Section IV: Wine Regions of the Southern Hemisphere Chapter 14: Australia and New Zealand

Australia  Today, Australia is the world’s sixth largest producer and home to nearly 2,000 wineries.  Vineyards and population concentrated along southeast.  Growth of wine industry fueled by exports.  Large, multinational companies are responsible for the majority of wine production and innovation.  Exports have a reputation for being full-bodied and fruity wines that are easy to drink and reasonably priced.

Australian Wine—Historical Perspective  Small 3-acre vineyard established in 1791  20-acre vineyard established outside Sydney in  Australian wine sent back to Britain in  Lindemans and Penfolds wineries founded in 1840s.  Wine business expanded in the 2 nd half of the 19 th century.  Most of Australia was spared phylloxera devastation.  WWII cut exports, and growth returned in 1960s.

Australian Wine—Historical Perspective (cont.)  Production and potential increased during 1980s and 1990s.  Rapidly growing market for Australian wines overseas.  Modernization in 1970s and 1980s made for a higher quality product.  Australian dollar became less favorable, making Australian wines more expensive in export markets.  Oversupply of grapes sold at unsustainably low prices.

The Wine Regions of Australia  Most of the continent is unsuitable for viticulture.  Grape-growing regions are concentrated in the areas located in the valleys along the country’s southeastern coast between Sydney and Adelaide.  The wines of Australia are labeled by the state they were grown in or by appellation of origin in a system called Geographic Indications.  For a wine to be labeled as from a particular region, at least 85 percent of the grapes used to make the wine must be from that region.

New South Wales  The 1st vineyards were planted in New South Wales.  The state has 16 different wine regions and produces about one-third of Australia’s wine.  The region produces many red varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz being the most prominent.  Principal white wines are Chardonnay and Semillon.

Victoria  The wine industry of Victoria was begun by Swiss immigrants in the middle of the nineteenth century.  By 1900, Victoria was producing the majority of Australia’s wine.  Today Victoria grows 1/5 of Australia’s wine grapes.  There are more than 800 wineries located throughout the state in 6 different wine zones and 20 wine regions.

South Australia  Produces more than 46 percent of the nation’s wine  Dominated by large producers  Home to some of the country’s preeminent grape- growing regions

Western Australia  Far from the urban centers and major grape growing regions to the east  Home to nine wine regions and produces approximately 8 percent of Australia’s vineyard land  Has some of the oldest grape-growing regions in the country and the longest operating winery

Tasmania  First commercial vineyard was planted in  Winemaking had all but disappeared by the 1860s.  The industry was not reestablished until the 1950s. The Lalla Vineyard was planted on the Tamar River.  Today, there are about 90 wineries on record, but only a few are of notable size. Two of the largest are Piper’s Brook Vineyard, established in 1974, and Tamar Ridge established in  Red and white grapes are grown in equal portions. Chardonnay is the most common white wine grape and Pinot Noir makes up 90 percent of the red plantings.

New Zealand  Grapes have been grown in New Zealand nearly as long as they have been in Australia, but there was little development until the 1970s. Anti-alcohol regulations More difficult growing conditions Poor winemaking practices  Today New Zealand has a reputation for superior wines. Wines fetch a higher price on the international market. Sell for almost twice as much as Australian wines

New Zealand—Historical Perspective  The first vinifera vines were planted on New Zealand’s North Island by Samuel Marsden in  Commercial wine industry dates back to 1863 But was slow to develop  At the end of the 19 th century, imported American grapes  Vine and cellar practices produced poor quality wines fortified with alcohol to cover up inadequateness. Tariffs and legal restrictions also inhibited growth.

New Zealand—Historical Perspective (cont.)  Things changed in 1970s with a greater emphasis on quality. Vineyards were replanted with superior-tasting grapes. Winemakers improved their techniques. Wine Institute of New Zealand was formed in Government acted to help improve quality of wine.  Rapid growth period in 1980s and 1990s.  Today New Zealand’s wines are popular throughout the world and often command high prices.  It is also known for producing some of the world’s most intensely flavored Sauvignon Blanc.

The Wine Regions of New Zealand  Weather all over the country is dominated by the influence of the ocean.  New Zealand’s grape growing appellations are divided into ten growing regions, six on the North Island and four on the South Island.  Historically, vineyards had been concentrated on the North Island.  In recent decades extensive planting has resulted in the South Island having more vineyard acreage.

Gisbone  Lies on the eastern edge of the North Island and produces about 8 percent of New Zealand’s wine  Cool region best known for growing white varieties  In recent years, smaller wineries have been moving into Gisborne. Concentrating on producing a higher quality product.  Chardonnay is the most popular grape, accounting for over half of the region’s production.  Pinot Gris is popular as well.

Hawkes Bay  Second largest region in terms of wine production  First commercial vineyards established in 1890s.  Chardonnay is the most widely planted grape.  Red varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir to do well.  Sauvignon Blanc is also widely planted.

Marlborough  Viticulture did not begin in the region until  Since then, the Marlborough appellation has grown to hold 55 percent of New Zealand’s vineyards and produce 68 percent of the country’s wine.  Has a reputation for producing some of the most strongly flavored Sauvignon Blancs in the world  Most popular variety is Sauvignon Blanc  The region is now home to more than 130 wineries.

Other New Zealand Wine Regions  North Island appellations Auckland/Northland Waikato/Bay of Plenty Wairarapa/Martinborough  South Island appellations Nelson Canterbury/Waipara Otago