Wine Regions Of Australia And What They Are Known For
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Australia is the eighth-largest wine producer in the world, and it makes wine in all styles at all price points. There’s no doubt the country is a lovely alternative for any occasion. Still, with over 80 wine regions specialising in particular grapes and specific styles, approaching Australian wine for the first time is no easy feat.
This is our quick guide to the wine regions of Australia. And although we can’t cover them all, we’ll mention the over-performers — Australian wine you must try at least once! Australian wine is truly on another level.
Victoria
Victoria, in South-East Australia, is a historical region — it was once the source of most Australian wine. Although it is now not as popular as neighboring Southern Australia, the region is still home to superb Geographical Indications or GIs.
Coastal Victoria. The coastal GIs of Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula produce elegant Pinot Noir, and it’s for their chilly weather. Other cold-climate grapes, such as Chardonnay, perform well here, too, but the region’s Pinot is world class.
Sticky Wines. The famous ‘sticky’ wines from Australia go back centuries. We’re talking about sweet, fortified wines made with Muscat and Muscadelle. Australian sweet wines are lovely after-dinner drinks.
Southern Australia
Southern Australia is the leading source of fine wine in Australia. The region has several well-known GIs, most specializing in robust reds, but there are many other surprises.
Barossa and Eden Valley. Barossa is Australia’s most famous wine region and the source of old-vine Shiraz and Shiraz blends. With a higher altitude, neighboring Eden Valley produces tarter Shiraz and fragrant dry Riesling.
The Mt. Lofty Ranges. Talking about superb Riesling, the small Clare Valley GI produces fantastic wine with the German grape. The region is also home to the twin appellations Adelaide Hills and Adelaide Plains, which are well worth exploring for several wine styles.
Limestone Coast. Southern Australia is not only a source of extraordinary Shiraz but also Australia’s best Cabernet Sauvignon. The nicest Cabernet comes from Coonawarra GI, famous for its red and calcareous soils.
Western Australia
Western Australia is thousands of miles away from the wine regions described above; still, this secluded area has made a name for itself thanks to its full-bodied Chardonnay, Sauvignon-Semillon blends and Bordeaux blends based on Cabernet.
Margaret River. Experts agree Margaret River GI, the region’s most famous area, is remarkably similar to Bordeaux in France, Cabernet and Merlot’s ancestral home.
Tasmania
Tasmania. Last but not least, we’d love to discuss the exciting wine from the small southern island of Tasmania. The weather is cold here, so producers specialize in Champagne-style sparkling wine, elegant Pinot Noir and complex Chardonnay. For bubbles, Tasmania has no equal.
This is Just the Beginning
Although the wine regions above represent the best in Australia’s repertoire, we have yet to cover half. Once you know the wines above, try the Semillon from Hunter Valley and the Shiraz-Viognier blends from Canberra. You can dedicate your life to discovering the extensive wine catalog in Australia, and it would be time well spent.
The best thing about Australian wine is that there is something for every palate, budget and occasion, from wines for everyday enjoyment to memorable bottles worthy of the finest dining tables. Exploring the wines from ‘down south’ is certainly an adventure.
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