Chardonnay
ORIGIN: Came from the Burgundy wine region of eastern France.
SYNONYMS: Aubaine (Côte d' Or), Auvernat Blanc (Orlénais), Beaunois (Chablis) and Pinot Chardonnay
CHARACTERISTICS: Distinct and delicate, Chardonnay is the green-skinned grape variety that is the common component in sparkling wines. Chardonnay is considered the “rite of passage” in the international wine market. It is also among the most widely-planted grape varieties, with over 400,000 acres worldwide.
NOTES: Chardonnay was first introduced in Australia through the collection of James Busby in 1832. The Murray Tyrrell Chardonnay of the Hunter Valley in 1971 was one of the most commercially successful wine varietals in Australia. The Chardonnay in this country is characterized by intense fruit flavors and easy approachability. Chardonnay grown in warmer regions of Australia possesses this distinct ripe melon flavors wile those in the cooler areas tend to be more peachy and citrusy in character.
It is recommended that one drinks the Chardonnay of Australia when they are relatively young (1-3 years) to savour its pleasant palate and refreshing texture. Chardonnay is particularly successful in areas like Padthaway, Langhorne Creek, Adelaide Hills and the Margaret River in Western Australia.
Chenin Blanc
ORIGIN: Came from the Loire valley of France.
SYNONYMS: Pineau de la Loire, Pineau d’Anjou. It is also known as Steen in South Africa.
CHARACTERISTICS: Chenin Blanc is a versatile grape that is utilized in the production of dry white wines, sparkling wines, dessert wines and brandy. It is medium-sized, full with yellow-gold, ellipsoidal berries.
NOTES: Chenin Blanc is popular among the wine growers in Western Australia. Most of the Australian Chenin Blanc features dry crisp quality with subtle oaky tendencies. There are about 6,000 hectares of land in South Australia dedicated to this grape varietal.
Reisling
ORIGIN: It is posited that Riesling originated from the Rhine region of Germany.
SYNONYMS: White, Rhine, Johannisberg.
CHARACTERISTICS: Aromatic and flowery, the Riesling is used in making dry, semi-sweet, sweet and sparkling wines. Riesling is categorized to be among the wines which are “terroir-expressive”, meaning that its character is greatly influenced by the place of origin of the wine.
NOTES: In Australia, Riesling vines were planted near Penrith in New South Wales. It has been once the most cultivated white grape in the country, well, up until the 1990s when Chardonnay became exceedingly popular. The Australian Riesling is noted for their oily texture and fruit-forward flavor.
Semillón
ORIGIN: Semillón comes from the zone around Gironda from where it has spread to all of southwest France.
SYNONYMS: Semillón has different synonyms depending on the region where it is found.
CHARACTERISTICS: Semillón is a golden-skinned grape that is utilized in the production of dry and sweet white wines. Semillon first arrived in Australia during the 1800s, and by 1820s it already covered over 90 percent of South Africa.
NOTES: Semillon is popularly cultivated in Australia, particularly in the Upper and Lower Hunter Valley which is on the north of Sydney. The Semillon available in three types: the commercial type- blended with Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc; the sweet type; earthy, mineral type; and the high-quality style.
Sauvignon Blanc
ORIGIN: Its origin is traced to western France in Loire Valley and Bordeaux Regions.
SYNONYMS: Tokay, Flame Tokay (United States)
CHARACTERISTICS: Sauvignon Blanc is the green-skinned grape that is renowned for its crisp, dry and refreshing taste. It is also the component of the most famous dessert wines from Sauternes and Barsac.
NOTES: In Australia, this particular grape varietal is blended with Semillon. Varietal styles, made from only Sauvignon Blanc grape, features distinctive riches and ripeness that is not present in other bottles produced in other countries.
Explore Australian Wine:
|
