AUSTRALIAN WINE

Shiraz is Australia’s undisputed king, ranging from the bold, jammy styles of the Barossa Valley to the peppery, elegant profiles of cooler regions. Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay follow as major pillars, while Sauvignon Blanc and crisp Rieslings highlight the country’s cooler climates.

Many think of rich, fruit-forward Shiraz from its warm climates when they think of Australian wine, but the country has a wide range of styles, including structured Shiraz from the McLaren Vale, elegant, dark-fruited Cabernet from the Barossa Valley, vibrant Chardonnay from the Margaret River and powerful, citrusy and age-worthy Riesling from the Clare Valley.

Some of the best-known regions here are Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Margaret River, Coonawarra, Yarra Valley, Clare Valley, Eden Valley, Margaret River and Adelaide Hills. These places are important because they showcase a range of styles in red, white and sparkling with their grape growing climates and long-standing winemaking traditions.

The "Big Three" of Australian red wine are Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir. While many think of Australia for its bold, fruit-forward reds, it also offers plenty of wines with elegance and pronounced freshness.

The most popular Australian white wines are Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling. While Australia was once famous for rich, "buttery" styles, the country is now celebrated for its wide range of styles, from vibrant Margaret River Chardonnay to steeley, age-worthy Riesling from the Eden Valley.

Australian wines are famous for their versatility and bold flavors, making them ideal partners for everything from a casual BBQ favorites to fine dining. Because the styles vary so significantly by region, the best pairings match the wine's intensity with the dish's weight.