Category: Varieties

New Varieties from the Old Country — The Mediterranean Expression in Australia

Alternative varieties have exploded in Australia, mostly from the cultures of the Med. They’ve become popular thanks to the considered work of forward-thinking Australian growers sensible enough to see the opportunity, and brave enough to make something new of it — transplanting these white and red grapes from their Mediterranean origins to meet our shared farming challenges of drought, limited water and a warming climate.

So whilst you might not know these grapes by name, be brave and trust your curiosity. These delicious drinks honour our shared migrant histories and make perfect sense at the modern Australian table. From Assyrtiko and Agiorgitiko to Tempranillo, Touriga and Zibbibo. Whether extending your wine-drinking horizons or quietly reliving that terrace you’ve been dreaming of returning to, these wines take you there. Channelling the spirit of towering blue skies, sunburnt landscapes and tangy salt air, right here on our own ancient soils.

Further reading

And a few places you might start your explorations

Canberra District Shiraz

Canberra District is asking beautiful questions of Shiraz — and the conversation is only getting more interesting.

The vines exist on sub-alpine foothills, under big open skies and parchment yellow plains of the tablelands. Here the growing season is long, and the ripening conditions cool. 

Vineyards crest hills and escarpments, soils span ancient granite and gravel to deep red loams, adding matter and texture to the pretty and perfumed high tones of violet and cracked peppercorn.

Dark fruited and genuinely structured, Canberra District Shiraz shouldn’t feel as elegant as it does. And yet — perfume, finesse, and complexity linger long after the glass is empty.

A distinctive regional style delivering wines of subtlety, balance and intensity.

Further resources

Wines to try