Archive for the ‘Grape Varieties’ Category

Merlot Wines

By Chris • Apr 29th, 2008

Merlot is noted for being a red wine that’s easy to drink. This makes it a good choice for people who normally drink white wines and are looking for an easy introduction to red wines.
The main characteristic of merlot is that it’s smooth, silky and soft. The flavours are similar to cabernet sauvignon with plums, […]



Viognier

By Chris • Apr 14th, 2008

Viognier is not as well known as other white wine varieties and if you haven’t tried it, give it a go. It’s versatile, goes well with a range of food particularly spicy food, and is full of intense flavour with a distinctive fruit and floral character.
Its origins are in the Rhone Valley in France. Some […]



Cab Sav

By Ian • Mar 11th, 2008

Cabernet Sauvignon was the world’s most widely grown red wine grape until the 1990s when Merlot took over.
Originally from the Bordeaux region of France, it’s a relatively new variety which was produced by an accidental crossing of Savignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc in the 17th century.
Cabernet Sauvignon is a hardy and easily cultivated variety that […]



Riesling Resurgance

By Ian • Feb 28th, 2008

Riesling originated in Germany where it has been grown since the 1400s and is noted as being one of the noble grape varieties. It produces aromatic, intensely flavoured wine and is very popular with connoisseurs.
The first Riesling vintage in Australia was produced in 1850. Prior to losing its place to Chardonnay, riesling was the white […]



Shiraz: The Big Red

By Ian • Feb 26th, 2008

The Shiraz grape originated in the Northern Rhone region of France and is known there as Syrah. Now widely grown throughout the world the variety was introduced into Australia in 1832. Shiraz is the most popular Australian red wine variety today and also gave Australian wine making its first international recognition back in 1878 at […]



All About Chardonnay

By Ian • Feb 22nd, 2008

Chardonnay is the most popular white wine grape variety in Australia, and indeed the world. It is used for best sparkling wines and is considered the king of white wines.
The Chardonnay grape is associated with the wines of Burgundy region of Eastern France. Given its popularity the origins of Chardonnay have been claimed by many […]