Australia is an extremely important wine producing country, both in terms of quality and scale. In 2020, it produced 10.6 million hectolitres of wine, with approximately a 60:40 split between red and white grape varieties. .
Australia has developed a comprehensive appellation system with over 60 designated wine regions and wine produced to some capacity in every state.
Its vast size and huge range of climatic and geographical conditions, makes it one of the most versatile wine-growing countries in the world. In 2021, there were just over 146,000 hectares (360,000 acres) of vineyards in Australia. 39 percent of this was planted to Shiraz, 24 percent to Cabernet Sauvignon and 21 percent to Chardonnay. Merlot covered 8 percent and Sauvignon Blanc 6 percent.
The country has also played a major role in the globalization of wine. Many of its brands have a strong international presence, as do its well-trained and well-qualified wine professionals, who have spread their expertise to many corners of the world.
Australian wine state by state
Wine is produced in all of Australia’s six states, however, the vast majority is made in the southeast. New South Wales, Victoria and inparticular South Australia, are the most important states for wine production as the cooler climates are more favourable for viniculture. The latter accounts for approximately half of the country’s annual output.
Western Australia only accounts for around two percent of national production. However, the best wineries are well known on export markets as the state as a wine style that is distinctly different from the rest of the country. The state produces approximately 20 percent of the country’s fine wine with the Bordeaux red blends of the Margaret River region particularly prominent.
Climate, terroir and wine styles
Overall, the mesoclimates of Australia’s winemaking regions are most prominently affected by the southerly latitude, with a staunch Mediterranean climate of warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Regional features such as altitude and proximity to the oceans also play a significant role.
Soil types vary greatly from the overly fertile red-brown earth of the Riverina to the ancient, weathered granite-based soils of Margaret River. The most famous soil type of the Australian wine industry is the terra rossa of the Coonawarraregion in the southwest of South Australia. The vivid red, clay-loam has a high portion of iron ore and sits atop of a bed of limestone with surprisingly good drainage. It is a popular for soil type for wine production, producing particularly aromatic Cabernet Sauvignon. Similar soils are found in La Mancha of Spain and the Italian Carso region.
This variety of terroir and growing conditions results in a broad portfolio of wine styles. By way of illustration, blockbuster Shiraz is produced in the Barossa Valley in South Australia. The neighboring Eden Valley, at higher altitudes, is the home of many of Australia’s best Rieslings. The Clare Valley portfolio also ranges from gutsy reds to elegant Riesling and Chardonnay.
Coastal influenced areas using cooler climate grapes include Mornington Peninsula in Victoria. Further north, the moderating influence of the sea on the Fleurieu Peninsula produces a Mediterranean climate. 240 kilometers (150 miles) south of the mainland, Tasmania is best known for graceful Pinot Noir and sparkling wines.
Australian wine history and old vines
Looking backwards, the country has an impressive wine history. Many wine regions date back to the mid 19th Century. This does not compare to many European regions (and some New World ones). But the descendants of many founding families are still growing grapes. Different valleys or towns are often associated with immigration from a particular European country or province. This further adds to the diversity of Australian wine.
The country also boasts some of the oldest productive (ungrafted) grape vines in the world. Some were planted as far as the 1840s, and there are numerous century-old plots. The Barossa is a particular hot spot in this regard. Due to various factors including isolation, and the prevalance of sandy soils, the vineyards here did not experience wholesale devastation by phylloxera.
Scotsman James Busby, who is often referred to as “the Father of Australian viticulture” built a farm in the Hunter Valley in 1825 and brought seedlings from Europe. Opulent Barossa Shiraz, strong Coonawarra Cabernet, and wood-heavy Chardonnay can be described as figureheads from Down Under. But the elegant wines from the cool Australian wine regions are becoming very popular. Shiraz, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon are the three main grape varieties from Australia.
Shiraz – The Icon of Australia
Shiraz is the most widely cultivated grape variety in Australia wine country. Shiraz, commonly known as Syrah in old wine countries, is a dark-skinned grape variety originated from the Rhône wine region and grown throughout the world. However, there is another story, telling that Syrah/Shiraz grape variety originates from the city of Shiraz in Persia. Despite different ideas about the origin of Shiraz, today it has adapted to the local Australian climate and soil conditions and also differs from the European Syrah selections.
Western Australia- Margaret River and Great Southern
Western Australia is the largest state in the country. However, territories covered with vineyards are only allocated in the southwest part of the state. The most famous wine area in the region is the Margaret River, which is located in the cooler part of Western Australia near the southwest coast. In the northern and eastern parts of the region, the climate is far too hot and dry to support winemaking. In contrast to the majority of the region, the climate in the southwest corner is cool and temperate due to the nearby ocean and coastal breezes, making it near perfect for viticulture.
Because of the cool sea wind, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon express elegance and freshness here. The Sémillons, Sauvignons, and Chardonnays also impress with their crisp fruit and classic varietal aromas. Local climate also supports the cultivation of Pinot Noir and Riesling. Swan Valley, which is located 25 minutes from Perth invites you to explore its local heritage on a wine tour, enjoy family time, and indulge in a rich fusion of award-winning wines, speciality liqueurs, and delicious treats, including olives, cheeses, jams, nuts, and chocolate.