6 wines that define Australia

"Andrew Goldfinch" wrote...........

You'll get no argument from me - however, I just plain disagree with the inclusion of Yellowtail, just because they sell 8 million cases a year.

Jacobs Creek did much more to put the Australian market on the international map; and YT would have never made the same inpact if it hadn't have been for what JC had previously created.

I am not totally sure if I would include a Pinot Noir (I have never tried this particular PN - but generally Australian PN in general leaves me underwhelmed!).

Myself, I would have placed Hunter Valley Semillon on that list - if only for 100 years of history of this variety. (I fully agree with the author's sentiments "Tyrrell's Vat 1 semillon will one day get the recognition it deserves. The Tyrrell family has doggedly pursued a truly world-class wine even if the world - and especially Australians - fail to acknowledge just how damn good it is."

Just recently, a friend opened a bottle of Ben Ean Moselle (what a hell of a misnomer! This is 100% Hunter Valley semillon) dating back to the late 60's.

In a word - astonishing! This would have cost less than a dollar - yes, it was medium/sweet - but it was a lesson in the age-worthiness of these wines.

But the Gossett Riesling; The Grange; The Quintet and most particularly the Rutherglen Muscat are fine wines indeed.

Now, as to whether they define Australia? Big; Bold; Brash; Sunburnt; Lacking any sort of class; I dunno!!!!!!!

Salut/Hi Milord,

le/on Tue, 6 Sep 2005 15:28:04 +1200, tu disais/you said:-

Have you tasted the Moss Wood? I was pretty impressed.

I suppose it's a bit churlish to criticise the choice of Grange for inclusion, but for me, there are other Shiraz wines the epitomise Australia better, in that they're more affordable, and much more approachable.

As for the rest, I'd want to have put in a Yarra Yering wine as typical of a type of winemaker that in some ways embodies Australian winemaking - individualistic, iconoclastic and brilliant.

That takes me back to the early 70s when I lived there. 'Moselles' were sweet and 'hocks' were dry. The reds were labelled 'claret' and 'hermitage' without regard for the grapes used. Ben Ean Moselle was drunk by less sophisticated drinkers and Houghton's White Burgundy by the more discriminating (with ice and a dash of soda water on hot days). A couple of years ago I opened a bottle of 1974 Wynn's cab. What a beaut and it cost me Can$4 in 1976. Graham

"Ian Hoare" wrote........

Yes, and you are right - a very good example of new world pinot. And yes, I have tried and was impressed by a couple of others from Mornington and the Yarra Valley.

However, I stand by my statement that, if one was listing wines which define Australia, then I would not be including Pinot Noir on the basis that one or two might impress.

IMNSHO, PN, as a variety, would be be the least impressive of those varieties produced in Australia.

I have no problem including iconic wines with over half a century historic excellence, regardless of price

Likewise, Joe Grilli of Primo/Joseph fame.

I guess the "out" is the claim that only 6 wines could be chosen. Why, oh why, was it not the clich'ed Top 10. Then we all would be happy, as Tyrells Vat 1, Leuwin Art Sreries Chardonnay, The Barkly Durif, and a lively debate for a Cabernet (the traditional Coonawarra's Vs the silky Margaret River wines) would have transpired.

I really hope Yellow Tail is NOT definitive of Oz wines, however, I understand her point re overseas acceptance and market presence. Others before Yellow Tail should perhaps be preferred.

Freycinet Pinot is magnificent, and despite the common claim that Yarra Valley and Mornington Penninsula are home of our better Pinot's, Freycinet is from Tasmania, where I would also include Apsley Gorge and Anvers way ahead of anything on the mainland. It is hard to justify Oz Pinot's, the best being upwards of $50 -60 per bottle, when luscious drops from across the pond (NZ), can be purchased for under $30.

Anyway, the article made me thirsty, so for my Friday night wine session with friends, I have pulled out of the cellar a '98 Yalumba Signature (Shiraz- Cab) and a '90 Barkly Durif.

hooroo....

here here!!

Only because you are spoiled with the price and availability of your local drops...:>)

There is nothing in Oz white wine more sublime than a Vat 1. I buy a case EVERY year...only sell a couple of bottles, so my cellar is well stocked with aged Vat 1's...:>)

Unbelievable... and we used to laugh at it. Dear me.

Well if we had to include a Shiraz (which seems so typical Australian), the debate would be long and loud!

hooroo....