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Varietal wines

What are Varietal Wines?

Varietal wines are those made from a single variety of grape. The winemaker aims to showcase the particular characteristics of that grape. In most cases if a wine is labeled with the name of a single grape variety it will contain 100%, or at least 85% of that variety.

A significant number of Australian wines labeled with a single variety name will have a small percentage of another variety (or two). This may or may not be mentioned on the back label.

Strictly speaking a straight Chardonnay is a varietal wine, but the term is more frequently used to denote wines which are made from varieties other than the classical varieties such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir or Shiraz. The wines of interest to Vinodiversity (and I hope to you dear visitor!) are those which result from someone somewhere doing something different. Someone with a sense of adventure, a willingness to learn, to try something different.

Vinodiversity will provide you with information about new wines made in Australia from over a hundred unusual varieties. You can explore the a2zwine directory for information about varietal wines.

These pages aim to help wine lovers respark the passion in their love affair with the grape. Can you resist the temptation of Tempranillo? Could a Saperavi get your sap rising again? Where could a voyage with Viognier lead you?

Some of the Australian wine varietals we will explore are listed at the left. These are just a few of the more exciting grape varieties being planted and revived in Australia.

Perceptive visitors will notice that we are NOT particularly interested in Chardonnay, Cabernet, Pinot Noir or Shiraz. Vinodiversity is for those who want to explore largely untrodden ways. Why not find out: is there life after Chardonnay?

Of course the grapegrowers and winemakers have invested plenty in following their dreams. It takes several years and lots of dollars to establish a vineyard to produce a significant crop with which to make wine from a different variety. The hard work, technical skills, innovation and passion of these pioneers are now producing marvelous varietal wines.

You the consumer really only have to invest a few dollars. Many of these wines are very good value. Just buy a bottle and try it!

Start by exploring this site to get some background knowledge. Join our mailing list to keep up with the latest releases and share the buzz. Then pull a cork, enjoy and share your new knowledge.

You may also wish to know what foods are best matched with these new varieties. The Albarino to Zinfandel Food Pairing Guide to New Varietal Wines is packed with recipes, suggestions and ideas from Australian winemakers and wineries on how to best appreciate the new wines that they are producing.

Start by exploring these varieties