the Western Australian coast, and offers pristine beaches, beautiful scenery, and truly amazing vineyards, but visitors often over look it. Don’t make that mistake!

For visitors to Western Australia, this region has a lot of rewards to offer. There are plenty of opportunities for exploring the beautiful countryside and coast, enjoying water sports, and trying top quality wines. Twenty percent of all fine wine exported from Australia comes from the Margaret River, which is regarded as one of the best in the country.

Part of the reason that so many great wines have been grown here is the Margaret River’s climate. Warm and reminiscent of the Mediterranean, this is one of the best places for wine grapes to grow. Travelers will also enjoy the warm waters, wide and beautiful beaches, and incredibly good surfing conditions.

There are more activities to enjoy, as well. For instance, you’ll find that the Leeuwin estate has been offering annual concerts since 1985, featuring the best in music from classical orchestral performances to more contemporary country and blues. It’s something you won’t want to miss if you visit at the right time of year.

You’ll enjoy the ability to stay in a majestic lodge, a luxurious private cabin, a cozy bed and breakfast or a standard hotel or motel. It doesn’t matter whether you prefer a good hotel room that’s close to everything, or an excellent glass of local Chardonnay on your private balcony – there’s something for you. And once you know where you’re going to stay, it’s time to try the wines.

Once you know where you’ll be staying, you’ll want to investigate the wines, and there are many opportunities to do so. Local vineyards offer tours that show you how the wine is really produced, and give you the opportunity to try some great wines. You can also enjoy cellar door tastings that will offer some excellent variety.

Anyone who loves wine won’t be disappointed in the Margaret River’s offerings. Some people say that Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay can come out too tannic, and sometimes too dry, but that’s not the case with wines from the Margaret River. Most examples have a soft, deep taste that will leave you wanting more.

If you’ve never taken the time to visit the Margaret River wine region or try any of the great imported wines from this area, you’re missing out on something special. This area has lots to offer, including some of Australia’s best wines, plus lots of great activities. Don’t overlook the Margaret River for your next holiday.

Thirsty In Australia

Although Australian have been known to be large beer drinkers, we are also lovers of fine wine. There are approximately 10,000 different varieties of Australian wines, as well as alcoholic lemonade made from Australian lemon crops, and a beverage made from rhubarb. You can also purchase imported wines, beers or spirits, however when you are there it is highly recommended that you purchase an Australian brand. There are also many non alcoholic drinks for those that prefer to take the healthy route or are nominated as the designated driver.

White Wine: This was the first wine introduced to Australians in the 1960’s. Prior to white wine, Australian tended to fancy the sweeter tasting wines, such as a Moselle type of wine. Later they became fond of the drier styles like Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.

Red Wine: Australia’s benchmark red is Grange Hermitage, the creation of the late vintner Max Schubert in the 1950s.He preferred wines that required at least a decades cellaring. In contrast, Wolf Blass, a winemaker o the current style, championed the drink now approach with quickly maturing wines. Winemakers frequently blend wines from different districts and states. Lighter reds which may be served chilled have recently been introduced.

Beer: Australian beer is vat fermented real ale or lager, consumed chilled. At full strength is has an alcohol content of around 4.8 percent, while light beers have less then 3 percent. Some of the more popular lagers and stouts of today are James Boag and Cascade from Tasmania,Castlemain XXXX from Queensland, Fosters and Victoria Bitter (VB) from Victoria, Tooheys red and blue labels from New South Wales and Coopers Sparkling Ale (known locally as lunatic soup) from South Australia.

Spirits: Dark and white rums are produced from Queensland sugar cane plantations. Some the the more notable labels include Bundaberg and Beenleigh. Domestic brandies are produced from some of Australia’s finest grape vintage. Popular brandy labels include St. Agnes and Hardy’s.

The one thing to remember is that it is okay to enjoy yourself but you must not drive after drinking EVER! Please designate someone as the driver for the evening or hire a car service. It’s the only way to keep a happy and fun evening safe as well.