newsletterWhy Australian shiraz is ripe for a comebackMarch 1, 2023

Australian winemakers should be watching the resurgence of Brendan Fraser’s profession with a way of optimism. If the main man who loved a meteoric rise to stardom within the Nineties may discover his method again into the highlight after a chronic absence, possibly Australian shiraz can take pleasure in an analogous comeback.

Driving on the overwhelming recognition of shiraz, Australian wine was booming as Fraser was reeling off a string of profitable blockbusters. Each loved acclaim all through the Nineties and early a part of the millennium. They fell off the radar across the similar time, too, as their respective franchises fizzled out.

Many elements performed into the faltering fortunes of Australian wine, together with rising competitors from value-oriented wine producers in Argentina, South Africa and sunny spots in Spain and southern Italy. Wine lovers world wide misplaced their style for the ripe and seductive model of discount priced bottles of Australian shiraz. Exports dropped in 2007, from A$3-billion to A$1.8-billion, and Australian producers began to reinvent themselves.

Latest figures from Wine Australia present there are greater than 2,000 wine companies in Australia, which produce over 1-billion litres of wine every year. Two-thirds of wine gross sales are exports.

Canada is Australia’s fourth-largest export market by worth. Gross sales in 2020 confirmed rising curiosity in white, rosé and glowing wines, rising by 9 per cent, 15 per cent, and 19 per cent, respectively. Australian chardonnay is an thrilling class, with vibrant and targeted wines which might be really compelling.

Shiraz continues to be a serious power in Australia, the nation’s as soon as and future King. It’s the nation’s most-planted grape selection, representing 29.5 per cent of complete winery space, and is grown in most Australian wine areas. No different nation can boast the vary of types — from elegant, spicy and lower-alcohol shirazes made in cooler areas like Yarra Valley and Orange, to the historically highly effective Barossa and McLaren Vale examples — from such a wide range of rising areas.

A giant a part of the Australian wine story is the range. It’s an trade that spans greater than 60 rising areas. Its vineyards are residence to almost 100 completely different grape varieties, together with a number of the oldest frequently producing cabernet sauvignon and shiraz vines on this planet. There’s lots to find — and re-discover — Down Underneath. In case your consideration has wandered, it’s value checking again on shiraz or one other Australian wine. There’s nonetheless loads of star energy there.

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