Australian wines: the best wines from Australia

Best of Wines: Specialist in exclusive Australian wines

At Best of Wines, we stock exclusive Australian wines. At Best of Wines you have a nice selection of these wines from Australia, especially wines from Barossa Valley South Australia and McLaren Vale. These are without a doubt three of the most renowned wine regions in the country. 

The number of wineries in Australia are immense, like Penfolds, which produces a large quantity of diverse wines, from easy to drink wines to some of the most exclusive and rare wines worldwide. And Jim Barry with its The Armagh wines, which almost every wine affeciado will recognize. With Kaesler and Yalumba this is just a selection of the high standard of Australian wines.

History of Australian wines

Australia holds an impressive wine history, with several regions dating back to the mid-19th century, though not as ancient as some European or other New World counterparts. Many founding families' descendants continue grape-growing traditions, and specific regions often reflect immigration from distinct European areas, enriching the country's wine diversity.

Notably, Australia boasts some of the world's oldest productive (ungrafted) grape vines, some planted as early as the 1840s, with numerous centenarian plots. The Barossa stands out as a hotspot for such vines. Factors like isolation and prevalence of sandy soils shielded these vineyards from widespread devastation by phylloxera, contributing to their longevity.

The grapes of Australian wines

The Australian exclusive wine landscape is globally recognized for its exceptional diversity, with cultivation extending to over 100 grape varieties. Each bottle reflects the unique climates, soils, and the dedicated commitment of local communities.

Grapes such as Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Grenache thrive in the varied climates of Australia. Winemakers showcase their skill by embracing a spectrum of global grape varieties, from familiar ones like Tempranillo and Sangiovese to more exotic choices like Saperavi. This diverse and innovative landscape firmly establishes Australia as a global leader.

Barossa

Barossa stands among the most prominent wine-producing regions, comprises the acclaimed Barossa Valley and Eden Valley. Stretching 30 kilometres, the valley's warmth yields unique wine traits, while elevated Eden Valley shapes distinct flavors.

Some of the best wineries are located here:

• Greenock: Founded in 1984, the wines from Greenock are typical Barossa Valley wines in taste and character. The wines are exclusively single-vineyard wines to reflect the individual quality of the plots.
• Torbreck: Founder David Powell first released the 1995 Runrig and was directly seen as a leading Australian wine in quality and character. Most of the vines are 100 - 165 years old.
• Glaetzer: Ben Glaetzer thrives to reflect the unique terroir of the Barossa valley in its wines, The Amon Ra was rated high scores by most wine reviewers. 
• Henschke: With its Hill of Grace wines this winery gained international recognition. The wines can age very well.

Check all Barossa Valley wines on the Barossa Valley wines page.

Australian wine regions and terroir

Australia's wine regions comprise five sub-regions, including the western area, New South Wales, the southern part of Australia, and the regions of Tasmania and Victoria. The vineyards are mainly concentrated in the cooler southeastern and southwestern regions, comparable in size to Bordeaux and Burgundy combined.

The country's climate and soils showcase extensive diversity, ranging from alpine to Mediterranean and tropical zones. In the cooler southern areas, the cold Southern Ocean influences ideal winemaking conditions. Australia's southern shores benefit from pure air, low population density, and stringent environmental regulations, ensuring grapes untouched by industrial pollution.

In Western Australia, notably the Margaret River region, wines stand out for excellence, benefiting from warm days and cool nights fostering ripe yet refreshing flavors. Rivers and fertile soils contribute to wines with distinctive character. New South Wales, home to Australia's initial vineyards, experiences diverse weather patterns conducive to winemaking.

South Australia's Barossa Valley is renowned for robust reds, especially Shiraz, while Clare Valley excels in high-quality Riesling. McLaren Vale, amid ocean views, is an area of winemaking innovation. Tasmania is celebrated for crafting exquisite sparkling wines, and Victoria's Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula produce sophisticated wines in diverse settings.

Classifications of Australian wines

Australia employs a Geographical Indications (GIs) system for categorizing vineyards, akin to Europe's, providing protection and international recognition for regional names.
A GI in Australia encompasses a contiguous area with at least five independently owned vineyards, each spanning a minimum of five hectares and annually producing 500 tonnes of wine grapes, showcasing homogeneous grape-growing characteristics.

Labelling laws mandate a minimum of 85% regional content for a wine to bear the region's name. Furthermore, regulations specify an 85% minimum for a single grape variety to be labelled as such, distinguishing Australia's standard from the US (75%) and the EU (85%).