Wine Varietals
Did you know that in Australia alone there are over 130 different varietals of grapes?
We believe that diversity is part of what makes wine such an intriguing hobby (or dare we say, obsession?!). If you haven't ventured past the basic reds (Pinot, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz) and your basic whites (Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris/Grigio, Riesling and Chardonnay), it's time to get started!You've probably all heard of the basics reds and whites, but the following pages will give you a short introductory guide into 30 or so of our favourite varietals. Have a quick read to learn some of the basics... and when you're ready to venture past the basics, give us a ring, and we'll help you suss out the perfect wine.
Albarino
Description:Albarino has plenty of citrus fruit, particularly lemon and grapefruit. Known as 'Th...
Barbaresco
Barbaresco is a red wine made from Nebbiolo grapes grown in the Piedmont region of Italy. DOCG regulations stipulate that Barbaresco...Chablis
Chablis wines come from the Chablis region in the north of Burgundy, France. Chablis is a white wine, made from the Chardonnay grape...Monastrell (aka Mataro, Mourvedre)
Monastrell (known as Mourvèdre in France and Mataro in Spain) is a slow-ripening variety that develops tight bunches of grapes that need go...Verdicchio
Verdicchio is an Italian white grape grown almost exclusively in Central Italy, in the Marche region, where it is t...Barbera
Barbera is grown in Piedmont, northern Italy. Though it lives in the shadow of it's mor...Cabernet Sauvignon
Description :Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits black currant characteristics backed by other black fruit su...
Chardonnay
Description :Chardonnay can run the gamut from taut, citrus, apple and vegetal in cooler climates thr...
Chenin Blanc
Description:Chenin Blanc flavours tend towards bruised apples and hints of citrus fruits. ...
Dolcetto
Description:Dolcetto is easy drinking grape, produces bright and refreshing wines packed with sour pl...
Durif or Petite Sirah
What is Petite Sirah?Historically, the majority of vineyards plantings identified as Petite Sirah wer...
Gewurztraminer
Description:Gewurztraminer has characteristic aromas of rose petals and lycheees; can have a distinct...
Grenache
Description :Grenache Generally shows plenty of raspberry fruit, alongside earthy, herbal flavours, o...
Marsanne/Roussanne
Description:Marsanne/Roussanne has floral, almondy roussanne and marzipan-and-honeysuckle marsanne ar...
Merlot
Description:Merlot when standing alone, shows abundant evidence of the ripe, plummy fruit and soft, j...
Mourvedre
Description:Mourvedre is mainly used in Rhone-style grenache/shiraz/mourvedre blends. Standing alone,...
Nebbiolo
Description:Nebbiolo has hints of rose-and-tar-perfumed dark cherry, gamy, truffly, and richness as t...
Pinot Gris
Description:Pinot Gris can be rich, weighty wine combining pear fruit with smoke, spice and a hint of...
Pinot Noir
Description:Pinot Noir is the seductress of grape varieties. This French mistress coolly caresses you...
Riesling
Description:Riesling depending on degree of ripeness and origin - may detect crisp green apples, citr...
Rose
Description:Rose has ripe red berry fruit; can be fermented bone-dry, but many have a perceptible deg...
Sangiovese
Description:Sangiovese is considered synonymous with the Chianti and Brunello Regions of Tuscany,Italy. Which ...
Sauvignon Blanc
Description:Sauvignon Blanc combines zest fruit with crisp freshness. Cooler climates tend to display...
Semillon
Description:Young semillons exhibit aromas of lime and other citrus often accompanied by grassy or as...
Shiraz
Description:Shiraz is a grape with history - bought to Australia by the father of Australian Viticulture James...
Sparkling Wine
...Tempranillo
Description:Tempranillo has smoky, red berry fruit and spice, supported by firm tannins. ...
Verdehlo
Description:Verdehlo has unmistakeable zest twang of citrus acidity, backed up by a hint of spiciness...
Viognier
The variety is thought to have originated from the area along the Croatian coastline however it laid its roots firmly in the Rhone V...Wine No Go Areas:
Description:Wine No Go Areas is crisp white with a rare steak; hefty red with delicately flavoured wh...
Zinfandel
Description:Zinfandel has bold and brassy red, offers plenty of plum-cake and swet, spicy flaovurs, a...

