On Tuesday, November 4, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with Australia’s pioneering wineries and exciting new-to-market brands at a major trade tasting event organised by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) at Caravan Covent Garden.
Australia has one of the most diverse wine scenes in
the world. With more than 100 grape varieties grown across 65 wine regions, Australian wine today is an expression of the country’s distinctive climates and soils, and the passionate communities that cultivate them.
In the late 1700s, Australia’s wine pioneers expanded vine plantings, produced wines and began exporting their wares, establishing a small but very promising industry. They built a legacy of important regions and historical vineyards – some of which are still home to impressive old vines.
In fact, many people don’t know that Australia is home to some of the oldest vines in the world, growing on original European rootstocks.
Australia’s most prominent varieties and wine styles include sparkling wines, Riesling, Semillon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Grenache, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.
During our wine tasting, you’ll have the opportunity to try the classics, from Tyrell’s Hunter Valley Semillon to Yalumba Barossa Shiraz and JJ McWilliams Chardonnay.
Blending tradition with experimentation
The spirit of experimentation has been alive in Australian wine since the first colonial vignerons planted vines in the 1800s, but it’s only now that there is appetite for these alternative varieties.
The imagination and curiosity of winemakers has led to the success of many Southern Mediterranean varieties such as Fiano, Nebbiolo and Sangiovese. Each year the number of varieties planted in Australia increases thanks to how well suited they are to the country’s climate, food and lifestyle.
During our wine tasting you’ll be able to taste The Loose Cannon Fiano from self-proclaimed ‘black sheep’ Hugh Hamilton Wines. We’ll also showcase La Volpe Nebbiolo and Pietra Rossa Sangiovese from Pizzini Wines, an Australian winery that has been experimenting with Italian grape varieties for over 30 years.
Hugh Hamilton Wines
Australia’s sparkling wines on the rise
Australia has produced sparkling wine since the late 19th century. Today, Australia is one of the world’s leading producers of sparkling wine in a range of styles, and prestige sparkling wines from cool-climate, high-altitude regions are taking their place as the celebratory wine of choice.
Tasmania is a true star in the Australian sparkling wine community. Its pristine, cool environment produces wines of impeccable structure and style, many of which are premium, Traditional Method wines.
During our wine tasting, make sure to try our range of Australian sparkling wines perfect for the festive season - from Bleasdale Sparkling Shiraz to the award-winning Tasmanian sparkling wine range of House of Arras.
And that’s not all…
There will be something for everyone at our wine tasting.
Australian wineries Pure Vision and Polka will showcase their full-bodied non-alcoholic wines made with native ingredients and botanical extracts. Polka’s De-Alc Sparking Rosé is infused with Davidson Plum, a fruit that is native to Australia.
We’re also excited to share Tin Shed Wines range of small-batch, wild fermented, vegan-friendly wines with you. On the night, you’ll be able to taste their Melting Pot Shiraz, Lazy Arvo Grenache and Wild Bunch Riesling.
If you’re looking to source new wines from female-owned wineries, look no further. Run by sisters Rebecca & Lucy, Bremerton Wines has become one of the best-known brands from South Australia’s Langhorne Creek wine region. Don’t miss their Mollie & Merle Verdelho, named in honour of their grandmothers.
Lou Miranda Estate located in the heart of Australia’s renowned Barossa Valley is managed by three passionate sisters - Victoria, Angela, and Lisa. Don’t miss their FIERCE III Sagrantino. Nicknamed ‘the Spicy Italian’, it is made from Italy’s rarest grapes, reimagined in the Barossa.
Click here to register to attend the Australian Wine Tasting on Tuesday, November 4.
Want a sneak preview? Download the wine catalogue to explore the Australian wineries you'll be able to meet and the many delicious Aussie wines to try.
Contact Tanya Koicheva, Senior Business Development Manager at Austrade for more information: [email protected]
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