If you are looking for high-quality wine, then look to the land down under. Australian wine is some of the best tasting wines you can buy at a value that is sure to please you.
Australia is relatively new to the production of wine. It has been within the last three decades that Australia has blossomed into a country with great choices in wine and wine values. You can find excellent wine choices in both red and white wine categories.
Australia boost a climate very similar to the climate regions of California, so it is of no surprise that much of their product is very similar to the types of wines that are produced in the California region.
Of course, Australia with its own personality does produce several distinctive varieties that are unique to its country. By now, you have probably sampled a Shiraz or Syrah, a delightful tasting wine, but you might not have heard about the Durif. The Durif is a lesser known Australian wine that definitely should be sampled. The Durif originated in the Rhone Valley, in France but, Australia produces an excellent quality Durif as well. This type of wine is well suited to Australia’s geographical climate. The Durif has also been called a “Petite Syrah.” If you have not tried this wine, I whole heartedly recommend you do, as it has an intense color and a lovely flavor.
A popular area that produce a great Australian wine is from the north eastern Victoria area, called Rutherglen. This area has developed into quite a large production of wine with several wineries located within a short distance from town. Here you can find great fortified wines such as Ports, Tokay’s, and Muscats wines that is known worldwide.
Another area in Australia that has become famous for producing outstanding wine, is the Pyrenees located in central Victoria. This region has an abundance of over 30 vineyards and has over twenty types of wines from Chardonnay’s to Sauvignon Blanc’s to Merlot’s, Pinot Noir’s and lots more excellent wine choices.
Located just south-east of Melbourne is Mornington Peninsula. This particular area has over 60 wineries in the area primarily producing small lots of high-quality Australian wines. It once sported large apple orchards, but the apple orchards are being replaced with wine vineyards. If you are looking to try a great Australian Pino Noir, look for one that was produced from this area.
Another wine region located in South Australia that is popular is the McLaren Vale area. Consisting of small wineries primarily run by small business owners and family run businesses. Vineyards planted over one hundred years are still vibrant today producing excellent grapes for wine harvest. The climate and soil work beautifully together to produce great tasting wine. This area has a Mediterranean climate with dry summers. McLaren Vale has long hot days and cool nights which, makes for an excellent climate perfect for producing some of the best tasting Syrah’s in the world. McLaren Vale has been acknowledged as an outstanding producer of Shiraz. The berries harvested here are smaller and they produce a more intense and complicated wine. Shiraz is one of the excellent products produced from this region but other wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache also have noteworthy reputations for their excellent quality and taste. Similar to that grown in Spain, the Grenache, grows exceptionally well in this geographical region.
Clare Valley - Southern Australia The Clare Valley located in South Australia is one of oldest and most beautiful scenic region to travel. It was established by the English and Irish settlers in the 1840’s, so much of the architecture is a reflection of those early inhabitants. It has a continental climate with hot summer days and cool nights. This area is known for producing excellent quality Cabernet Sauvignon’s and Shiraz. It has also produced an award-winning Riesling.
Australia has become known for a country that produces excellent wine since the 1970’s. This country delivers delicious wines at great wine values. The largest consumer of Australian wines is the United Kingdom, but you can find popular Australian wine in the United States as well, as the U.S. is catching on to the excellent quality and value in Australian wines.
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