Celebrating Aussie wine on Australia Day!
Onshore Cellars is made up of ex-yacht crew so we are the perfect choice for hassle free wine provisioning for your yacht.
As an Australian and with Aussie Day yesterday I thought I would put together a little information about my two favourite Australian producers at the moment and some information about wine making in this beautiful country.
Where Are The Main Wine Growing Regions In Australia?
Wine is produced in every state; however, the southern, cooler regions dominate the Australian wine industry. (South Australia, New South Wales, Western Australia and Victoria)
South Australia wine regions
- Adelaide Hills
- Barossa Valley
- Clare Valley
- Coonawarra
- Eden Valley
- Langhorne Creek
- McLaren Vale
- Padthaway
- Riverland
- Southern Fleurieu
- Wrattonbully
Victoria wine regions
- Alpine Valleys
- Beechworth
- Goulburn Valley
- Grampians
- Heathcote wine region
- Henty
- Mornington Peninsula
- Pyrenees
- Rutherglen
- Strathbogie Wine Region
- Vallée de la Yarra
- King Valley
New South Wales wine regions
- Hunter Valley
- Mudgee
- Orange
- Riverina
- New England
- Southern Highlands
- Shoalhaven Coast
-
Western Australia wine regions
South Western Australia:
- Blackwood Valley
- Manjimup
- Rivière Margaret
- Pemberton
Western Australia wine regions
Greater Perth:
- Perth Hills
- Peel
- Swan Valley
What are the main grapes grown in Australia?
With Australia being the forward thinkers in New World wine production, many varieties of grapes are grown around the country. How ever, the majority of vines planted are Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Semillon, Pinot noir, Riesling, and Sauvignon blanc.
How old are the vines in Australia?
Australia is home to some of the oldest vines in the world due to not being affected by the devastating Pylloxera, a pest that wiped out vineyards in the mid 19th century across Europe. The Barossa contains some of the oldest vineyards in the world – with one example dating back to 1843.
Who is James Halliday?
James Halliday is the Australian version of American wine critic Robert Parker. James has written and co-authored more than 40 books on wine and is highly regarded in the wine industry.
My favourite producers.
3 Drops
Recently discovered this great producer from Western Australia in a local restaurant back in my home town. 3drops vineyard contains 15 hectares planted with Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir and Shiraz.
Wine maker Rob Diletti producers wines that are fruit driven, balanced and approachable but yet have the ability to age and develop. He has recently been awarded James Haliday’s “Winemaker of the Year” for 2015.
We tasted a selection from 3drops and while all we exceptional, the Reisling really stood out to us.
3drops Reisling 2012
“Vibrant aromas of lemon, lime and lemongrass make 3drops Riesling typical of this classic variety grown in the Great Southern region. The fresh mineral acidity give a crisp and clean structure, which will allow this wine to develop over 10 year period.”
Sallys Paddock Redbank Winery
In the heart of the Pyrenees, Victoria, Sally’s Paddock Redbank winery has been producing wine for 42 years. Family run vineyard with Neill Robb as owner and winemaker. The vines are organically grown with minimal intervention and split into two vineyards, Sally’s Paddock and Sally’s Hill. They also produce the Hundred Tree Hill range with grapes from Central Western Victoria. The Sally’s Paddock is considered the jewel in the Redbank winery and we thought so too!
Sally’s Paddock 2009
“The fresh berry aromas have a definite cigar box background with some Rose and Violet floral notes. Subtle and complex new wood flavours are well integrated. Some dark cherry flavours on the front palate. Very long soft clean finish with hints of spices and a lovely aftertaste. This wine is deceptively soft, as usual with Sallys Paddocks at this stage, and will mature beautifully for at least 20 years.”
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