The World Wine Map says of it this way: "In many ways, Victoria is Australia's most interesting, vibrant and wine-rich state, and no other state can match it. ”
The number of Wine Styles in Victorian regions can be called "the epitome of Australia". Geographically, they can be divided into 19 large sub-regions, spanning mountains, rivers and plains; in terms of climate, from cold to grape-growing Macedonia, cool Yarra Valley, to hot Lusgrain; stylistically, they have the top Chardonnays that can only be seen at auction, Australia's most expensive Pinot Noir, bass Phillip Reserve Pinot Noir, 100 years old but still fresh, Australia's most unique fortified wine and late-harvest dessert wine ......
Victoria is Australia's smallest continental state, located on the southeast coast of Australia, with South Australia to the west, New South Wales to the north, and Tasmania to the south.
First, Victoria's twists and turns in wine history
1. Growing grapes began in 1838
Victoria's history of viticulture dates back to the 1830s. In 1838, shepherd William Ryrie opened the first wine-growing area in Yering, not far from Melbourne.
In 1839, Charles La Trobe, who was born in Switzerland, was appointed melbourne's new administrator, along with 11 other Swiss winemakers. They settled in the Geelong region and planted grapes nearby.
2, ambitious goals: to meet the entire British market
Beginning in the 1860s, the French wine industry was devastated by grape phylloxera, which prevented France from exporting wine to England normally. Castella, the creator of the first commercial vineyard, was determined to make Victorian wines satisfy the entire UK market, but unfortunately this ambition ultimately failed.
In the 1890s, the state produced more than half of Australia's wine production.
3, the sky is not the wish: nodule aphids, prohibition of alcohol, the First World War disasters
However, it is lamentable that Australia was also attacked by phylloxera soon after, and the first to be affected was the Giron region, which led to many wine investments moving to the fledgling state of South Australia. Moreover, at that time, the prohibition movement intensified, coupled with the economic instability during the First World War, and the shortage of manpower, the original good situation was reversed.
4. Strengthening wine and dessert wine are all the rage
In the early days of Victoria's wine industry, most of the appellation's vineyards and wineries were located in the cool south coast region near Melbourne. In the 20th century, the winemaking center began to shift to the warmer northeastern region near Luzgland, producing the famous spirits and sweetened wines. It has been a mainstay of the region's wine industry in the 1950s and 1960s.
5. There are more than 600 wineries, and the wine production accounts for the third place in Australia
Victoria currently has more than 600 wineries, more than any other state. Due to the lack of a region like South Australia's Riverland and New South Wales' waterfront (Riverina), which produces barreled wine in large quantities, this appellation has only the third largest wine production in the country.
Second, there are thousands of different wine-producing areas, creating a variety of wine styles
Victoria is geographically divided into 6 wine regions: North-West, West, Central, Port Phillip, North-East and the larger Gippsland appellation.
1. Northwest
The northwest includes the Murray Darling and Swan Hill.
(1) Murray Riverbank: a high-yield bottled wine producing area, Australia 1/3 Chardonnay from here
The banks of the Murray River are one of Australia's largest and most productive regions, where wine is sold mainly in barrels. Some of the ripe, fruity, easy-to-mouth wines on the banks of the Murray River have become Australia's most famous and successful wine brands.
The banks of the Murray River are named after the Murray and Darling rivers. The inland areas are very hot and dry continental climates, and there is almost no rain during the grape growing season. Summer temperatures often exceed 30°C, and irrigation is necessary to keep the vines alive. The dominant type of soil is fertile calcareous soil, and soil salt is excessive due to prolonged irrigation.
Chardonnay wines are produced here, and the production is so large that in 2008, 1/3 of Australia's Chardonnay came from the banks of the Murray River and the adjacent Swan Mountains. In addition to Chardonnay, there are Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Sangiovese, Tempranillo, and Dolcetto, which have been cultivated in recent years. There are also some varieties used to make fortified wines, such as Muscat of Alexandria, Semillon and Colombard.
The world's 9th largest wine giant, Freixenet, has set up a well-known wine brand La La Land here, and there are currently three wines of Malbec, Templo and Pinot Gris.
(2) Swan Mountain: wine is easy to drink, high yield, value for money
Swan Mountain is located around the city of Swan Mountain, where the wine is of the mass production type, soft and mellow, easy to enter and great value for money. Swan Hill wines are mainly used to blend with other appellations, for example, Crouchen - Riesling, which sells very well at Brown Brothers.
Swan Mountain has less summer rainfall and requires water irrigation by the Murray River; although the temperature here is higher, it is still cooler than the banks of the Murray River on the west side. The grape varieties here are closer to the banks of the Murray River.
2. West
To the west are Henty, Grampians and Pyrenees from west to east.
(1) Hunti: One of the coldest producing areas in mainland Australia, Riesling and sparkling wine are the most famous
Hunti is the 3rd largest region in Western Victoria, and although it is large, there are not many wineries, with a total of 12 wineries. Hunti is arguably one of the coldest regions on the Australian continent, blown by the cold winds from the southern ocean, with long, dry summers and plenty of sunshine in autumn.
Hunti is renowned for its aromatic white and sparkling wines. Crawford River has proven that it produces extremely delicate, ageing Rieslings; Chardonnay wines are elegant and steely; cool-climate Syrah is becoming more and more famous; Pinot Noir is also an important local variety, producing wines with aromas of berries and spices and herbs.
(2) Gran Pines: Well-known Syrah appellation, 3 wines have been selected as the most authoritative grades in Australia
Grampions produces many well-known Australian wines, and its Syrah Red is of very good quality, with 3 wines listed in the Langton Australian Wine Classification: Seppelt St Peters Great Western Vineyards Shiraz, Best's Bin No. 0 Great Western Shiraz, and Mount at The Blue Ridge Winery Langi Ghiran Langi Shiraz）。
The appellation has a Mediterranean climate with warmer days and colder nights and milder autumns. It is located at the westernmost tip of the Great Dividing Range, above 335 meters above sea level, and the soil is rich in limestone. In 2007, Grampines carved out a sub-region, the Great Western, which, although known for its sparkling wines, mainly produces high-quality table wines.
Syrah is the star of the region, producing wines with multiple layers, intense flavours, delicate tannins and unique aromas. Cabernet Sauvignon is also widely distributed, often blended with Syrah, and other varieties include Pinot Noir, Peach, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris.
(3) Paloli: Produces powerful Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, where Rémy Martin once brewed brandy
Paloli is named after the Paloli Mountains, and the better vineyards are spread over the southern hills, where the terrain is lower, at an altitude of 200-450 meters.
The climate here is not so cool, so it mainly produces strong styles of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, and the white grape varieties are Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. In the 1960s, The French Rémy Martin built vineyards here to make brandy, but later adapted to market changes and switched to the production of sparkling wines and daily table wines.
3. Middle
The central part includes Heathcote, Bendigo, Goulburn Valley, Upper Goulburn and Strathbogie Ranges.
(1) Siscote: Sila got Parker a high score of 99 and has been internationally renowned ever since
The slightly cooler climate of the Siscoot region, which has a Cambrian red soil, is described in the Wine Map of the World as "famous for its lingering, juicy Syrah... Sangiovese at Greenstone Winery showcases the elegance of the Sisko region. ”
Siscote is known for producing Syrah. Jasper Hill has 2 Langton Australian graded wines: Emily's Paddock Shiraz - Cabernet Franc and Georgia's Paddock Shiraz, a rare gem on the Australian wine market. In 1997, Robert Parker gave Duck Muck Shiraz a 99-point rating for Duck Muck Shiraz at Wild Duck Creek Estate, which has since gained international fame.
Other grape varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Tempranillo, Marsanne and Roussane.
(2) Bandigo: Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah are plump and rich
Bandigo was granted AOC in 2001 and also contains 3 informal sub-appellations, Granite Slopes, Loddon Valley and Golden Waters.
Bandigo has a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, humid winters. The vineyards are between 240 and 390 meters above sea level, and the higher hilly terrain is cooler.
The warm climate makes the red wines here very good, especially Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, which are full-bodied and full-bodied. Other varieties include Pinot Noir, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and the rare Mataro, Sangiovese, Andoriga.
(3) Gaobao Valley: Masan white wine is very distinctive
The Goulburn River, a branch of the Murray River, is a predominantly white wine region through which the Goulburn River flows. Summers here are warm and dry, and water needs to be drawn from the Gaobao River for irrigation. The Goldberg Valley also includes a sub-region, Nagambie Lakes. The Lake Nagambie sub-region is located along the south bank of the Gaobao River, surrounded by a large number of lakes, ponds and streams that regulate the microclimate of the vineyards.
The northerner regions of the High Valley are warmer, the wines are more mellow, lake Nagambie is cool, and the wine style is delicate. Marsanne is a distinctive white grape variety in the High Valley, producing wines with nutty, lemon, honeysuckle flavours and a long aftertaste. In addition, there are creamy Chardonnay, rich Cabernet Sauvignon, aromatic Vioni and Riesling.
Two of the most famous wineries here are Tahbilk Winery and Mitchelton, considered the oldest and largest Marsan wineries in the world, growing a large number of Rosean Valley grape varieties, namely Marsan, Roussanne, Viognier, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre.
(4) Shanggaobao: Produces world-class sparkling wine
The Upper Gaobao appellation is greatly influenced by altitude and is known for its elegant wines and sparkling wines in cool climates.
The most important white wines of Shanggaobao are made with Chardonnay, which generally have extremely complex and intense tastes. But what has earned the region an international reputation is the elegant, rich and aromatic Riesling and Qiongyao pulp. In addition, the cool climate of the appellation is very helpful in the production of sparkling wines of world standards, mainly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
(5) Shizhuang Berghi Mountain: The cool climate style wine is the most famous, and Moët Summer Tong is here
The Shireberg mountain region is one of Victoria's younger wine regions. The grapes were first planted here in 1968, in the form of Riesling and Qiongyao pulp. In 1994, Domaine Chandon invested in vineyards in the appellation, cultivating Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, which he used to make sparkling wines and table wines.
The Štěpörgy Mountains produce cool-climate and sparkling wines, with grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Syrah, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon.
4. Port Phillip Area
There are the famous Yarra Valley, mornington Peninsula, as well as the Macedon Ranges, Sunbury, Geelong, affected by altitude and ocean currents, are cooler than Bordeaux, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the main varieties here.
(1) Yarra Valley: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay account for 60%, and the most cattle Cabernet Sauvignon is similar to margaux style
The wines of the Yarra Valley are elegant and calm, a little more "old world style" and less hasty and aggressive than other New World style wines.
The Yarra Valley has a continental climate, but is also influenced by the sea, the climate is relatively cool, and there is not much rainfall during the grape growing season, which is conducive to the growth of grapes. Overall, the climate here is cooler than Bordeaux, France, but warmer than in Burgundy.
The Yarra Valley is one of the few wine regions where all types of top wines can be produced, with the most famous world-class wines being Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, which account for 60% of the total output of the entire Yarra Valley. In addition, Cabernet Sauvignon is also the backbone of the Yarra Valley, and Syrah brings us unpredictability and freshness.
Chardonnay grapes from the Yarra Valley are specially picked when sugar is low and acidity is high, resulting in aromas of citrus fruits, immature stone fruits, minerals and flowers. In recent years, the Yarra Valley has gradually become popular with Chardonnay white wines with a lighter body and less oak flavor.
Pinot Noir is the best red grape variety in the Yarra Valley, and it perfectly reflects the local terroir. Of course, its style is also very varied, always bringing us surprises: some Pinot Noir red wines are rich and aromatic; some are fruity; some are more umami and earthy; and some are structurally firm and concentrated.
The most emblematic winery in the Yarra Valley is The Mount Mary Winery. Quintet is one of the winery's finest wines, and many wine critics consider the style of the Quintet series to be very similar to those of Château Margaux. In the second edition of the Langton Classification published in 1996, there were only 3 of the highest grade wines, except for the first defined Penfolds Glensch, namely the wine and The Hansko Grace Mountain.
(2) Marston Hills: Cold to the limit of grape growth, the best Chardonnay is a luxury auction item
The Marston Mountains have a much wetter and cooler climate than the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Alpine in the east, almost too cold to challenge the limits of viticulture.
The high acidity and citrus fruit flavors of the wines produced here mean that the appellation is ideal for cultivating grapes used to make sparkling wines, with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay being one of the most important varieties here.
Bindi Wine Growers, founded just over 20 years ago, is now one of the flagship wineries in the Marston Hills and is owned by the Bhillon family. Chardonnay is Bindy's most prestigious wine, and can only be purchased at luxury wine auctions every year after the wine is listed in Australia.
(3) Samberley: Best Syrah is still fresh after 100 years
Sandbury only qualified as a legal appellation in 1991. The appellation is located on a flat volcanic plain, close to the edge of the Marston Mountains, with steep valleys and rolling foothills. The appellation is not high, with an altitude of 50 to 300 meters above sea level, and has a temperate climate, which is greatly affected by cold winds in the plains.
The wine variety of Samberley is very diverse, with Shiraz and Chardonnay being the region's most iconic wines. The Syrah variety is moderate, vibrant, with hints of black berries and pepper spices, in addition to its soft and delicate tannins; Chardonnay is the region's predominant white wine, with a natural sour and fruity taste.
Craiglee is one of the most iconic wineries here. James Han Reed has said in a column that he has tasted Château Créley's 1872 vintage several times after 1977, when the measured alcohol content was only about 10.5%, and the wine vines were still young, but the wine still showed very good freshness and the spice flavor of Syrah.
(4) Giron: High-quality Pinot Noir, as well as Siravioni blends
With the Little River to the north, the Leigh River to the west and the Bass Strait to the south, It is also one of Australia's southernmost appellations and has a very long growth period.
The appellation can be divided into 3 main regions: the Moorabool Valley, the Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast. Weather on the Surf Coast is mild due to the influence of the Bass Strait. The Moorbo Valley is located in the farther inland region north of Giron, so it has a continental climate.
The Giron region produces almost all types of wines, the most famous of which are Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah, which are also blended with a small amount of Vioney.
There are 3 of the most iconic wineries in the Giron appellation: By Farr, Bennockburn Vineyards and Scotshmans. Known for its meticulous and elegant Pinot Noir grapes, Château PakFar has a growing reputation in Australia due to its scarcity and quality. The Pinot Noir, made at The Bennockbourne Winery, was introduced in the 19th century from the Clos Vougeot, a 1.2-hectare Serre vineyard with a cool climate and great influence from the sea, yielding even less than the Burgundy Grand Prix, with an average of only 1 catty of grapes per tree. Scottish Hill Winery is now one of Australia's most sophisticated, elegant and stable wine producers.
(5) Mornington Peninsula: mainly small boutique wineries
The adjacent Phillip Bay and Bass Straits on the Mornington Peninsula have a significant impact on local terroir conditions. In addition to being influenced by the oceanic climate, the appellation is also located at 38 degrees south latitude, two factors that make the climate very cool.
Although the appellation dates back to the late 19th century, commercial vineyards have only been developing since the 1970s. Today, many well-known wine brands have vineyards here, but most of the wineries in the appellation are small-scale boutique wineries.
The reputation of the Mornington Peninsula is built on high-quality wines, the most representative of which are main Ridge Estate and Paringa Estate, where Pinot Noir, Syrah and Chardonnay are particularly famous.
5. Northeast
The northeast includes the Alpine Valleys, Beechworth, Glenrowan, Rutherglen and the King Valley.
(1) Alpine Valley: mainly white wine and sparkling wine in the level of table wine
The Alpine Valley is crossed by 4 rivers that criss-cross and form 4 small gorges that make up the appellation. The region has a continental climate, but due to its higher terrain, it is cooler than other regions in north-eastern Victoria, where there is more abundant rainfall and snowfall each year, and soil types include fertile impact soils, sandy loams and granite.
The Alpine Valley produces white wines and sparkling wines in the table wine grade, with grape varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot and Pinot Noir. In the lower areas there are also Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. There are also a small number of Pinot Gris, Sangiovese, Nebbiolo and so on.
Many wineries look for grape ingredients in this appellation, and the cooperative winery Victorian Alps Wine will make wine for many wineries outside the appellation, but this appellation is still plagued by phylloxera.
(2) Biters: Produced Chardonnay, the highest level of Australian authoritative grading
Located at the foot of the Alps, Biters is known for organic cultivation and biodynamic farming.
Located at an altitude of 300 to 720 metres above sea level, the appellation has a cool overall climate with significant microclimates varying significantly depending on the altitude. The Bitris grapes are varied, mainly Chardonnay, Syrah and Pinot Noir. Chardonnay wines are complex and mineral, Syrah is rich in spices and very stylish, and Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir are very elegant.
There are 3 of the most iconic wineries in Bittris: Castagna, Giaconda and Savaterre. Julian Castagna, owner of Château Guenay, is Australia's top winemaker and pioneer of biodynamic law, and the winery's Syrah is typical of Australia's cool climate style. After the release of Château Gimione's first Chardonnay, it established its status as Australia's top winery, and in 2005, the wine was officially included in the highest level of the Langton Classification Supreme Class. Chateau Savaté's Chardonnay is the 4th most expensive white in the appellation.
(3) Lusgrain: Australia's most famous sweet wine and fortified wine producing area, there is no one
Jesses Robinson once commented on the traditional styles of Muscat and Topaque: "These styles are unparalleled in the world, and nowhere else in the world there are vines and arid climates that can grow and brew such wines." ”
Lusgrain has a hot climate, a large temperature difference between day and night, and a long and dry autumn, making it particularly suitable for sweet wines and fortified wines. Luzgran Musk Liqueur is made with small red musk (Muscat a Petits Grains Rouge). Topec is actually the Australian equivalent of Tokay, and the wine variety is Muscadelle.
Both wines are alcoholicly fermented after the grapes are harvested late, and then distilled with 96% alcohol, ending fermentation and bringing their alcohol content to 18-19%. It is then aged for several years in the "Modern Solera System", placed in warm conditions to accelerate its maturation and give it a Madeira and oxidizing flavor. In order to maintain the consistent quality of the winery's wines, wines from different parks and different vintages are blended, so Topec is generally not a single vintage.
Luzgrain wines are divided into 4 categories according to the ageing time, namely:
Rutherglen: Aged 3-5 years, residual sugar 180-240 g/L;
Classic: aged 6-10 years, residual sugar 200-280 g/L;
Grand: aged for 11-19 years, residual sugar 270-400 g/L;
Rare: Aged for more than 20 years, residual sugar 270-400 g/L.
Before World War II, there were dozens of wineries in Luzgrain that produced Lusgrain Musk Dessert wines and Topec, but with the rise of static wines, more and more wineries began to grow and brew Durif, Syrah and Chardonnay.
The representative winery here is Campbells. Now in its 5th generation and with 140 years of family winemaking experience, Château Campbell is undoubtedly the benchmark for wineries in Luzglan. Campbell's luscious Topek and Musk are recognised as one of the world's most rich wines.
At present, the number of wineries in the whole Lusgran is only more than 20, and the production of Lusgran musk sweet wine and Topec is very limited, most of which is consumed by the country and exported to other countries very little.
(4) Green Rovan: Strengthen the wine and dessert wine production area
GreenRowan mainly produces fortified wines and full-bodied dry wines. In terms of fruity concentration, alcohol concentration, texture level and weight, Syrah's wine here is the most concentrated in Australia. The best white wines are made from Chardonnay, while Topek Fortified and Dessert wines are made from musk and Miscardi.
The Baileys of Glenrowan is a legendary winery with a long history and a strong recognition of the enhanced and red wines.
(5) Valley of the Kings: mainly table wine, various styles are available
The Valley of the Kings stretches from the Oxley Plains to the foothills of the Alps. The dominant continental climate brings warm days and cool nights. Temperatures gradually decrease as the altitude rises, and cool breezes from the surrounding mountains regulate the microclimate.
The most important grape varieties here are Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Riesling. The vast area makes it also a region with a very diverse range of wine styles, including sparkling wines, table wines, and fortified wines. Among them, the typical characteristics of table wine are soft, mellow and aromatic; red wine tannins are generally heavier.
The most iconic and largest winery in the Valley of the Kings is brown brothers, with an annual production of around 1 million cases, and it is also one of Australia's most successful family-owned wineries and has a special place in the Australian wine industry. The Vineyards of the Brin brothers winery are spread throughout Victoria, most famously the sparkling wine Patricia.
3. How is the market performance of Victorian wines?
1. The profitability of local wineries declined
The Victoria Wine Association survey found that many local wineries had declined in profitability. There are many reasons for this, such as excessive wine production, the high Australian dollar exchange rate, and limited room for domestic market development.
2. The average price of wine exports is 60% higher than that of the whole country.
The Australian Grape and Wine Authority stressed that last year, Australia's total exports of fine wines already accounted for a quarter of Australia's total wine exports... Total fine wines exported to the UK and the US have risen for the first time since 2007.
It can be seen that the importance of fine wine to the development of the industry. Victorian wines have established the image of high-quality boutique wines at home and abroad, and their average export price is more than 60% higher than the overall average price in Australia. Of course, fine wines are also very important for Victorian wines to maintain their dominant position in the competition.
3, 60% of the wine is exported overseas, China is the largest market
Victorian wines are produced annually in 23 million cases, of which 60% are exported overseas and 40% are consumed domestically. The top 4 export markets are Chinese mainland, the United Kingdom, the United States and Hong Kong.
4. Wine tourism drives economic development
Victoria has more than 800 wineries, of which around 600 have cellars and receive 1.5 million visitors a year, with wine tourism alone generating $1 billion a year. Wine tourism is very important for the promotion of Australian wine culture, as well as the local economy and employment.
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