Wineletter #241 June 2018

Australia

Our Antipodean cousins now have have some serious time under their belts when it comes to winemaking. At least in New World terms. This equates to unparalleled vine age (having avoided the phylloxera aphid that destroyed vines elsewhere) and a generational continuity that is worthy of acknowledgement. The nice thing is that the respective vinous strengths of our two countries tend to lie in differing arenas. One could even opine that the dual outputs complement - as opposed to compete with - each other. What are we saying? That it's okay to dismount from our high horses and enjoy the undeniable flair that is to be found within a good Australian red. Or a white, for that matter - where our paths do converge is in the places where Australia can lay claim to cool climate conditions. There are some very clever and accomplished winemakers currently plying their art across the ditch. They are more than worthy of your attention, so hop on the bus as we go in search of the Wine Wizards of Oz.