Over the past decades, Australia has become a leader in the world's winemaking industry. It has rapidly developed its wine regions, producing an impressive range of award-winning vintages enjoyable by the most discerning of palates.
But what makes the finest wines from Australia the, well, finest? And is it worth buying Australian wines online?
Get the answers to these questions and more with our detailed exploration of what makes the unique and delicious characteristics of the best wine to come out of the southern hemisphere. The Unique Climate
The key to Australia's success as a winemaking country lies in its diverse range of climates. This helps create a broad flavour profile within Australian wines, allowing producers to capture the nuances that make them truly unique.
For example, the NSW wine-growing region, famous for its Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, offers a unique combination of warm days and cool nights, which help bring out the distinct flavours of these varieties.
Meanwhile, grapes sourced from southern Australia's cooler climate regions, like the Victorian wine district or the Adelaide Hills, result in a spicier flavour profile due to the cooler growing conditions.
Varied Soil Compositions
Aside from its climate, the quality of Australian wines is also influenced by the variety and composition of its soil. The region's soils provide different levels of nutrition to the grapes, resulting in a wide range of flavours and aromas.
For instance, Australia's renowned Hunter Valley region offers light but highly nutritious soils, perfect for creating the region's signature Semillon - a full-bodied white wine with classic citrus, grass, and honey notes.
However, head to drier southern regions like the Barossa Valley, and you'll find gritty red and black soils, which help create full-bodied tannins to compliment Australian Shiraz.
Extreme Weather Phenomena
While the day-to-day weather conditions in Australian wine regions are consistent, the country has recently seen an increase in extreme weather conditions, leading to unique variations in Australian wine flavours.
For instance, wildfires in the NSW wine-growing regions created vintages with aromatic smoky notes. This unique and desirable flavour has since become a trademark of the finest Australian wines from that year.
Extreme floods and frost have also affected Australian wines, creating warm, sugary flavours or bright and zesty aromas.
What Is the Best Way to Buy Australian Wines
Those living near the country's major wine regions will have no problem stopping by their favourite rural or inner-city winemakers for a bottle (or case) of Australian wines.
But if you're not nearby, the best way to get your hands on Australia's finest vintages is to buy Australian wines online. Buying wine online gives you access to some of the most exclusive releases from boutique winemakers - and discounts on special wine events.
And with the many delivery and tracking options available, you can be sure to receive your Australian wines in perfect condition and on time every time.
Plus, with online cellar doors offering convenient Wine Club memberships that allow you to enjoy the finest wines from Australia year-round, buying online may be the best way to experience Australia's finest wines without worrying about running out.
