04/08/08 Australian Wine

Welcome to Vine to Wine this is your host Linda Moran. So many wines so little time. Recently I taught a class and realized that I haven't talked about Australian wine in quite a long while so I think the next two days would be a good time to do just that. We as Americans have always romanticized other cultures and lifestyles such as the Italians and more recently the Australians. I must agree I am in that group of folks who hope one day to visit both Australia and New Zealand wine countries. Australia has made quite a name for itself in the world of wine and cuisine. The wines appeal to a broad range of tastes and pocketbooks. For the most part the popular reds are Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon and the market loves the Chardonnay although I find the unoaked styles much more interesting than the big fat buttery vanilla laden styles. If you truly want to experience Australian wines try going beyond those mass marketed wine that are readily available at the grocery store. Take the time to ask about wines from smaller producers or even As far as Shiraz goes  this is the same grape as Syrah although the climate and style of winemaking in Australia makes it difficult to compare to the Syrah based wines of the Rhone region in France. A Shiraz I would highly recommend is made by the producer Jim Barry. Jim Barry Wines is located in the South Australian Suburb of Clare and there wines are made from 100% Clare Valley Estate grown grapes. They blend shiraz with Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec and come up with excellent wines. I particulalrly enjoy the McCrae Wood Shiraz. It is rich and definitely a wine you can age for awhile. Remember to send your wine questions to Linda at Vine to Wine dot net and thanks for joining me on today's Vine to Wine.