Australia
Australia has been producing
wine almost as soon as the first British convicts landed there. Commercial
production began in the early 19th century, when a British soldier named
John MacArthur planted vineyards in New South Wales.
The good weather in Australia
makes it a perfect place to grow wine grapes. Like California, the climate
allows for the cultivation of almost any type of grape. In the south
and west, in Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, and Tasmania,
the climate is similar to that of the Mediterranean, with winter-spring
precipitation, and dry, hot summers. In the north and northeast, in
New South Wales and Queensland, the climate is almost opposite, with
rain and humidity in the summer and autum, and dry winter and spring.
New South Wales is one the
most successful wine growing regions in Australia. About sixty different
varieties of grapes are planted in the Hunter Valley in this region.
The Hunter Valley is quickly becoming the Australian equivalent to the
Napa Valley of California.
The wine that most characterizes
Australia's wine industry is Shiraz. Shiraz is a dark red wine, with
exotic spicy aromas, abundant berry flavors, and a rich texture. Chardonnay,
Semillon, and Riesling are also important varieties produced in Australia.
