Australia - Grape Varieties and Winemaking
6 important questions on Australia - Grape Varieties and Winemaking
What are the top nine varieties planted in Australia. Which percentage is black and which percentage is white?
- Shiraz, 30% - 40.000ha
- Cabernet Sauvignon - 25.000ha
- Chardonnay - 22.000ha
- Merlot
- Sauvignon blanc
- Pinot Noir
- Semillon
- Pinot Gris
- Riesling
60% is black, 40% is white
In the late 20ths Australia produced full bodied, ripe and fruity wines. In the last 10-20 years styles evolved and diversified. How? Describe Grape growing and wine making.
- Site selection
- Vineyard management
- Precise harvesting dates
In winemaking, experimentation with:
- ambient yeasts;
- skin contact in whites
- lees contact in whites
- solids in fermentation in whites
- whole bunch and stem inclusion in reds
- adoption of screw caps
Name the 8 common black grape varieties in Australia?
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What is the other name for the grape variety Mataro
Semillon produces Australia's most distinctive white wines. What is notable and where is it produced?
- 3rd white after Chardonnay and Sauvignon blanc.
- Can be used in blendings with the two varieties above.
- In Hunter Valley: low alcohol, high acidity, unoaked style. Develops great aroma complexity with bottle ageing.
- Barossa Valley: fuller-bodied, higher alcohol, oak maturation. Not so age worthy.
- Riverina of New South Wales: Semillon frequently affected by noble rot, making complex sweet wines.
What is the role of Colombard in Australia?
- Grown in the hot inland regions of Riverland, Murray Darling and Riverina.
- Plantings have decreased
- Used as a neutral cheap blending partner with wide known grape varieties such as Chardonnay, in expensive wines.
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