Exploring the Fresh and Vibrant New Wave of Australian Wines
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The New Wave of Australian Wines
- Tasting Blind: A Unique Experience
- Wine Number One: A Refreshing Peno
- Wine Number Two: A Structured Cabinet
- Wine Number Three: A Funky Surprise
- Wine Number Four: A Lively Chardon
- Wine Number Five: A Zesty White
- Wine Number Six: An Intriguing Orange Wine
- Conclusion
The New Wave of Australian Wines
Australia has long been regarded as a producer of big, bold wines with intense flavors. However, in recent years, a new wave of winemakers has emerged, challenging the traditional Australian style and opting for a fresher, more vibrant approach. These wines are characterized by their cooler sites, early harvesting, and minimal intervention winemaking techniques. In this article, we will explore this exciting movement in Australian winemaking and taste some of the wines that are spearheading the trend.
Tasting Blind: A Unique Experience
Tasting wines blind adds an element of surprise and mystery to the experience. In this case, the bottles were poorly repackaged, making it impossible for the author to know which wines they would be tasting. This lack of preconceived notions allows for a genuine assessment of the wines' quality and character. The author dives into the tasting with an open mind, ready to explore the flavors and aromas presented to them.
Wine Number One: A Refreshing Peno
The first wine on the tasting list is a light-colored, pale wine that immediately catches the author's attention. With its lively, fruit-driven aroma of strawberries and cherries, the author suspects that this might be a Pinot Noir. However, they also consider the possibility of Grenache, a variety known for its pale color. On the palate, the wine proves to be super fresh and lively, with good length and freshness. The author rates it 91 points, appreciating its delicious and vibrant character.
Wine Number Two: A Structured Cabinet
Moving on to the next wine, the author is greeted by a darker, more concentrated color in the glass. This wine showcases typical Australian characteristics, with intense fruit flavors of blackberries and cassis, accompanied by the iconic aroma of eucalyptus. The author detects a touch of funkiness, indicating a low-intervention winemaking approach. The wine's structure is quite pronounced, with grippy tannins and fresh acidity. Although it deviates from the classic Australian Cabernet style, the author finds it appetizing and rates it 89 points.
Wine Number Three: A Funky Surprise
The third wine presents itself with a deep purple color, indicating richness and intensity. Upon the first sniff, the author recognizes the unmistakable aroma of Shiraz, a variety synonymous with Australia. The wine exudes a mix of blackberry and blueberry flavors, accompanied by a touch of spice. It showcases a good level of structure, grippy tannins, and a fresh finish. The author also observes a hint of pepperiness, a signature characteristic of Shiraz. They rate this wine 90 points, appreciating its uniqueness within the Australian Shiraz spectrum.
Wine Number Four: A Lively Chardon
Transitioning to the white wines, the author is pleasantly surprised by the precision and freshness of the first one. It displays a linear and bright fruit-driven profile, complemented by gentle oak influence and lees aging. Although reminiscent of a Chardonnay, this wine is leaner and more delicate, deviating from the typical Australian Chardonnay style. The author commends its texture and zesty character, rating it 93 points for its exceptional freshness and drinkability.
Wine Number Five: A Zesty White
The fifth wine presents a pale lemon-gold color, emanating intense zesty notes of lime and citrus. The author finds it challenging to pinpoint the grape variety but guesses it could be Viognier or Grüner Veltliner due to its refreshing and juicy character. The wine displays vibrant acidity and a textured mouthfeel, making it a delightful choice for a sunny day. The author rates it 89 points for its crisp and invigorating profile.
Wine Number Six: An Intriguing Orange Wine
The final wine of the tasting stands out with its golden-orange hue, indicating extended skin contact during winemaking. It offers delicate yet profound aromas of lemon zest, orange, and green apple. The wine surprises the author with its grippy texture, ample acidity, and overall complexity. Although uncertain of the grape variety, the author suggests Grüner Veltliner or Chenin Blanc. They rate this wine 91 points, appreciating its intriguing nature and the winemaker's skillful execution.
Conclusion
The tasting experience of these New Wave Australian wines has been eye-opening for the author. They were impressed by the shift towards cooler sites, early harvesting, and low intervention winemaking, resulting in fresher, more vibrant wines. The wines showcased different styles, from the light and fruity Pinot Noir to the intense and structured Shiraz. The whites, characterized by their crispness and texture, highlighted the versatility of Australian winemakers. Overall, this tasting reflects the exciting evolution of Australian wines and encourages further exploration of this dynamic landscape.
Highlights:
- New wave of Australian wines challenges traditional styles
- Cooler sites, early harvesting, and minimal intervention winemaking
- Blind tasting offers a genuine assessment of wine quality and character
- Wine number one: Refreshing Peno with lively fruit flavors (91 points)
- Wine number two: Structured Cabinet with intense fruit and eucalyptus notes (89 points)
- Wine number three: Funky Shiraz with blackberry and pepper flavors (90 points)
- Wine number four: Lively Chardon with precise fruit and zesty acidity (93 points)
- Wine number five: Zesty white with vibrant citrus character (89 points)
- Wine number six: Intriguing Orange wine with grippy texture and complexity (91 points)
- Evolution of Australian wines towards freshness and vibrancy
FAQ
Q: What is the significance of blind tasting?
A: Blind tasting allows for an unbiased evaluation of wines without preconceived notions. It enables a focus on the wine's quality and character, leading to more genuine and accurate assessments.
Q: How do these New Wave Australian wines differ from traditional Australian styles?
A: The New Wave wines are characterized by their focus on cooler sites, early harvesting, and minimal intervention winemaking techniques. They exhibit a fresher and more vibrant character compared to the traditional bolder and richer Australian wines.
Q: Are these New Wave Australian wines well-received?
A: Yes, these wines have gained popularity among wine enthusiasts and critics. Their unique characteristics and departure from traditional styles have been appreciated for their freshness, balance, and complexity.
Q: Can you provide recommendations for other New Wave Australian wines to try?
A: Some notable producers of New Wave Australian wines include Agricola, Gentle Folks, Josh Cooper, and Dr. Edge. Exploring the wine regions of Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale, and Tasmania will offer a wide range of these exciting wines to discover.
Resources:
