Oakridge Wines, Yarra Valley, Victoria © Visit Victoria
Iconic Australian wines and where to try them
International accolades rain down on Australia’s top wine varietals. Here’s a roundup of where to taste our best grapes.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay
The cool climate of Victoria’s Yarra Valley has long been hallowed grounds for chardonnay production. In more recent times, winemakers here have done away with the big, heavy chardonnays in favour of bright and refined versions. The best way to get a taste for this new wave of restrained and often citrussy range is to jump aboard tours stopping in at trusted vineyards like Oakridge and Yering Station.
Pinot noir
Pinot noir
The Mornington Peninsula’s growth as a pinot noir powerhouse didn’t take off until the 1990s. While the region is considered warm for this temperamental varietal, time proved the cool, coastal conditions were positively perfect. Most special about Mornington Peninsula pinot noirs is their diversity across the region. Most have an underlying savoury signature but differ in their detail and structure. Elevate Wine Tours is a great way to taste the regional range.
Prosecco
Prosecco
The rich soil of Victoria’s King Valley gives way to conditions for exceptional prosecco. As one of Australia’s highest altitude wine regions, the climate suits the varietal perfectly, producing fresh and crunchy prosecco. Five local vineyards joined forces to create the celebrated Prosecco Road, where you can hop from door to door sipping some of the region’s finest bubbles.
Semillon
Semillon
The secret behind Hunter Valley semillons is the local winemakers’ obsession with detail. As one of the largest and warmest wine regions in our country, each vineyard has a very specific terroir. Minimal intervention, simple processing and close attention to grape maturation delivers an impressive array of flavours across the region – all balanced and incredibly refreshing. Tasting experiences at Tyrrell’s and Hungerford Hill are the perfect introduction to this standout grape.
Shiraz
Shiraz
Premier Australian winemaking and a bold shiraz are a timeless pair. In fact, the Barossa Valley lays claim to the world’s oldest, continuously productive shiraz vine dating back to the 1840s. It’s this heritage of the vines that help produce some of the world’s finest, and most awarded, examples of shiraz. To taste these powerful players, head to top drawer brands like Penfold’s, or uncover some of the lesser-known makers with Small Batch Wine Tours.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon
Bordeaux may be the birthplace of cabernet sauvignon, but the Margaret River in Western Australia is the king of bright new world versions of this dry red. For decades, the ancient soils, salty ocean breezes and keenly skilled winemakers of the region have joined forces to produce beautifully balanced cabernets with silky tannins. Tours across the terroir of the region will land you at top shelf cabernet destinations like Moss Wood and Rivendell Winery.
Grenache
Grenache
In McLaren Vale, the winemakers are making grenache the region’s super power. Not only does the grape bode well in the warmer, drier climes of the region, but when fermented on its own it produces incredible fruit and spice. Award-winning d'Arenberg’s small batch grenache comes from old, exceptional vines and are made in small batches using traditional basket pressing to produce an excellent flavour.
Sparkling wine
Sparkling wine
Tasmania’s Tamar Valley produces some of the best sparkling wines in the country. It all began with winemakers from Champagne seeing the potential of the Tamar Valley back in the 1980s and planting chardonnay and pinot noir vines in preparation. Tasmania's first vintage sparkling was then released in 1989, and from here the region bloomed. A trip along the Tamar Valley wine trail will deliver you to sparkling standouts like Moores Hill Estate.
Riesling
Riesling
Riesling is the wine that winemakers love to drink, and one that blasts with pride the character of its provenance and the skill of its maker. The Canberra District just outside of our capital has both terrific cool-weather terroir and expert winemakers, resulting n rieslings that boast great acidity. Pop into the cellar door at Helm Wines or join a Van Du Vin luxury wine tour to savour a glass or two.
