Grape Guide

Grape Guide - Introduction

Grape Variety - RieslingClick on arrows to Expand

You have selected the Riesling variety

Riesling is the only prominent variety to have not originated in France. Germany is the traditional home of Riesling where it is usually made into a sweet wine. In Australia it is generally made to a dry wine. Riesling is an aromatic variety and boasts a powerful fruit driven nose. When affected by botrytis Riesling can produce luscious desert wines. Young Rieslings will often have a green tinge to the usual light yellow and straw. Aged Rieslings will present as deeper yellows and slightly golden. Riesling is often described as steely or flinty which is associated with this varieties firm crisp acid finish and the often strongly defined flavours. The wines are normally light to medium bodied and display it's primary fruit characters well. Riesling is made dry to semi sweet and blends well with the floral variety Traminer.

Grape Variety - Traminer

You have selected the Traminer variety

Gewurtztraminer is this variety's full name but it is more commonly called Traminer in Australia. Traminer is an aromatic wine and one of the more memorable varieties with its pungent floral fragrances. Traminer is an early drinking wine with a crisp acid finish. Traminer has some pinkish and purple colour in the grapes, however the wines are white. Traminer is straw to light gold in colour with a sparkle finish. Intense floral scents of violets, rose, lavender and perfume are common and may well be overpowering to some. Lychee, lime, passionfruit and tropical notes will show through in warmer climates. This variety has a crisp acid finish and presents very clean to the palate.

Grape Variety - Frontignac

You have selected the Frontignac variety

'Muscat a petit grains' is this variety’s official name and it means Muscat with little berries. Frontignan is the common European name for this floral variety producing intensely perfumed wines. Frontignac is a red grape of low colour intensity that produces white wines in sweet or dry styles. Frontignac is similar to Traminer and is an aromatic wine. The colour of this wine may vary from light gold to deeper yellows and golds due to this varieties genetic instability. Mutations are common. Similar to Traminer, these wines are strongly perfumed and fragrant wines and deliver intense floral, perfume, rose water, and spice. The mouth feel will vary with the style produced (sweet or dry) however the overwhelming sensations will be those of the perfume and florals.

Grape Variety - Sauvignon Blanc

You have selected the Sauvignon Blanc variety

Of French origin and is grown extensively in the Bordeaux region where it is blended with Semillon and the upper Loire valley where it is made as a varietal wine. New Zealand produces some excellent Sauvignon Blancs. Wines labeled fume blanc are Sauvignon Blanc wines that have seen some oak contact to impart smokey flavours. Quality unoaked Sauvignon Blancs will display smokey qualities without any oak treatment. Sauvignon Blancs require a strong acid finish and are best grown in cool to cold climates. Some Australian Sauvignon Blanc, grown in warmer areas, tends to be flat and lack fruit qualities. Often near-colourless wines with colours of light straw to light yellow. Young wines may have green tinge and aged wines can present deep yellow and golden. Sauvignon Blanc can present a huge range of flavours from sour green fruits of apples, pears and gooseberries through to exotics tropical fruits of melon, mango and blackcurrant. They may also, in very cool climates, produce somewhat more disagreeable notes of cat’s pee, human sweat.

Grape Variety - Chardonnay

You have selected the Chardonnay variety

Chardonnay is of French origin and is the principle white wine of Burgundy. In the Champagne area it is 100% of wines labelled blanc de blanc. Chardonnay is viticulturally and oenologically versatile and is grown with success in most viticultural areas under a variety of climatic conditions and can be made sparkling or still, with wood ageing or without and is blended with semillon in Australia at times. Chardonnay was the most sought after white grape through the late 1980's and 1990's. This versatile variety will produce wines from medium to full bodied. "Drink-now" styles will display peach, apricot, melon, fig, honey, lemon and limes. Barrel fermented wines will have a further dimension added of vanilla, toast, lanolin, coconut, caramel, smoky, caramel, cheesy, yeast, bread, vegemite, buttery and butterscotch.

Grape Variety - Verdelho

You have selected the Verdelho variety

Verdelho is a Portuguese variety, grown extensively on the Island of Madeira and in the Douro Valley where it is known as Gouveio and is mainly made into fortified wine (Douro Port). There are only small plantings in Australia with as little as 40ha in each of Western Australia, South Australia and New South Wales. Verdelho is made into dry white table wines in Australia and has been incorrectly called Madeira at times. From cool to warm climates the varietal character will change from herbaceous, grassy and spice through to more tropical notes of pineapple, melon, tropical fruits, guava, honeysuckle and fruit salad. A very refreshing wine well suited to the Australian outdoor lifestyle.

Grape Variety - Semillon

You have selected the Semillon variety

Semillon has been seen as somewhat dimensionless to most parts of the world and is usually blended. In Australia it is made as a varietal dry white table wine with fabulous success producing fine wines with ageing potential. The Hunter Valley, where it was incorrectly called Riesling for many years, produces some of our country’s best Semillons. These wines are rarely oaked and display the distinctive notes of toast and honey with age. Lemon, limes and honey are common in dry styles. Semillon will display wood character of toast without being oaked and as they age this toasty character will grow. Some will show a mineral or steely character with tight acid structure. Botrytis-affected fruits will produce exotic luscious wines of ripe peach, apricot and honey. With barrel ageing vanilla, caramel, spicy bacon, coconut, cedar and spice.

Grape Variety - Marsanne

You have selected the Marsanne variety

This grape is a little used variety grown in the northern Rhone river valley to make white versions of Crozes-Hermitage and Saint-Joseph. Its blending partner is a grape named Rousanne. It makes wines that are medium dry, full bodied and very rich in flavor with notes of spice and pear. Australia is now producing some wines that incorporate Marsanne into their blends, a fine example is Rutherglens'.

Grape Variety - Pinot Gris

You have selected the Pinot Gris variety

The Pinot Gris grape variety is known as Pinot Grigio in Italy and Ruländer in Germany. In general it produces wines of average quality except in the Alsace region of France. It makes wines that are medium bodied, well balanced and with nice floral aromas. Australia is now producing some wines that use Pinot Gris into their blends and varietals, a fine example is Yellow Tail in this present vintage.

Grape Variety - Gewurztraminer

You have selected the Gewurztraminer variety

This grape variety is noted for it floral fragrance and its spicy flavors. It is grown most successfully in France (especially Alsace), the United States (California, Oregon, Washington), Germany and New Zealand - and Australia . It does better in cool climates that in warm ones. It is often paired with spicy foods and can be made in styles that range from completely dry to semi-dry. Gewurztraminer can also be made in a late harvest dessert wine style that is delicious. This is especially true in Alsace.

Grape Variety - Chenin Blanc

You have selected the Chenin Blanc variety

French in origin and grown extensively in the Loire Valley and is used to produce both still and sparkling wines. The largest plantings of Chenin Blanc are in South Africa (30,000ha) followed by California. In Australia, Chenin Blanc was incorrectly called Semillon in Western Australia and Albillo Sherry in South Australia. Young dry styles can show green tart apples and pears. General descriptors are herbaceous, herbal, and grassy through to more exotic tropicals of passionfruit with more developed notes of almonds and honey. A mineral metallic hardness can be produced on the palate with firm tight acidity while at the same time honey. This is often referred to as a paradox. Nuttiness is not uncommon. Semi-sweet and sweet styles will be more honeyed but still retain a tight acid structure.

Grape Variety - Colombard

You have selected the Colombard variety

Colombard (also known as French Colombard) makes simple, fresh white wines that are high in acid. The variety will tolerate warm growing regions. Colombard is the second most planted grape in California and is often blended into generic white wines. Colombard is a heavy producer and has till recently been used in Australian wines also.

Grape Variety - Ugni Blanc

You have selected the Ugni Blanc variety

The Trebbiano grape is also known as Ugni Blanc. It is planted in France, Italy and Australia and is used for making wines as well as brandy. It's wines are usually dry and high in acid. As Ugni Blanc, it is the primary grape used in producing Cognac.

Grape Variety - Muller-Thurgau

You have selected the Muller-Thurgau variety

Wine from the Muller-Thurgau is usually dry to semi-dry and is lightly aromatic. Muller-Thurgau is a variety that was created in the late 19th century as a cross between Riesling and Sylvaner. It is early maturing and can grow well in cool climates. Muller-Thurgau is grown primarily in Germany (where it is planted more than any other grape), Austria, New Zealand are alsp planters of this variety.

Grape Variety - Viognier

You have selected the Viognier variety

The Viognier grape was once a little used variety best known in Condrieu, in the northern Rhone Valley of southwestern France. It is experiencing a resurgence in popularity as more of it is being planted in California, Australia and elsewhere in the world. It makes fruity wines of medium body. Stone fruit aromas (peach and apricot) are often found in wines made from Viognier along with a bit of spice. Depending on the producer, the wine can range from exquisite to ordinary. Also, depending on the producer's style, the wine matches well with 'Asian Infusion' dishes as well as many foods that are often served with Chardonnay.

Grape Variety - Merlot

You have selected the Merlot variety

Merlot is the principle red variety of Bordeaux. Historically, in Australia, Merlot has not been widely planted as it has shown to have an unreliable fruit set in contrast to France, Italy and Eastern Europe. Merlot is increasing in popularity and this is attributed to this variety's ability to taste sweet even when fermented to dry. This attribute is also why Merlot is a good blender and is often used to soften wines. Merlot is regularly blended with Cabernet Sauvignon to fill its middle palate gap. Merlot presents the palate with an abundance of fruit flavours. Moderate silky tannins further compliment this versatile variety that is often blended with cabernet sauvignon. Less ripe fruits may show vegetal flavours of green beans and asparagus. Merlot "oaks" well and is gaining popularity as a varietal wine that offers a fresh exciting mouth feel.

Grape Variety - Grenache

You have selected the Grenache variety

Widely grown in Spain, most likely the place of origin, and the Rhone Valley in France where it produces many excellent blends with Shiraz. In the 1960's and early 70's there were more than 7000ha planted and this has decreased to approximately two thirds this level. Grenache is a variety that has been around in winemaking for a long time and produces rosè, dry reds and tawny ports and used in many blends but rarely receives any credit on the label. Grenache is a variety that needs to be well balanced in the vineyard and will produce markedly different wines from district to district or even within a district. Nose and mouth feel will vary markedly depending on the style. Fruity rosè, light reds showing strawberry and raspberry, moderately tannic wines with well integrated oak notes and spice to quite large tannic wines of chocolate, tar, licorice and sweet fruits.

Grape Variety - Shiraz / Syrah

You have selected the Shiraz / Syrah variety

Shiraz is the highly regarded variety of the Hermitage and northern Rhone regions of France. In Australia it is the principle red variety used for the production of fortified and dry red table wines. Shiraz is one of the noblest varieties and will age majestically for many years. While Shiraz is used to produce many average wines it can produce some of the world’s finest deepest darkest reds with intense flavours and excellent longevity. An intense black grape producing a variety wines from medium red through to rich black red. Young wines may exhibit a purplish colour that diminishes with ageing. Australian Shiraz is usually medium to full-bodied wines that offer a great deal to the palate. The abundance of fruit sensations provides a perceived sweetness, which is balanced by often gripping tannins. The best Shiraz produces full wines of deep dark colour, full of chocolate, licorice and fruit with hot spice and warm alcohol complimented by firm but fine tannins.

Grape Variety - Cabernet Sauvignon

You have selected the Cabernet Sauvignon variety

Often regarded as the world's premium red variety as it is able to grow under a large variety of conditions and still retain its varietal characteristics. Grown extensively in Médoc, the heart of Bordeaux, and all winegrowing regions of the world. Cabernet sauvignon is often blended with Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Ageing and oak treatment will generally see the primary fruit qualities change to that of preserved fruits. Tannins are firm and gripping when young and can provide a strong puckering sensation that diminishes with age to give a fine grain full mouth feel.

Grape Variety - Chambourcin

You have selected the Chambourcin variety

Chambourcin is a French/American hybrid. This variety is of unknown parentage and can produce wines of light to medium body. Chambourcin is strongly resistant to fungal disease and is grown successfully in the Port Macquarie and Hunter Valley regions of Australia. Chambourcin is used as a blender in many wines but seldom receives any credit on the label. Chambourcin will often have an intense purple colour that may persist beyond youth. The generous fruit flavours and sugar content of this early ripening variety has seen its blending with many wines. These wines will generally be medium in body and have a good length of palate. Chambourcin will oak and age reasonably well.

Grape Variety - Pinot Noir

You have selected the Pinot Noir variety

Pinot Noir is a French variety predominantly from Burgundy and is used in the making of fine sparkling wine and light dry red table wine. Pinot Noir is difficult to grow, ripen and produce wine from as it is extremely sensitive to variations in environmental factors, from those that are considered to be ideal. Pinot Noir could be considered to be 'temperamental'. As a sparkling wine, it is clear to slightly pinkish. Pinot Noir will also produce roses and dry wines of light to medium depth reds. Red fruits, strawberry, raspberry, plum and cherry are typical. Medium-bodied wines will show soft tannins and give a generous mouth feel.

Grape Variety - Cabernet Franc

You have selected the Cabernet Franc variety

A French variety which has the same, if not greater, status as Cabernet Sauvignon and is grown extensively in Bordeaux and Northern Italy. Cabernet Franc is grown in most viticultural areas in Australia and is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon. Whereas Cabernet Sauvignon will generally display a lack of middle palate, Cabernet Franc does not. The blend of earthy and generous fruit notes is complemented further by this wines usual full soft tannin and overall soft mouth feel.

Grape Variety - Durif

You have selected the Durif variety

The Durif grape was developed by Dr. Durif, a French nurseryman living in the south of France in the late 1800's. He created this new variety by crossing the Syrah grape with the Peloursin variety. His new variety was resistant to a plant disease called Powdery Mildew. However, the new variety was more likely to suffer from rot due to the very tight bunches that Durif formed. That meant it did not grow well in its native climate of the Rhone Valley of France. The Durif performed much better in the sunnier and less rainy climate of California where the grape was eventually planted. The wines made from Durif are usually firm, full flavored wines rich in tannin and often with an unexpected degree of acidity. The wines often have 'black pepper' overtones and sometimes have an 'herbal' or 'green' character. Depending on the style that the winemaker choses, the wines can vary from soft and short lived to very robust (sometimes 'over-the-top' ) and able to age for a decade or longer. Durif wines are almost always better when served with foods such as roast beef, stews and full-flavored, mature cheeses rather than as a cocktail wine. This wide variation of styles may be a contributing factor to the lack of acceptance by many consumers. A wine drinker that tries a Durif and likes it may be put off when he later purchases another brand and finds a completely different and unacceptable style (at least unacceptable to that consumer ). Most wine consumers like wines that are 'reliable' in terms of delivering a fairly consistent style for thier money.

Grape Variety - Malbec

You have selected the Malbec variety

Malbec is one of the six grape varieties approved for making red wines in the Bordeaux region of France. In Bordeaux, Malbec is used like a chef would use a spice. Malbec is blended with other wines but it makes up a very small percentage of the blend. It is being grown and included less every year in the Bordeaux region. On the other hand, Malbec has found a new home and a new following in the wines of Argentina. Some of the best Malbec's can be described as dry, mouthfilling and sumptuous; but the best ones are hard to find. Most Malbec's you are likely to encounter are good but not great. Elsewhere, Malbec is planted in small amounts. Malbec is usually included in plantings and blends because of its background in Bordeaux. It is a thin skinned grape that needs more sun and heat than either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to mature.

Grape Variety - Nebbiolo

You have selected the Nebbiolo variety

Nebbiolo is an Italian red grape known for its success in the Piedmont region where it is used to make Barbaresco and Barolo. These wines are full flavored and can age well. Nebbiolo is not a significant factor in other growing areas, but saying that it is emerging now in Australia.

Grape Variety - Carmenere

You have selected the Carmenere variety

The Carmenere grape variety was once heavily planted in the Bordeaux region of southwestern France . This variety is one of the six varieties that are allowed for use in making red wines in Bordeaux. Because of problems ripening the crop each year, Carmenere is now almost impossible to find in Bordeaux. Today, it is most used in Chile where it was imported in 1850. It was originally mistaken for Merlot. Carmenere is a good blending grape It's wines are very soft and mellow and do not age well. In recent years, many Chilean wineries have bottled Carmenere by itself, and have recieved many accolades in recent years.

Grape Variety - Tempranillo

You have selected the Tempranillo variety

The Tempranillo grape variety is only grown on the Iberian peninsula in Spain and Portugal. It is referred to by many different names in various parts of Spain and as Tinta Roriz in the Douro river area of Portugal. In Spain Tempranillo is the most important red variety. It is the major grape in Rioja red wines. In the wines from Rioja, Tempranillo makes wines that are medium bodied and high in acid with dark colors and flavors of plum and black currants.

Grape Variety - Mourvedre

You have selected the Mourvedre variety

The Mourvedre is a late ripening red grape variety that is widely planted along the French and Spanish coasts of the Mediterranean Sea. It is used in the Rhone river valley of France in blends of Cotes du Rhone and Chateauneuf du Pape. Mourvedre performs well in warmer growing areas and well drained (even stony) soils. Its wines are medium bodied, deeply coloured and full of fruit (cherry and berries). It is now being utilised in Australia , mainly in blends with Shiraz. It can improve for up to 10 years when stored properly.

Grape Variety - Sangiovese

You have selected the Sangiovese variety

Sangiovese is the primary grape used in Northern Italy in the region of Tuscany to make Chianti and also for Brunello di Montalcino. Sangiovese produces wines that are spicy, with good acid levels, smooth texture and medium body. In the right climates and with controlled yields, Sangiovese can be made into very structured and full bodied wines. It is usually blended with other grapes for best results and in northern Italy is blended with Cabernet Sauvignon in the 'Super Tuscan' blends. Sangiovese is experiencing increased interest and plantings in California and elsewhere. Because of its ability to create smoother wines with acid levels that pair well with many foods, a great deal of experimentation is taking place with it as a blending agent with several red varieties.

Grape Variety - Cinsault

You have selected the Cinsault variety

Cinsault is a very old grape variety grown in the south of France. It prefers well drained soil on sunny hillsides and can withstand very hot environments. Cinsault is an aggressive grower and produces a large crop of large sweet berries. The Cinsault grape makes fairly simple wines that are used for blending with other grapes such as Grenache. Cinsault is one of the parent grapes (along with Pinot Noir) for the Pinotage variety which was developed in South Africa.

Grape Variety - Pinot Meunier

You have selected the Pinot Meunier variety

The most widely planted grape in Champagne, Pinot Meunier is often used to add complexity to the Cuvee. In much of the Champagne made and consumed locally (smaller lesser known house and brands) Pinot Meunier can be up to 100% of the Cuvee.

Grape Variety - Pinotage

You have selected the Pinotage variety

South Africa's cloning of Cinsault and Pinot Noir has yielded a wine of good distinction and friendly fruit. You can consider the wine the Zinfandel of South Africa. Pinotage is also successfully grown in New Zealand and other parts of the world.

Grape Variety - Primitivo

You have selected the Primitivo variety

Primitivo is the Italian name for the grape Americans call Zinfandel. Its origin is mysterious; one theory has it originating in eastern Europe as the Dalmatian variety Plavac Mali and brought to California as early as 1834. Despite the name, the Primitivo vines planted today in Italy’s Apulia are almost certainly descendants of a reverse migration from California to Europe. Thanks to its popularity as “White Zinfandel,” this is California’s most planted grape. The white (actually rosé) version is usually a light, slightly sweet wine appropriate for aperitifs and picnic foods. As a dry red or even late harvest dessert wine Zinfandel/Primitivo provides robust grapey aromas and flavors reminiscent of red berries and jam. Moderate to heavy tannins and high alcohol allow it to age fairly well.

Grape Variety - Touriga Nacional

You have selected the Touriga Nacional variety

One of the primary grapes of great Port, it also appears as very good dry red wine. Touriga Francesa is a separate grape variety, but equally as important and respected.

Grape Variety - Gamay

You have selected the Gamay variety

Outside of the confines of Beaujolais, France, where in the top crus (Brouilly, Fleurie, et al) it can be rich, succulent and capable of aging ten years or more, Gamay makes a pleasant, simple and fruity wine.

Grape Variety - Petit Verdot

You have selected the Petit Verdot variety

A minor Bordeaux grape, but one by which many first-growth producers swear by. It is lean and leggy, with a good long time required for maturity. .