Hi,

I have been busy updating my lists of producers and alternative varieties and producers which feeds into the vinodiversity website. What I found was that the number of varieties and the the number of producers is increasing at a steady rate. However most of the of statistics show that Australian wine is still dominated by the major varieties. You know the usual suspects - Shiraz, Chardonnay, Cabernet sauvignon. After a couple of decades alternative varieties are still in the minority. Are alternative varietals making any ground?

So what this paradox? There are a couple of reasons. The gross statistics are distorted by the fact that the largest volume of wine sold is still in casks and cheap bottles, say less than $10 per bottle. Huge areas of mainstream varieties supply this industrial supply chain and a large proportion of it is destined for export.

Secondly collectively alternative varieties are increasing slowly, but no variety is dominating. Pinot gris, Sangiovese and Tempranillo now have reached the stage were they have significant presence even supermarket shelves. Each of the fifty or so important alternative varieties are only a tiny percentage of the total crop. Significant increases in the number of producers of varieties like Arneis, Fiano, Petit Manseng, Vermentino, Nebbiolo, Montepulciano, Lagrein, Aglianico and Nero d’Avola all point to a bright future. None of these will reach the dominance of Shiraz which represents about a quarter of all wine produced in Australia. But there will always be lots of varietal choice for discerning Australian winelovers.

Do you need a wine map or the Wine Grape Varietal Table soon?

I will be unable to process orders after this weekend, so if you want a varietal table or map please order before Sunday night. Normal service will resume after 25 September.

Cheers