Tuesday 26th January marked Australia Day for 2021. It was originally a date to recognise the anniversary of the first European fleet’s arrival in 1788. Today it is a national holiday to reflect on history and celebrate the culture and diversity of the country.
To celebrate the event (which also coincides with my birthday) here are three of my favourite Australian wines from my favourite local independent (and resident Australian) wine merchant – Champion Wines.
Wine making in Australia has been incredibly successful and has developed a huge range of styles reflecting the diversity of the landscape. The land mass is about the same as the United States and bigger than continental Europe. This means there is a huge variety of climates allowing different grapes and wine styles to develop.
The three that I’ve chosen here are all from South Australia and represent some of the best wine making. The region has several areas with different climates that deliver a lovely range of styles. From refreshing and vibrant Riesling through to fabulous blends and full-bodied Shiraz, these really demonstrate the diversity of Australian wine.
The wines
1. Dandelion Riesling, Eden Valley (Champion Wines, £14.99)
I’m a huge fan of Australian Riesling, especially those from Eden Valley and Clare Valley. The vines are grown in the hills which means there is a cooler climate that allows the flavours and acidity to develop.
The Dandelion Vineyards are more than 100 years old and grown over seven acres at 400m above sea level. The winemaking approach is with minimal intervention to produce a wine that reflects the character of the vineyards as well as the grape.
The wine is full of flavours and aromas of petrol minerality, limes, lemons and green apples. It is very fragrant with beautifully refreshing acidity and a long finish. It really is a wine made to make your mouth water! Great on its own as an aperitif, with seafood or with lightly spiced Asian food.
2. Peter Lehmann ‘Layers’, Barossa (Champion Wines, £12.99)
The Barossa Valley, north-east of Adelaide, is most famous for Shiraz but increasingly other red grapes are being grown, including Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon. The warm, dry climate produces full bodied wines which have ripe fruit flavours that become sweet when aged in new oak.
The Peter Lehmann ‘Layers’ is a blend based on Shiraz, with Mourvèdre, Tempranillo and Grenache – grapes more usually associated with southern France and northern Spain. The result is a wine that has structure and complexity yet is easy drinking.
Aromas and flavours of cassis, black cherries, prunes and dark fruits with vanilla, cedar and tobacco. A very versatile wine that will work with everything from steaks, to soft cheese, to dark chocolate.
3. Geoff Merrill Jacko’s Shiraz, McLaren Vale (Champion Wines, £19.99)
We were lucky enough to meet Geoff Merrill at a wine tasting hosted by Champion Wines and after hearing his stories and his passion for his wines, it’s difficult not to fall in love with them!
This wine – Jacko’s Shiraz – has a story of its own. It was developed in tribute to a member of the team who succumbed to leukaemia at a young age. Listening to this story as we first tasted the wine left a mark for me and now it’s one that we come back to time again.
The grapes are from McLaren Vale, a coastal region where the hot climate is tempered by sea breezes. The result is slower ripening grapes and fine, yet still intense red wines that will age for decades.
The aromas and flavours are of brambles, black cherries, cassis, black currants with sweet spices from oak – vanilla, cinnamon and cedar. It’s another wine that will work well with steak as well as roast lamb or even a pizza.
To mark Australia day is to celebrate the country’s diversity in all aspects, for me that includes these fabulous wines.
All prices correct at time of writing.
About
Jo is an independent wine enthusiast, who is qualified as WSET Level 3 (with distinction). She is passionate about wine and enjoys sharing her advice through her blogs. Jo is also a keen photographer and loves taking the photos of wine almost as much as tasting it! Read more on My Story.
