If you are looking for high-quality wine, then look to the land down under. Australian wine is some of the best tasting wines you can buy at a value that is sure to please you.
If you have not tried Australian wines then you have been missing out. It has only been within the last three decades that Australia has really become recognized for their wine quality. The country has grown to produce excellent wine choices in both the red and white wine categories.
If you are a lover of California wine, then you will be a lover of Australian wines. Australia produces wines close to the types of wines that are produced in California. It is no surprise that their wine offerings are similar, because the climates between Australia and California are very much the same kind of weather.
Many wine enthusiast's might know about the distinctive variety of the Shiraz or Syrah Australian wines, but many people have not heard about the Durif. The Durif originally started out in the Rhone Valley in France. This type of wine grows well in Australia as it produces a great Durif, which is also sometimes referred to as a "Petite Syrah." The geographical climate in Australia works well to produce an excellent quality Durif. If you have not tried a Durif, it is a recommended "must try," as it has excellent color and a wonderful taste.
A popular area that produce a great Australian wine is from the north eastern Victoria area, called Rutherglen. This area has developed into quite a large production of wine with several wineries located within a short distance from town. Here you can find great fortified wines such as Ports, Tokay's, and Muscats wines that is known worldwide.
Another area in Australia that has become famous for producing outstanding wine, is the Pyrenees located in central Victoria. This region has an abundance of over 30 vineyards and has over twenty types of wines from Chardonnay's to Sauvignon Blanc's to Merlot's, Pinot Noir's and lots more excellent wine choices.
Mornington Peninsula, located just south-east of Melbourne has about 60 wineries in the area that produce small barrels of high-quality Australian wines. Once known for large apple orchards, it is now known for great red wine choices, including an excellent Pinot Noir that comes from this region.
McLaren Vale - Southern, Australia McLaren Vale is another area located in South Australia that is a popular wine region consisting of small wineries primarily run by families and small business owners. Many vineyards planted over one hundred years ago still produce excellent grapes for wine harvest. The soil and the climate work beautifully together to produce superior tasting wine. This area has a Mediterranean climate with a very dry summer. McLaren Vale has the perfect weather with long hot days, cool nights with little frost or drought which, makes for an excellent climate just right for producing some of the best tasting Shiraz's in the world. This area has been acknowledged as one of the outstanding producer of Shiraz with harvest occurring from March to early April. The berries harvested here are smaller and they produce a more complicated and intense wine. Shiraz is just one of the excellent products produced from this region but other wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache also have outstanding reputations for their excellent taste and quality. The Grenache, similar to that grown in Spain, grows exceptionally well in this geographical region.
Clare Valley - Southern Australia The Clare Valley located in South Australia is one of oldest and most beautiful scenic region to travel. It was established by the English and Irish settlers in the 1840's, so much of the architecture is a reflection of those early inhabitants. It has a continental climate with hot summer days and cool nights. This area is known for producing excellent quality Cabernet Sauvignon's and Shiraz. It has also produced an award-winning Riesling.
Australia has become known for a country that produces excellent wine since the 1970's. This country delivers delicious wines at great wine values. The largest consumer of Australian wines is the United Kingdom, but you can find popular Australian wine in the United States as well, as the U.S. is catching on to the excellent quality and value in Australian wines.