The vast Australian continent is home to incredibly diverse climate zones that have resulted in surreal desert landscapes, tropical rainforests and snow capped mountains. Huge expanses of the country are also dedicated to agriculture and farming, which has been the backbone of the Australian economy since foundation of the nation.
(Updated on 8 September 2021 with new product information)
Wine enthusiasts know that letting a good bottle of red or white breathe before drinking it significantly changes the tasting experience. It improves mouthfeel, expands the aromatic profile, enhances flavours and smoothens the finish.
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As the world’s third largest wine producer, Spain is often eclipsed by France or Italy when it comes to winemaking. However, of all wine-producing nations, it has the widest area—nearly five million acres of land—for grape cultivation. Spanish winemakers also produce some of the world’s finest wines, rivalling their French and Italian counterparts.
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France is one of the largest winemaking countries worldwide, producing up to 8 billion bottles of wine per year. Simply put, it plays a fundamental role in the wine industry. The French are quite proud of their wine—and for good reason. Strict policies govern every wine region. All aspects of the production process, from the selection of grape varieties and blending to bottling and labelling, are rigidly regulated.
Let’s delve into the wines of France.
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Pristine waters, clean fresh air, mild summer temperatures and long autumn days—these are the elements that create the perfect setting for growing the best varieties of grapes in Tasmania, Australia. The cool climate and fertile soil allow grapes to ripen slowly on vines, enabling them to retain their natural acidity while developing a rich variety of flavours that are best for wines. Placed in the hands of the best winemakers, these fine grapes are marvellously transformed into exquisite wines that are unparalleled in quality and taste.
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Italy produces some of the best varietal wines in the world. With the country’s 350 types of local grapes and 20 wine regions, finding a new bottle of Italian wine that suits your taste is easier said than done. Of all the imported wine you can get from Australian wine shops, Italy gives the most diverse selection.
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Belgium is home to some of the most passionate beer aficionados in the world. The pride in locally produced Belgian beer is understandable – the result of 1,000 years of brewing tradition. Close to 200 breweries in Belgium dedicate their expertise toward creating unique flavours that are not found anywhere else, and with around 60% of the product being exported there are plenty of opportunities to discover just why Belgian beer is so highly recommended.
According to connoisseurs, serving quality wine in the appropriate glass will deliver the full flavour and subtle aromas for a complete sensory experience. Every variety of wine is matched with a specific glass to showcase the wine’s colour and body, and the glassware you choose will help guests perceive you as either a consummate host or a novice entertainer. Either way, acquiring a beautiful set of wine glasses can be as rewarding as the wine tasting itself, and is a great step forward in your level of wine appreciation.
The names are similar. In fact, Syrah and Shiraz wines are made from the same variety of red grape. This leads many people to believe they are the same red wine with different names – called Syrah in France (and almost everywhere else) and Shiraz in Australia. However, as important as the grape is to wine production, it’s not the only thing that determines the taste. So what else is involved? Let’s backtrack a little and investigate Syrah and Shiraz.
Medical science is confirming what red wine drinkers have believed for decades – red wine drunk in moderation is good for you. The good-for-you / bad-for-you red wine debate has for a long time polarised opinions, mostly due to over zealous proponents from both sides, but when we put our prejudices aside a clearer picture begins to emerge. We all know that drinking too much alcohol of any type can be harmful but new evidence citing sensible and moderate drinking habits supports the health benefits of red wine.