Australia, one of the New World’s wine producers is now the fourth largest wine exporter worldwide. This success is due to the growing quality of their wines during the last years.
Most Australian wines are often characterised by a fruity flavour that makes them very suitable for new wine drinkers. Traditionally, white wines were best sold in Australia, having 80% of the market share on 1986.
Towards the end of the 20th century Ausrtalian wine production opened its market to the production of high quality red wines making a change in local attitude towards reds. Nowadays, white wines have 60% of the market while the other 40% has been taken by an increasing production of red wines.
Grape varieties grown in Australia include Shyraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Noir in reds and Chardonnay, Sémillon, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc in whites.
Australia has over 50 wine regions although most of the wine production in the country is found in South Australia region. The most famous regions of the country are Barossa Valley, Clare Valley, Adelaide Hills, Coonawarra and Padhaway.
When visiting Australia it’s worth to take a tour and visit some vineyards. If you are staying in Sidney visit the Hunter Valley, less than half a day’s drive, for a magnificent wine tasting experience in an unforgettable setting. From Adelaide you can visit Barossa Valley. There are even some vineyards in the island of Tasmania!
