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Alternative wine grape varieties used in AustraliaThe varieties covered in this site include Aglianico
| Albarino
| Aleatico
| Alicante
Bouchet | Aligote
| Aranel | Arneis
| Aucerot Have I missed any?
I'm sure I have! Please contact me if you know about any others...or if you want to share your knowledge about your favourite variety please use the Readers The Vinodiversity site is about less common (aka alternative) grape varieties used commercially in Australia. This site is based on information in a database that I have developed which contains information from about 1350 Australian wineries who have stepped out of the comfort zone of classic varieties. I have excluded Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot noir, Riesling, Sauvignon blanc, Semillon and Shiraz from discussion Vinodiversity. I you want information about wines made from these then you'll have to look elsewhere. Covering the hundred or so below is more than enough for me...and think of all the tasting I have to do. The decision about which to include, and which to exclude is necessarily subjective. It reflects the bias and experience of the selector, but I have included a few varieties which are rapidly becoming mainstream in Australia. My aim is to stimulate your interest in new varieties, rather than provide a complete encyclopedia. I have based my definition of alternative variety initially on that used by the Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show, but with some modification. A few inclusions warrant a mention: Grenache is commonly used, especially in South Australia but it is used less commonly elsewhere, and it is not often made as a varietal wine. Verdelho is a fairly standard variety especially in NSW, but is less well known in Victoria and other states. Chenin blanc is on the decline nearly everywhere in Australia, a victim of reputation as a high yielding producer of ordinary wine. In the right hands it makes wonderful wines so I've included it. Malbec seemed destined for obscurity after its role as a blender was largely supplanted by Merlot. It is making a comeback. Several newer varieties to Australia are becoming well known. You could certainly argue that Pinot gris/grigio is no longer an alternative variety as more than 200 Australian wineries are using it. But I have included it as it is relatively new. Sangiovese and Tempranillo are two red varieties that are rapidly becoming mainstream, but it would be fair to say that most Australian winelovers still don't know much about them.
Want to learn more about these wines?De Long's Wine grape varietal table can help you learn about the most important grape varieties.Check out the latest way to write wine tasting notes like a pro The cost, including delivery to an Australian address, is just $9.00 per copy. For limited time only you can get a free copy if you join as a 'Friend of Darby' at this wine club To order your copy for delivery within Australia please use the button below. | |
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