| |
Most Australian wine is labelled according to grape variety.
Red Wines
Cabernet Sauvignon The great Bordeaux grape, successful in Australia both as a varietal wine and when blended with Shiraz.
Shiraz (Also known as Hermitage) Local name for the Rhone Valley's Syrah. Makes rich, deep red wines and blends well with Cabernet Sauvignon.
Merlot Planted increasingly for blending with Cabernet Sauvignon, as in Bordeaux.
Pinot Noir Successful in some cooler areas. The red burgundy grape
White Wines
Chardonnay The new star: plantings increasing rapidly, and successful in many areas for rich, buttery wines modelled on white burgundy.
Semillon Bordeaux variety, making fine white wine especially in the Hunter, and good everyday wine elsewhere. Riesling "Rhine" Riesling - as opposed to inferior varieties - makes good medium and sweet wines.
Muscats Various sorts are important for fortified and dessert wines.
Chenin Blanc, Colombard and
Sauvignon Blanc All three are increasingly supplanting lesser varieties such as Crouchen, Doradillo, Muscat Gordo Blanco, Palomino, Sultana and Trebbiano for everyday wines.
|
|
|
|
