This directory aims to include all of alternative varieties used to make Australian wine. Various sources have been used to compile this Directory. It is subject to revision. You can help by sending feedback about errors or omissions.

a2zWine

A Directory of Wine Grape Varieties in Australia

Compiled by Vinodiversity

Sagrantino

A red wine grape from Central Italy. It is the basis for the powerful Montefalco wines in Umbria. Better winemaking techniques are now producing wines with the tannins under control, which was not always the case. Grown by Domain Day in the Barossa Valley who expects to make some Sagrantino in the next couple of years. Other producers who intend to use this variety are Andrew Pearce in Swan Hill and Blackgum Estate at Metcalfe in the Macedon Ranges Region

Saint Macaire

An obscure Bordeaux red wine variety that has all but disappeared in France. It is represented in Australia by some planting's in the Riverina where Westend Estate is using it to make the medal winning Calabria Private Bin Saint Macaire.

Sangiovese

The mainstay of Tuscan red wine production this variety has become very popular outside Italy over the past few years. Could be the next Big Thing of Australian red wine. See more on Sangiovese.

Saperavi

A Russian red wine variety which is grown throughout the former Soviet Union. Poor vineyard and winery practices in these regions have thus far masked this variety's great potential. Gapsted in the Alpine Valleys region of North East Victoria produce a Saperavi. The pioneer of the variety, and supplier to Gapsted is Peter read of Symphonia Wines. More about Saperavi

Sauvignon blanc

Classic French White wine variety where its strongholds are Sancerre and Pouilly in the upper Loire and Bordeaux. It is also grown extensively in other regions of France and around the world for its fresh, grassy nose and palate. Often blended with Semillon to make dry white wines or Sauternes.

Schonburger

A German red wine variety which is more commonly grown in England. The wines have a floral muscat bouquet. In Southern Tasmania Bream Creek produce a Schonburger, and in 2002 made a late picked wine from the variety.

Semillon

Semillon is a classic white wine variety which doesn't get as much good press as it deserves. It is a major variety (along with Sauvignon Blanc) in sweet and dry whites from Bordeaux. The variety is not highly regarded elsewhere in the world, except in the Hunter Valley. What used to be called Hunter Valley Riesling is now marketed under its more correct name of Hunter Valley Semillon. These are magnificent wines which age superbly. In other Australian regions Semillon is often treated with less respect and used for bulk and blending wines or as an oaked varietal.

Sercial

A white wine variety from Madeira. It was once grown in the Great Western Area of Victoria where it made reasonable dry whites. Vin O'Diversity tells me the reason why this variety fell from favour among Australian drinkers is that its Portuguese name Esgana Cao translates as "Dog Strangler'

Shalistin

This is a uniquely Australian variety that arose from a sport of Malian, which is itself a sport of Cabernet sauvignon. So you could say that it is a white version of Cab sav. Cleggett Wines in Langhorne Creek who originated and have registered the variety use it to make a dry white wine, and sometimes a sweet wine as well.

Shiraz

A ubiquitous red grape variety known in France as Syrah. The Petite Syrah of California is now known to be Durif. Grown throughout Australia and is the mainstay of this country's red wine exports, at least for now.

Siegerrebe

An early ripening German white wine variety, noted for its ability to produce very high sugar levels. Jancis Robinson says it is grown, "like giant vegetables, purely by exhibitionists." In Australia it is grown by Wilmot Hills in Tasmania and the Snowy River Winery near the Australian Alps.

Souzao

A Portuguese red variety well regarded as a component of Port. In South Australia D'Arenberg make a wine called 'Sticks and Stones' a blend of Grenache, Tempranillo and Souzao.

Sylvaner

Also spelt Silvaner, this variety produces dry light white wines in Alsace, Germany, Switzerland and Italy's Alto Aldige. Producers of Sylvaner in Australia are Ballendeen Estate and Felsberg Winery in the Granite Belt of Queensland, Stanley Brothers in the Barossa and the Snowy River Winery near Jindabyne in NSW.

Syrah

See Shiraz above

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