Ausstralian wine is some of the best in the world. In fact, Australia has gone from being a country that only produced sweet and fortified wines to becoming a major wine-producing nation, the 4th biggest wine exporter in the world. This rapid rise has taken less than fifty years, and in that time, Australian wine has grown a reputation for exceptional quality at a very reasonable price.
Boasting 60 designated wine regions across the whole of Australia, there are over 100 varieties of grape grown across all of the states, with the top varieties being Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.
While wine is grown all over Australia, some of the best wines are often grown in the cooler areas in the southern territories such as Victoria, New South Wales, Barossa Valley, and McLaren Vale.
Types of Australian Wines
Nowadays there are many different grapes planted in Australia, including many traditional European varieties such as Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, and many more. However, the most popular wines produced down under remain; Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Chardonnay.
Cabernet Sauvignon is planted in vineyards all over Australia. Tastes will vary from state-to-state though, so be sure you know where you’re buying for the cab sav that will dance off your palette. If you like it fruity, look to the Barossa Valley. A Clare Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is one that offers a little more balance, while Coonawarra, in Southern Australia, offers up blackcurrant notes and is rich in tannins. Enjoy with red meats.
Chardonnay is the most popular white wine produced in Australia. It’s been that way since the 1990s when global demand rose, and Australia stepped up to the challenge. If you like your Chardonnay crisp, you can find these from cooler regions such as Victoria, whereas if you move your attention toward Adelaide and the Yarra Valley you’ll find a lighter, citrus variety. Best served alongside prawns or grilled fish.
Shiraz is the king of all grapes in Oz. It’s been growing there since the 1800s, but the real boom for Aussie Shiraz started in the 80s. While there are a lot of different varieties of Shiraz, all are very distinct and are packed with fruit and spice notes. If you like your Shiraz to have more earthy notes, look toward the cooler areas of Australia.
The Wine Gift List Service
Wine is a very personal thing. We all have different tastes, and even the most well-meaning gift giver can hit the wrong notes. But using our wine gift list service, your friends and family can buy the perfect wine for you. Create your own gift list selecting your favourite wines, then share the link. This will allow family and friends to shop using your unique selection of fine wines. Whenever a bottle is ordered, it will be labeled so that when you come to drink your it, you can be reminded of who bought it, that way, you can be sure that you raise a toast to them.
As part of our wine gift list service, we label up each bottle to identify who has given each particular bottle of wine and include any personal message – perfect for a unique wedding gift list.
Create your
Wine List
We have brought together a selection of different wines, across a range of styles, tastes and budgets to give you a wide range to choose from.