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Australia is a paradise for grapevines. Predictable sunshine and maritime
breezes produce lush, bold, fruit-forward wines that have pushed the country into the top
ten wine producers in the world. With wine production up 50% in the last five years,
Australian wines are winning over the world.
Shiraz (Australian for "Syrah") leads
the way. But you'll discover that other varieties—Chardonnay, Semillon, Cabernet
Sauvignon, and Merlot-like it down under, too.
Grapes grow and wine is made in each of
Australia's seven states (including the island of Tasmania). Most wine, however, comes
from five states. The five major growing regions are:
- New South Wales
- Victoria
- South Australia
- Western Australia
- Tasmania
The top 5 grape varieties grown are (in order)
- Shiraz
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Chardonnay
- Semillon
- Merlot
with Cabernet Sauvignon rapidly catching up to Shiraz |
