There are a variety of reasons why you might want to buy white wine. Some people are looking for a more light-bodied type of wine while others are trying to match a meal with a more complex drink. The best white wines are the ones that are going to offer you both options. Here are some of the best options you can try in the Australian market.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is one of the world’s most widely planted white grape varieties. This versatile vine can thrive in both warm and cool climates. It has a variety of flavours, from spicy and citrus to full and creamy.
Australian chardonnay producers have taken the time to refine their technique and craft exquisitely expressive wines. Taking into account a range of regional conditions, they produce wine that is suited to its place of origin.
Australia’s unique chardonnay region, the Hunter Valley, has been the driving force in reviving this traditional wine. The soil and temperature influences of the cool climate allow for crisp, citrus flavours. These grapes are naturally rich in acidity and give complexity to the wine.
Another popular inland region is the Riverina. This region has an array of styles, from fresh and light to complex and dry. The Adelaide Hills also produces an excellent variety of chardonnay.
A third style of chardonnay comes from Tasmania, where the maritime climate gives lean, zesty flavours. Wines from this area pair well with shellfish and seafood.
In recent years, Australian chardonnay producers have become more determined to produce quality. Their focus is on producing exquisitely expressive wines that reflect the vineyards. They know where to find the best grapes and how to make the most of them.
The Leeuwin Estate Art Series is an example of a fine Australian chardonnay. Made from premium, hand-picked grapes from Tasmania and the Yarra Valley, this wine has silky texture and complex fruit aromas.
In addition to the Hunter Valley and the Mornington Peninsula, there are many other chardonnay regions in Australia. These include McLaren Vale, which is known for its ripe, banana flavours.
Riesling
Riesling is an aromatic, crisp white wine that is often considered one of the best food-pairing wines. This dry, citrussy wine pairs with seafood, poultry and roasted vegetables. It also complements spicy foods. Soft cow’s milk cheese and dried fruit are another good choice for pairing with it.
Riesling is a grape variety from Germany. Although it is popular in Australia, the wine is made throughout the world. The grape has been around since the Middle Ages. In Australia, it has been cultivated in the early 1800s by Silesian settlers.
It is known for its high acidity and aromas of lime peel and honeycomb. Depending on the region, Riesling can be sweet or dry. However, most Rieslings are dry these days.
Riesling wines can be aged for years, as long as they are well-structured. When they are mature, they become toasty and honeyed. There is also a petrol note to high quality Rieslings.
The Riesling’s structure is determined by the soils and the region’s climate. Cool, suited regions give it a longer ripening period and allow for the development of delicate aromatics. Tasmania has cool climate sites that are perfect for producing elegant, tight Rieslings.
While Australia is known for its reds, it has world-class wines in its whites as well. Many of the best Rieslings come from the Clare Valley and Eden Valley.
The grape is also famous for its ability to pair with spicy foods. It is one of the few whites in Australia that can age.
Generally, the sweeter styles of Riesling showcase more fruit. They are ideal for dessert. On the other hand, the dryer styles are more savory and show hints of spice.
Semillon
Semillon is a grape variety from France. It has been grown in various countries around the world. The best examples are in Australia. In the Hunter Valley, Semillon is made into a classic dry white wine.
Semillon’s terroir is ideal for making quality dry white wines. This grape has an abundance of juice and a relatively low level of acidity.
Winemakers in the Hunter and Margaret River regions of Australia use a number of approaches to create these unique dry whites. Some wineries ferment a portion of their juice in barrel. They then follow with rapid bottling.
Semillon is also used to produce sweet whites. Dessert wines include notes of honey, meringue, lemon curd and peach. These wines are perfect with desserts like angel food cake, creme brulee and coffee cake.
Semillon is a grape that shows a good resistance to disease. This helps it to withstand the harsh Australian climate.
Semillon is a wine that is made to be enjoyed with food. It pairs well with chicken, pork, nuts and cheeses. It is also excellent with raw fish. You can pair semillon with a wide range of salads.
Semillon is also used to make high-quality wine blends. Many of the best semillons are blended with sauvignon blanc.
There are a number of winemakers in Australia who are trying to promote Semillon. However, there are only a handful of wines that are gaining widespread attention.
The most famous of these is Chateau Climens Grand Vin de Sauternes. It is the most searched-for Semillon in the world.
Tyrrell’s Semillon Hunter Valley has a rich, vibrant flavour and an exuberance of youth. Made from a selection of their highest vineyards, it has a broad texture and a mineral-toned persistence.
Clare Valley
The Clare Valley is home to some of Australia’s finest wines. It is known for its world-class Rieslings.
Located in the Mount Lofty Ranges of South Australia, it is a premium wine grape growing region. The climate of the valley is ideal for growing premium varieties of grapes.
The region has a variety of soil and the climate helps to retain the structure and freshness of the wine. There are also five distinct sub-regions, which are: Watervale, Sevenhill, Clare, Auburn, and Lochiel.
The best wineries in the Clare Valley include Sevenhill Cellars, Claymore Wines, and Kilikanoon Winery. The Clare Valley is a wonderful place to visit. You can enjoy picnics, enjoy the views, and sample local wines.
Wineries in the Clare Valley are family owned and operated. They embody the values of provenance and character. Some of the greatest innovations in Australian wine have been pioneered by these wineries.
The drier styles are considered benchmarks of quality. In fact, the Clare Valley is the birthplace of the screw cap revolution in Australia.
Clare Valley is located in South Australia’s Mount Lofty Ranges. It is a charming region that is full of history and charm. Visiting the Clare Valley is a great way to escape the bustling city life.
Wines from the Clare Valley are known for their crisp natural acidity and depth of classic Riesling flavours. These wines are also age-worthy and cellar-worthy.
Winemakers in the Clare Valley were the first in Australia to champion screw-cap closure. This innovation appealed to consumers and has become an everyday Australian wine.
Unlike the stifling heat of the Barossa, the Clare Valley is a cool-climate wine region. With low humidity, the grapes remain clean and healthy.
Adelaide Hills
The Adelaide Hills wine region is situated in South Australia, and is a cool climate wine region. It is close to the city of Adelaide. This region has vineyards surrounded by stunning landscapes, making it a great place to explore.
One of the main grapes used in Adelaide Hills wines is Sauvignon Blanc. The grape produces a white wine with tropical fruit aromas and crisp acidity. Aside from Sauvignon Blanc, the area is also known for producing Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, and sparkling wines.
Winemakers in Adelaide Hills are always pushing the envelope with new and exotic varietals. They craft fresh and elegant white and red wines that are perfect for everyday enjoyment.
While the Adelaide Hills Wine Region has some of the best Chardonnay in Australia, the region is also famous for its Pinot Noir. These wines have a rich texture and are creamy in taste.
Adelaide Hills is one of the oldest wine-growing regions in Australia. Its viticulture began in the late 1830s. In the 1970s, the region saw healthy growth. Nowadays, the region has vineyards stretching over 3,957 hectares.
The climate in the Adelaide Hills is cooler than the rest of the country. This helps the grapes to ripen properly. As a result, the grapes produce more concentrated and flavourful wines.
With a cooler climate, the Sauvignon Blanc vine grows well. It buds late and ripens early. Most of the time, it carries green and tropical fruit notes. But it also has a firm spine of acidity. Despite this, it finishes soft.
Depending on the soil type, the wine can be very different. For example, La Bise Chardonnay from the higher reaches of the Adelaide Hills has lime and hazelnut flavours.