Australian Red Wine

Filed in archive Australian Wines on December 27, 2011

© Svadilfari

Australia has been producing red wine for nearly 200 years, and inexpensive brands like Yellowtail have become well known overseas for being consistent, drinkable and affordable. In the last few decades some Australian wines have also gotten impressive scores from the international wine community.

Shiraz, or Syrah grapes, are what Australia is best known for. Most of the prime wine-growing regions of Australia feature hot weather, and the Shiraz grape is perfectly suited to this type of climate. The most challenging aspect of cultivating wine grapes in hot climates is in maintaining the balance and acidity that makes wine pair well with food and age gracefully. The wine press has given high scores to some wines with very high alcohol content, lots of new oak and low acidity, but this has created a backlash from consumers who have been disappointed by these high-scoring wines which fail to age well.