Overview. With 65 designated wine regions spread from coast to coast and across deserts, valleys, and mountain ranges, Australian wines are diverse and interesting. Australia is also home to some of the oldest continuously producing grapevines in the world. Although phylloxera affected vineyards in parts of eastern Australia, many South Australian vineyards escaped it because of geographic isolation and strict quarantine protections. From big, bold reds to sharp, acidic whites, Australia has it all (Wine Australia, n.d.-a, n.d.-b).
Major Regions and Varieties. Australia’s wine regions are concentrated primarily in the extreme southwest and southeast of the continent. For this tasting, they are organized by six major wine-producing states: Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales, and Queensland.
Western Australia. Western Australian wineries are divided between areas around Greater Perth—including Peel, Perth Hills, and the warm Swan District—and the South West Australia zone, which includes Margaret River, Geographe, Great Southern, Pemberton, Blackwood Valley, and Manjimup. Western Australia produces a relatively small proportion of the country’s wine but has a strong reputation for premium production (Wine Australia, n.d.-c).
Margaret River. Margaret River is temperate, with substantial influence from the Indian Ocean, and is sometimes compared with Bordeaux because of its maritime climate and success with Cabernet-based wines. It is especially known for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, along with whites such as Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, and Chardonnay (Wine Australia, n.d.-d).
Great Southern. Great Southern is a large and diverse region that is generally cooler than Margaret River and includes both maritime and inland climates. It grows a mixture of red grapes—including Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, and Malbec—and white grapes, particularly Riesling and Chardonnay (Wine Australia, n.d.-e).
South Australia. South Australia is the country’s largest wine-producing state. It is known for warm-climate Shiraz, southern Rhône varieties, and some of the oldest surviving vineyards in the world. Its wine areas include the Southern Flinders Ranges, Riverland, Mount Lofty Ranges, Barossa, Fleurieu, and Limestone Coast zones (Wine Australia, n.d.-f).
Southern Flinders Ranges. This region lies near the northern boundary of commercial grape growing in South Australia. Its higher sites can experience cool nighttime temperatures despite the arid climate. Wines are generally fruit-driven and may be made from Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Grenache, and Tempranillo.
Riverland. Riverland, part of the Lower Murray zone, is South Australia’s largest grape-growing region by volume. It produces Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and many other varieties. The warm climate generally produces ripe, full-flavored wines, although the region is becoming increasingly diverse in its varieties and styles.
Barossa Valley. Barossa Valley is the Shiraz powerhouse of Australia, producing ripe, rich reds with notes that may include tobacco, earth, meat, and black pepper. These wines are often high in alcohol and can age well. Other varieties grown here include Grenache, Sangiovese, Mourvèdre, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Eden Valley. Eden Valley is part of the broader Barossa zone but lies at higher elevations and has cooler growing conditions than Barossa Valley. It is particularly well known for high-acid, age-worthy Riesling, as well as Shiraz, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon (Wine Australia, n.d.-g).
Mount Lofty Ranges. The Mount Lofty Ranges include the well-known, more verdant regions of Adelaide Hills and Clare Valley.
Adelaide Hills. Adelaide Hills has a generally cool climate and grows white grapes such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, made in both oaked and stainless-steel styles, as well as Pinot Noir and other red varieties.
Clare Valley. Clare Valley is known especially for fine, dry Riesling, along with balanced Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Fleurieu. The Fleurieu zone includes warm, dry areas as well as vineyards influenced by the nearby coast. Its Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon can be rich, ripe, and high in alcohol, sometimes with earthy or sun-warmed qualities. Major regions include McLaren Vale and Langhorne Creek.
Limestone Coast. The Limestone Coast includes Coonawarra, Wrattonbully, and Padthaway. Ancient marine deposits contributed to its chalky limestone, while some areas—especially Coonawarra—are known for iron-rich red soils called terra rossa. The region produces bold Cabernet Sauvignon with black-fruit, tobacco, herbal, and mint notes (Wine Australia, n.d.-f).
Victoria. Victoria produces a wide diversity of wines, and its cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay have gained particular attention. Its major wine zones include Port Phillip, Central Victoria, North East Victoria, North West Victoria, Western Victoria, and Gippsland.
Port Phillip. Port Phillip is a varied zone that includes Geelong, Macedon Ranges, Mornington Peninsula, Sunbury, and Yarra Valley. It is known particularly for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, sparkling wine, and some Bordeaux-style blends.
Central Victoria. Central Victoria is known for substantial Shiraz and other Rhône-style reds, along with dry Riesling, Marsanne, and other Rhône white varieties.
North East Victoria. North East Victoria produces a wide range of styles, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Nebbiolo, less common white varieties, and historic fortified wines.
Rutherglen. Rutherglen is one of Australia’s most historic wine regions. It is especially known for fortified Muscat and Topaque, formerly called Tokay, as well as Durif. Australian wines made in a sherry-like style are now generally labeled Apera (Wine Australia, n.d.-h).
Tasmania. Tasmania is Australia’s coolest major wine region. Its cool climate supports Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris, along with Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc. Tasmania’s sparkling wines have gained particular recognition. Warming conditions have allowed grapes to ripen more consistently in some areas, although climate change also creates new risks for vineyards (Wine Australia, n.d.-i).
New South Wales. New South Wales produces approximately 30% of Australia’s wine in a typical year, with Chardonnay and Shiraz among its major varieties. Growers also cultivate grapes such as Tempranillo and Verdelho. The state has considerable climatic and soil diversity, ranging from high, cool vineyards near the Australian Alps to warm inland regions (Wine Australia, n.d.-j).
Tumbarumba. Tumbarumba lies near the western foothills of the Australian Alps. Its elevated vineyards and soils derived partly from basalt and granite support cool-climate white wines, sparkling wines, and Pinot Noir.
Hunter Valley. The Hunter Valley is one of Australia’s oldest and best-known wine regions. Grapevines arrived in New South Wales with the First Fleet in 1788, and vineyards expanded during the early nineteenth century. The Hunter is particularly known for dry Semillon that can develop for decades in the bottle, as well as Shiraz and Chardonnay.
Other New South Wales wine areas include the Big Rivers zone, the South Coast, Central Ranges, Northern Rivers, Northern Slopes, and Western Plains (Wine Australia, n.d.-j, n.d.-k, n.d.-l).
Queensland. Queensland is a relatively small but growing wine-producing state with two officially recognized Geographical Indications: the Granite Belt and South Burnett.
Granite Belt. The Granite Belt is a high-elevation, relatively cool region characterized by weathered granite soils. Some vineyards lie more than 1,000 meters above sea level.
South Burnett. South Burnett is generally warmer and includes clay-rich soils.
These regions have traditionally grown Chardonnay, Semillon, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. Producers are also experimenting with alternative varieties, including Tempranillo and Viognier (Wine Australia, n.d.-m, n.d.-n, n.d.-o).
Our Wines
Domaine Naturaliste Discovery Chardonnay 2018
- Region. Margaret River, South West Australia, Western Australia.
- Producer. Domaine Naturaliste, established by winemaker Bruce Dukes.
- Context. Domaine Naturaliste was named Best Value Winery in Australia in the 2020 Halliday Wine Companion. The winery focuses on classic Margaret River varieties grown and produced with an emphasis on regional expression and balance.
- Winemaking. The 2018 Discovery Chardonnay was sourced from Wilyabrup and Carbunup and fermented and matured in used French oak barrels (Domaine Naturaliste, n.d.-a, n.d.-b).
- Tasting notes. A sharp, crisp, medium-bodied Chardonnay with green apple and lemon-lime. Look for orchard fruit with a hint of butter.
2016 Durif from Rutherglen, Victoria
- Grape. Durif, also known as Petite Sirah, is a cross between Syrah and Peloursin.
- History. Durif was introduced to Australia in 1908 and became particularly associated with Rutherglen’s hot, dry growing conditions.
- Style. Rutherglen Durif is generally deeply colored, full-bodied, tannic, and capable of aging, with dark-fruit and spice characteristics (Dry et al., 2018).
- Tasting notes. Black cherry and plum, with hints of flowers, spice, char, vanilla, and peppercorn.
Flegenheimer Brothers “Out of the Park” Shiraz 2017
- Region. McLaren Vale, Fleurieu, South Australia.
- Grape. 100% Shiraz.
- Site. Produced from high-elevation vineyards in the Seaview area of McLaren Vale.
- Winemaking. Aged in neutral oak.
- Alcohol. 15%.
- Tasting notes. Dark fruit and blackberry, with black pepper, clove, vanilla, anise, and tobacco. Despite its ripe fruit and concentration, the wine is medium-bodied (Wine.com, n.d.-a).
Eskadale Vineyards “The Winner’s Tank” Shiraz 2017
- Region. Langhorne Creek, Fleurieu, South Australia.
- Grape. Shiraz.
- Background. The wine’s name refers to an old water tank on the vineyard that is repainted each year in the colors of the local Australian Rules Football competition winner.
- Winemaking. Fermented in stainless steel and aged briefly in French oak.
- Tasting notes. Ripe, dark fruit with smoke, clove, anise, and a rustic, full-bodied texture. The wine is lush and fruit-forward without losing freshness (Wine Authorities, n.d.-a).
R.L. Buller Victoria Tawny
- Region. Rutherglen, Victoria.
- Style. Tawny, port-style fortified red wine.
- Blend. Carina, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, and Shiraz.
- Production. Made using a traditional cask-solera system.
- Tasting notes. Strawberry and cherry, with lavender, dried fruit, caramel, and orange peel (Buller Wines, n.d.; Wine.com, n.d.-b).
References
Buller Wines. (n.d.). Wine. https://bullerwines.com.au/collections/wine
Domaine Naturaliste. (n.d.-a). Domaine Naturaliste. https://domainenaturaliste.com.au/
Domaine Naturaliste. (n.d.-b). Discovery Chardonnay reviews. https://domainenaturaliste.com.au/pages/reviews-discovery-chardonnay
Dry, P., Stummer, B., & Krstic, M. (2018). Durif: Making a statement with Durif. Winetitles. https://winetitles.com.au/durif-making-a-statement-with-durif/
Wine Australia. (n.d.-a). Australian Wine Discovered maps. https://www.wineaustralia.com/australian-wine-discovered-maps
Wine Australia. (n.d.-b). South Australia: Historic heart of Australian wine. https://www.wineaustralia.com/market-insights/regions-and-varieties/south-australia-wines
Wine Australia. (n.d.-c). Western Australia: The search for the best terroir. https://www.wineaustralia.com/market-insights/regions-and-varieties/western-australia-wines
Wine Australia. (n.d.-d). Margaret River: A gourmet paradise. https://www.wineaustralia.com/market-insights/regions-and-varieties/western-australia-wines/margaret-river
Wine Australia. (n.d.-e). Great Southern. https://www.wineaustralia.com/market-insights/regions-and-varieties/western-australia-wines/great-southern
Wine Australia. (n.d.-f). South Australia: Historic heart of Australian wine. https://www.wineaustralia.com/market-insights/regions-and-varieties/south-australia-wines
Wine Australia. (n.d.-g). Eden Valley. https://www.wineaustralia.com/discover-australian-wine/south-australia-wines/eden-valley
Wine Australia. (n.d.-h). Rutherglen: An Australian wine gem. https://www.wineaustralia.com/market-insights/regions-and-varieties/victoria-wines/rutherglen
Wine Australia. (n.d.-i). Tasmania: Cool-climate elegance. https://www.wineaustralia.com/market-insights/regions-and-varieties/tasmania-wines/tasmania
Wine Australia. (n.d.-j). New South Wales: Birthplace of Australian wine. https://www.wineaustralia.com/market-insights/regions-and-varieties/new-south-wales-wines
Wine Australia. (n.d.-k). Tumbarumba. https://www.wineaustralia.com/market-insights/regions-and-varieties/new-south-wales-wines/tumbarumba
Wine Australia. (n.d.-l). Hunter Valley: Australia’s oldest wine region. https://www.wineaustralia.com/market-insights/regions-and-varieties/new-south-wales-wines/hunter-valley
Wine Australia. (n.d.-m). Queensland: Evolving, emerging wine regions. https://www.wineaustralia.com/market-insights/regions-and-varieties/queensland-wines
Wine Australia. (n.d.-n). Granite Belt. https://www.wineaustralia.com/market-insights/regions-and-varieties/queensland-wines/granite-belt
Wine Australia. (n.d.-o). South Burnett. https://www.wineaustralia.com/discover-australian-wine/queensland-wines/south-burnett
Wine Authorities. (n.d.-a). Eskadale Vineyards “The Winner’s Tank” Shiraz 2017. https://durham.wineauthorities.com/product/eskadale-vineyards-shiraz-the-winners-tank-2018/
Wine.com. (n.d.-a). Flegenheimer Bros. Out of the Park Shiraz 2017. https://www.wine.com/product/flegenheimer-bros-out-of-the-park-shiraz-2017/623960
Wine.com. (n.d.-b). R.L. Buller Victoria Tawny. https://www.wine.com/product/rl-buller-victoria-tawny/110863