| Australia is the tenth largest wine producing country and has a 200 year history of vinification. This country, the size of the U.S., has a wide range of climactic conditions and therefore produces a wide array of wines and styles; some being among the best in the world. Australian wine today represents one of the best world values and are extremely approachable. Australian wine makers are focused on preserving fruit flavors while maintaining supple tannins. This results in a very distinctive Australian style, yet it fits easily into the international scene. Australian wine making is technologically advanced and for many years was thought to be overly focused on the vinification process and not enough in the vineyard. This is changing, the new mantra is “wines are made in the vineyard”. Australian wine makers are among the best in the world and have a huge influence on the wine world. Many routinely consult in the best wineries around the world. Wine competitions are one reason why Australia has been able to maintain such high standards. Although Australian judges have different tastes than their American counterpoints they have very high standards. Awards are coveted by wineries and translate into higher prices and sales. Australia is best known for its Shiraz (Syrah) which is the most widely planted red grape. This varietal often reflects the local terroir. It has peppery characteristics from the Barossa Valley and silkier tones from the Hunter Valley. Penfolds’ Grange Hermitage is considered among the worlds “First Growth” wines. Jim Barry's Armagh was ranked second in the world for 1999 by the “Wine Enthusiast”. Australian Cabernet is a distant second as far as production but is often first class in quality.
Australia has many vineyards that produce some of the best white wines. Semillon is particular to this country and is often synonymous with the Hunter Valley. This varietal is fruit forward and often has floral characteristics. We highly recommend Lindemans Semillon. Good Semillon will age gracefully and take on Oak characteristics even though it generally never sees oak. Also look for Semillon and Chardonnay blends. Chardonnay is now the most widely planted white grape in Australia. These wines are most often fruity and distinctive. Lindeman’s Roxburgh is consistently considered to be one of the best Australian Chardonnays. Riesling is experiencing a comeback after falling out of fashion. More people are realizing this is one of Australias’ finest wines. It ages well and is usually dry.
Australia is one of the most exciting wine regions in the world. Many microclimates are now being pioneered and Australian wine making is definitely cutting edge, so keep a watch for this country to continue to supply us with great value and new and interesting products. |
Seppelt Winery Featured Winery Seppelt Winery is one of the oldest wineries in Australia and was founded by a Silesian immigrant named Joseph Seppelt in 1851. This family quickly grew the winery to to be at one time the largest in Australia. Today their portfolio is varied and contains many great value wines along with a few world class entries. Seppelt is the largest Sparkling wine producer in Australia. Salinger is their premium Sparkler while the Great Western brand is their everyday label. Like many of the large wineries Seppelt sources grapes from many vineyards for maximum results; Padthaway Chardonnay and Dorrien Cabernet from the Barossa. Seppelt also has an impressive selection of Ports and Dessert wines. Their Show Tokay received 95 points from the “Wine Spectator”. If you’re in an adventuresome mood try the Sparkling Shiraz, very popular in Australia and given 90 points by the “Wine Spectator”; a deep red wine with bubbles and sweetness. Seppelt makes solid approachable wines across the board.
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