There are countries out there that have been making wine for almost three thousand years, but Australia isn’t one of them. However, it did start quickly after colonization by Europeans – within fifty years, wine production was already going. Before long, vineyards were showing up everywhere, mostly in the southern part of the country.
Over the course of the past hundred years, the Australian wine industry has gone through some dramatic expansion. During the 1910s, this country produced only about four and a half million gallons of wine, or about seventeen million liters, annually. By the mid 1970s, that figure had gone up to almost a hundred million gallons, or more than three hundred sixty million liters, as the world became more aware of Australia’s vineyards and wine.
There are many different soil types and climates in this interesting country, which makes it a great place to grow lots of different kinds of wine grapes. Running the range between the damp and cool to the hot and dry, conditions are right for just about every kind of grape, with some areas mimicking the climate of the best of the European wine regions. Some areas are even irrigated to aid in the production of good quality wine grapes.
Soil types mostly involve clay and limestone (if you dig deeply enough) but vary just as much as the temperatures and overall climate. This allows the winemakers to match different types of grapes with the soil that will grow them best, creating high quality fruit and getting a better yield.
Australian wine spent a remarkably long time without notice from the rest of the world, and a set of judges in a world competition even insisted that the Victoria wines they’d just rated so highly couldn’t possible be Australian! That changed, however, when the first big boom occurred, and wine lovers everywhere found out why they shouldn’t ignore these wines. Production soared in the 1970s, and has been high ever since.
Another boom on the lower end of the price scale occurred recently – Australian imports were seen just about everywhere, offering decent, low priced wine in major retailers. These wines have fallen out of fashion somewhat, making them a little less popular now, but they still have a lot to offer. Take the time to check out some of the high quality wines Australia has to offer – you might be surprised.
Australia is the world’s fourth biggest wine exporter, and it has much to offer everyone. Spain, Italy, France and other major wine producers buy Australian wines as well as drinking their own. The country has been called one of wine’s most powerful influences today.
If you’ll be taking a holiday to Australia, you shouldn’t forget to look at some of its great wine regions, or just try some local vintages. Even if you can’t make it to this country, try an Australian wine next time you buy for your table. Some of the options out there are really incredible – all you have to do is find them.
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