Australian Red Wines

Australia is an enormous country but it’s area under vine is relatively small when compared to European countries. There were no native grapes until the British settlers arrived, and conditions for survival for any living thing can be challenging to say the least. Virtually all the vineyards are in the cooler South, although Tasmania is probably just too cold to produce any great red wine. The Australian red wine industry is now booming, thanks to it’s abundance of sunshine being tempered by advanced irrigation systems, and the recognition of the need for cooler vineyard sites at altitude to prevent over ripening. Australian red wine seems to be getting better every year and, if you steer clear of the mass produced factory brands, you will find a variety of styles to suit every taste.