Australia
Australian Wine
Australia is one of the largest and most important winemaking countries in the world. The country first grew to fame by producing big voluptuous Australian Shiraz (their word for Syrah) and oaky, rich, buttery Chardonnays. Tastes have changed and gone are the days of excessive power and the country now produces fantastic wines which belong in any fine wine collector's cellar.
The Barossa Valley in South Australia is the heartland of great Shiraz with both Glaetzer and The Standish Wine Company producing wines of incredible concentration, restraint, balance, and finesse. The island of Tasmania has grown to fame for producing cool-climate Burgundian grape types of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Toldpuddle producers some of the finest fines on the island which are giving top Burgundy Grand Cru’s a run for their money, at a fraction of the price.
In the Clare Valley, Jeff Grosset invented his own category producing the most extraordinary and age-worthy white wine in the whole of Australia on a small piece of land, the Polish Hill. His wines are pure magic. In Western Australia, The Margaret river has grown to fame for producing Cabernet Sauvignon that’s as good as any from Bordeaux as well as high-quality Chardonnay. Cullen is at the top of their game and can’t be missed.
Classifying Australian wine:
Much like the monks of Burgundy classified vineyards 1000’s years ago by quality, the Australian auction house Langton’s has classified Australian wines into a modern-day hierarchy. They have done this on a wine-by-wine case. It is no surprise that amongst the best wines of Australia that Penfolds Grange Bin 95 and Henschke Hill of Grace Shiraz feature. The classification includes three hierarchies and the full details of all the wines can be found here: https://langtons.com.au/classification
Exceptional - The most highly prized of all Australian fine wines. Representing generations of effort and character of place.
Outstanding - The best of Australian winemaking practices, vineyard provenance and regional voice.
Excellent - Australian wines of consistent merit. Steadfast, popular and expressive.
Top Australian wine producers:
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Most popular Australian wines:
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