Australia has been making wine for over 200 years, with European settlers planting the first vines in the late 1700s. However, in the 1970s and 80s, Australian wines gained global recognition and became known for their bold and fruity flavors.
Australian red wines are particularly noteworthy, with the country’s warm climate and diverse soil types providing ideal growing conditions for grape varietals such as Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. These wines are known for their full-bodied character and intense fruit flavors, often with blackberry, plum, and chocolate notes.
Over the years, Australian winemakers have embraced new technologies and techniques, including cool-climate vineyards, to produce wines with a balance of fruit and acidity. The country has also earned a reputation for producing exceptional red wine blends, combining different grape varieties to create complex and flavorful wines.
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Australian Reds
The Region of McLaren Vale :
Located in South Australia, McLaren Vale is a region known for its diverse wine production, including some of Australia’s best red wines. The region has a Mediterranean climate, with warm days and cool ocean breezes at night, making it an ideal location for growing grapes.
McLaren Vale produces a wide variety of red wines, with Shiraz being the region’s most widely planted grape varietal. Other notable red grape varieties grown in McLaren Vale include Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Merlot.
One of the most renowned wineries in the region is Mollydooker, which produces a range of red wines from its three vineyards in McLaren Vale. The winery is known for its unique winemaking techniques, including using a proprietary process known as the “Mollydooker Shake,” which helps enhance the wine’s flavor and aroma.
Some notable red wines produced by Mollydooker include the Velvet Glove Shiraz, which has received numerous awards and accolades for its rich and bold flavors, and the Carnival of Love Shiraz, which has been named one of the world’s top 100 wines by Wine Spectator magazine.
Other notable red wines from McLaren Vale include d’Arenberg’s The Dead Arm Shiraz, which is known for its full-bodied, spicy character, and Wirra Wirra’s Church Block Cabernet Shiraz Merlot blend, which is a classic Australian wine with notes of dark fruit and spice.
Australian Red Blends :
Australian winemakers are known for producing some of the world’s best red wine blends. These blends combine different grape varieties to create wines with complex flavor profiles and balanced acidity.
One notable example is the Tom Shobbrock Tommy Ruff Barossa blend, which combines 50% Shiraz and 50% Mourvèdre grapes. This blend is known for its ripe, plump, and fresh fruit flavors and can be enjoyed anytime.
Another unique red wine blend is the Ruggabellus Efferus Barossa, which is made from a blend of Grenache, Shiraz, and Mataro grapes. This blend is known for its rich and fruity flavors, with blackberry, raspberry, and cherry notes.
Red wine blends are popular in Australia because they allow winemakers to experiment with different grape varieties and create unique and complex wines. In addition to Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, other grape varieties that are commonly used in Australian red wine blends include Grenache, Tempranillo, and Petit Verdot.
Australian red wine blends offer diverse flavors and styles, making them an excellent choice for wine enthusiasts exploring new and exciting wines.
Australian Reds Case from Averys :
Avery’s Australian Reds case is a collection of six red wines from Australia, including two bottles each of three different wines. The case includes a range of styles and grape varieties, allowing wine lovers to try a variety of Australian wines.
One of the wines included in the case is the Shot in The Dark Cabernet Shiraz 2019, a gold-medal classic Australian blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. This wine is known for its lush, bold fruit flavors, sensational quality, and value. It has received excellent customer reviews, with an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 229 reviews.
The other wines included in the case need to be specified. Still, Avery’s is known for offering high-quality and value-driven wines so customers can expect a range of excellent wines in the collection.
Overall, Avery’s Australian Reds case provides wine enthusiasts with great value and the opportunity to try various Australian red wines. The Shot in The Dark Cabernet Shiraz 2019 is a standout wine in the collection, offering excellent flavor and quality at a great price point.
Other Notable Australian Red Wines :
In addition to the previously mentioned wines, several other notable Australian red wines are worth trying. These wines have gained international recognition and are considered some of the best red wines produced in Australia.
One of the most famous Australian red wines is Penfolds Grange, which has been produced since the 1950s. This wine blends Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and is known for its full-bodied flavor and aging potential. Collectors highly seek after Penfolds Grange, and it can be pretty expensive, but it is considered one of Australia’s finest wines.
Another highly regarded Australian red wine is Henschke Hill of Grace. This wine is made from Shiraz grapes grown in the Eden Valley and is known for its rich, complex flavor profile and aging potential. Henschke Hill of Grace is named after the vineyard where the grapes have been grown and produced since the 1950s.
Wolf Blass Black Label is another famous Australian red wine with international acclaim. This wine blends Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz grapes and is known for its bold, fruity flavor and complexity. Wolf Blass Black Label has been produced since the 1970s and has won numerous awards and accolades.
Overall, these wines represent some of Australia’s best in terms of red wine. Each offers a unique flavor profile and is a testament to the skill and expertise of Australian winemakers.
Food Pairing with Australian Reds :
Pairing wine with food is an art that can enhance the dining experience by bringing out the flavors in both the wine and the food. When it comes to pairing Australian red wines, there are a few traditional Australian dishes that work particularly well. However, these wines can also be paired with a variety of international cuisine.
In traditional Australian cuisine, barbecued meats, especially beef, are a staple. These hearty dishes pair well with full-bodied Australian red wines like Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon. The meat’s richness is balanced by the bold flavors and tannins in the wine, creating a complementary and satisfying pairing. Other Australian dishes, such as kangaroo or emu, are also well-suited to red wine, particularly Shiraz.
When it comes to international cuisine, Australian red wines can be paired with a variety of dishes. For example, a bold Shiraz can complement spicy Indian or Mexican cuisine. At the same time, a lighter Pinot Noir can pair well with French cuisine, particularly dishes featuring game birds or mushroom-based dishes. Cabernet Sauvignon can also pair Italian cuisine well, particularly tomato-based dishes and pasta with meat sauces.
Overall, the key to pairing Australian red wines with food is to match the weight and intensity of the wine with the richness and flavor profile of the food. Whether enjoying traditional Australian dishes or international cuisine, a red wine from Australia can complement and elevate the dining experience.
In conclusion, Australian red wines offer a diverse and flavorful range of options for wine lovers. From the bold and fruity Shiraz to the elegant and refined Cabernet Sauvignon, these wines are a testament to Australia’s vibrant wine industry. Whether you’re a fan of full-bodied and rich wines or prefer something lighter and more nuanced, there is an Australian red wine that can satisfy your palate.
If you’re new to Australian red wines, we recommend trying a few different varieties to explore the range of available flavors and styles. The Mollydooker winery in McLaren Vale offers some excellent options, like the Penfolds Grange, Henschke Hill of Grace, and Wolf Blass Black Label. The Australian Reds case from Averys is also a great way to try a few different wines and discover your favorites.
Finally, when it comes to pairing Australian red wines with food, don’t be afraid to experiment and try new combinations. Whether you’re enjoying traditional Australian cuisine or exploring international dishes, there are many delicious and satisfying pairing options to discover. Overall, Australian red wines offer an exciting and rewarding wine-drinking experience that is well worth exploring.
