Master Sommelier Theory 2026 > Australia > Flashcards

Australia Flashcards

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1
Q

Major producers in Western Australia?

A

Cullen, Vasse Felix, Leeuwin Estate, Cape Mentelle, Moss Wood

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2
Q

Margaret River soils

A

Leeuwin Complex: old granite and gneiss

foret grove: gravel and loam

calcareous sand in the west (less vines here)

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3
Q

Where are most premium producers in Margaret River?

A

in the Northwest, in Wilyabrup

Cullen, Moss Wood, Vasse Felix, Lenton Brae, Woodlands, Howard Park, etc

Yallingup is second most concentrated with quality producers

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4
Q

Where is Wallcliffe?

A

Margaret River, Western Australia

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5
Q

What is the golden triangle of Wallcliffe?

A

producers Voyager Estate, Leeuwin Estate, and Cape Mentelle.

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6
Q

Chardonnay clone Margaret River

A

Gingin- unique to the region, it has looser clusters and varied berry sizes, which helps alleviate mildew and rot pressures near the coast

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7
Q

Zones Western Australia

A

Greater Perth
SW Australia

Central Western Australia
Eastern Plains, Inland, North of WA
WA Southeast Coastal

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8
Q

Regions within Greater Perth?

A

(in Western Australia)

Peel GI
Perth Hills GI
Swan District GI (Swan Valley sub region)

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9
Q

Regions within SW Australia?

A

Margaret River GI
Great Southern GI
Blackwood Valley GI
Geographe GI
Manjimup GI
Pemberton GI

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10
Q

Subregions of Great Southern GI?

A

(in SW Austrailia, Western Australia)

Denmark GI
Albany GI
Porongurup GI
Frankland River GI
Mount Barker GI

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11
Q

Major grapes Western Australia

A

red: Cabernet, bdx blends

white: Chardonnay, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc

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12
Q

What is the capitol of Western Australia?

A

Perth

where Swan River meets SW coast

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13
Q

Margaret River climate and influencing factors

A

Warm Mediterranean with maritime influence. majority of rainfall is in winter and spring- less than 10% during harvest. temperatures are very consistent year-year.

on coast, near Indian and Southern Oceans, Geographe Bay

Fremantle Doctor: cool afternoon breeze

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14
Q

Margaret River viticultural threats

A

warm winds off the Indian Ocean invite mildew, botrytis, bunch rot, which also encourage pests. well draining soils are key

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15
Q

What is the Gladstone’s Line?
What mountain range does it follow?

A

The “Gladstones Line”—the line of longitude 115° 18’ E—established Margaret River’s modern eastern border, essentially following alongside the Whicher Range. It is the point at which the land stops feeling the ocean’s influence

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16
Q

Margaret River unofficial subzones

A

Yallingup,
Carbunup,
Wilyabrup,
Treeton,
Wallcliffe,
Karridale

all proposed in 1999 by Dr. John Gladstones

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17
Q

Henschke - where are they based? wines?

A

based in Eden Valley

Hill of Grace Shiraz: Inaugural vintage 1958.
Hill of Roses Shiraz: Produced from younger vines deemed not ready for the Hill of Grace.
Mount Edelstone Shiraz
Cyril Henschke Cabernet Sauvignon

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18
Q

What zones does the Adelaide super zone cover?

A

Barossa
Fleurieu
Mt Lofty Ranges

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19
Q

Where in Australia are the King and Alpine valleys?

A

Northeast Victoria

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20
Q

Yalumba- where are they based? What do they make?

A

Eden Valley, South Australia

The Octavius Old Vine Shiraz
The Signature CS Blend
The Reserve CS

also Viognier

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21
Q

Torbreck- where are they based? What do they make?

A

Barossa, in South Australia

Woodcutter Shiraz $25
The Pict Mourvedre $100
RunRig Shiraz $200
The Laird Shiraz $800

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22
Q

Cullen- where are they based? What do they make?

A

Margaret River, Western Australia

Diana Madeline- CS based blend

Also: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc

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23
Q

d’Arenberg- where are they based? What do they make?

A

McLaren Vale, South Australia

Dead Arm Shiraz $60 retail

also: stump jump shiraz $15 retail

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24
Q

When were the first vineyards in Australia planted? Where?

A

1788, New South Wales

they first produced fruit in 1791

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25
What is CSIRO? Where is it based?
Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organization, based in Adelaide.
26
Where is Penfolds based? What do they make?
based in Adelaide Grange: Shiraz also: CS/ Shiraz blends, Cabernet, Chardonnay (Yattarna)
27
What is the capitol of New South Wales?
Sydney!
28
Zones in New South Wales
Hunter Valley Big Rivers Central Ranges Southern New South Wales Northern Rivers Northern Slopes South Coast Western Plains
29
Regions in Big Rivers?
(zone in New South Wales, Australia) Riverina Murray Darling Swan Hill Pericoota
30
Regions in Central Ranges?
(zone in New South Wales, Australia) Cowra Orange Mudgee
31
Regions in Hunter Valley?
(zone in New South Wales, Australia) Hunter Subregions: Broke Fordwich, Pokolbin, Upper Hunter Valley
32
Regions in Southern New South Wales?
(zone in New South Wales, Australia) Canberra Tumbarumba Hilltops Gundagai
33
What are the major rivers in Riverina?
Murumbidgee, Lachlan, Murray, Darling NSW
34
What mountains are in New South Wales?
Great Dividing Range, Snowy Alps Snowy Mountain is highest peak
35
Important grapes in Hunter Valley?
Semillon* (Hunter Riesling), Chardonnay, Verdelho Shiraz, CS
36
What is the coolest part of New South Wales?
Tumbarumba GI- alpine, cool climate. Produces sparkling wines from PN and Chardonnay
37
List 3 producers from New South Wales
Tyrrell's - Semillon, Shiraz Brokenwood Clonakilla - Shiraz De Bortoli- dessert wine
38
What major city is in Victoria?
Melbourne
39
What is the climate of the Hunter Valley?
one of the warmest in Australia- hot subtropical, lots of humidity, rain and wind. 20 inches of rainfall in the growing season Degree Days (°C): 2070 Region IV
40
What is the climate of Victoria?
Victoria is the smallest and coolest state on the mainland. Cool maritime climate- sea breezes from Antarctica.
41
Port Philip- where is it? Regions and grapes?
zone in Victoria, Australia Geelong GI Macedon Ranges GI Mornington Peninsula GI Sunbury GI Yarra Valley GI Pinot Noir, CS, Shiraz
42
List the zones within Victoria
Western Victoria Northwestern Victoria Central Victoria Northeast Victoria Gippsland Port Phillip
43
Gippsland - where/ main grape
zone of Victoria, Australia Pinot Noir
44
Mornington Peninsula GI - where? main grape?
Port Phillip, Victoria Pinot Noir
44
who did Robert Mondavi consult for in Australia?
Leeuwin Estate, in Margaret River
45
Port Philip- where is it? Regions and grapes?
zone in Victoria, Australia Geelong GI Macedon Ranges GI Mornington Peninsula GI Sunbury GI Yarra Valley GI Pinot Noir, CS, Shiraz
46
Regions within Northwest Victoria? Grapes?
Murray Darling Swan Hill (shared with Big Rivers, NSW) Chardonnay, Shiraz
47
Yarra Valley where? soil types?
In Port Phillip, Victoria, Australia grey-brown sandy loam and red basalt soils
48
Regions within Central Victoria? Grapes
Bendigo Heathcote Goulburn Valley (Nagambie Lakes subregion) Shiraz, and some old Marsanne
49
Regions within Northeast Victoria? Grapes?
Rutherglen Glenrowan King Valley Alpine Valley Beechworth sweet fortified wines from Muscadelle, Brown Muscat
50
What is Topaque?
sweet fortified Muscadelle made in Rutherglen, NE Victoria. Lighter in style than Rugherglen Muscat, 30-40g/l less sugar
51
Zones within South Australia
Adelaide Superzone: Barossa Fleurieu Mt Lofty Ranges Limestone Coast Far North Lower Murray The Peninsulas
52
Regions within the Limestone Coast
(in South Australia) Coonawarra Padthaway Wrattonbully Robe Mount Benson Mount Gambier
53
Distintive soil type in the Limestone Coast? Which GIs is it in? Grapes?
well drained red terra rossa- clay/ silty soils red in color. well draining compared to most clay rich soils terra rossa on base of limestone (limestone coast) Coonawarra, Padthaway Cabernet. Padthaway also has some Riesling, PG, Chardonnay
54
wine regions around world with terra rossa soils
La Mancha South Australia
55
GI within Lower Murray Zone?
in South Australia Riverland GI. continental and hot, low rainfall, high salinity soil
56
List of GI in Fleurieu? Grapes?
in Southern Australia McLaren Vale GI Langhorne Creek GI Currency Creek GI Kangaroo Island GI Southern Fleurieu GI McLaren Vale. Reds- Cabernet, Shiraz, Grenache, Mourvedre (Mataro)
57
List 3 wines from Fleurieu
D'Arenberg- Dead Arm Shiraz Yangarra - High Sands Grenache Drew Noon - Eclipse Grenache Clarendon Hills- Astralis Shiraz
58
Regions within Mount Lofty Ranges?
Adelaide Hills (Lenswood, Picadilly Valley subregions). white + sparkling Adelaide Plains Clare Valley (zone in South Australia)
59
Clare Valley- where is it? Climate Soil Subzones Grapes
region within Mount Lofty Ranges, South Australia continental climate- climate data says warm but only really in the town. the grapes are high elevation and have major diurnals limestone and slate soils Riesling does well on higher altitude west facing slopes unofficial subzones: Watervale, Polish Hill River, Auburn, Sevenhill, Clare
60
List 3 Riesling producers in Clare Valley
Jim Barry Grosset (Polish Hill) Pikes
61
Regions and Subregions within Barossa?
Barossa Valley Eden Valley - subregion High Eden
62
Producers from Barossa?
Eden Valley: Yalumba Pewsey Vale Henschke Barossa Valley Penfolds Torbreck Rockford Peter Lehmann
63
First vineyard of Eden Valley?
Pewsey Vale, planted1847. Hill of Grace was planted 1860
64
Regions within Queensland? Grapes
Granite Belt GI South Burnett GI Shiraz, Semillon, Chardonnay
65
4 grapes planted in Hill of Grace
mostly Shiraz + Semillon, Mataro, Riesling
66
Tasmania unofficial subregions?
Unofficial Subregions: Northern Tasmania: Pipers River, **Tamar Valley**, North West Coast Southern Tasmania: Derwent Valley, Huon Valley, **Coal River**/Richmond, The East Coast (Cranbrook/Bicheno area)
67
Tasmania climate?
Australia's coolest- similar to Champagne or Rheingau. Long sunshine hours during growing season west side of island is much wetter- eastern side is in a rain shadow
68
Tasmania grapes?
Chardonnay Riesling Sauvignon Blanc Pinot Gris Pinot Noir* some Cabernet in Tamar Valley, Coal River
69
How did South Australia manage to remain free of phylloxera?
SA managed to avoid phylloxera despite ruin in neighboring Victoria’s vineyards by quickly implementing a total ban on imported vine material in 1874.
70
areas of Australia that have remained phylloxera free?
Western Australia South Australia Tasmania
71
When & where was phylloxera first discovered in Australia?
1877 Geelong, Victoria 1884: Sydney
72
Where are the world's oldest Syrah vines?
Barossa, South Australia: Langmeil’s “Freedom” vineyard, planted in 1843 Also home to what are presumably the world’s oldest Grenache and Mataro/Mourvèdre vines as well: Cirillo owns a three-hectare parcel of Grenache planted in 1850, and Hewitson produces Mataro from the Koch family’s “Old Garden” of vines dating to 1853
73
What are the 4 categories of old vines under the Barossa Old Vine Charter?
Barossa Old Vine: Min. 35 years old Barossa Survivor Vine: Min. 70 years old Barossa Centenarian Vine: Min. 100 years old Barossa Ancestor Vine: Min. 125 years old
74
Where is Australia's oldest Cabernet vineyard?
Penfolds’ “Block 42,” lies in Kalimna in the northern Barossa Valley and dates to 1888
75
Temperatures in Barossa Valley vs Eden Valley?
Barossa Valley is lower in elevation (100-300 meters above sea level) and daytime temperatures are typically two to three degrees (Celsius) warmer than in Eden Valley. Eden Valley is cooler, higher in elevation (400-600 meters above sea level) and more sparsely planted
76
Barossa valley soil types?
deep, loamy clay soils, and some sand. clay ranges from grey to red to brown, and is low fertility.
77
What style of wine was Barossa originally known for?
In the past, fortified wines drove production in the region—a legacy retained in the wines of Seppeltsfield, whose world-class “100 Year Old Para Vintage Tawny” is a national treasure—but Barossa Shiraz is its most famous product today. Currently 1923 is available. 1878 was first, released in 1978
78
What is Scare Earth?
Scarce Earth allows members of McLaren Vale Sustainable Winegrowing Australia (MVSWGA) to submit Shiraz from single sites to an annual tasting panel for possible approval as “Scarce Earth” wines. In 2011, two-dozen wines from key producers like d’Arenberg, Chapel Hill, and Gemtree were selected, and collectively released on the 1st of May the year after the harvest. To be considered, wines must be produced from vines that are at least ten years of age, and the wines may not be excessively shaded by oak, faults, over- or under-ripeness—fairly fluid decrees determined by taste profile rather than clear numerical guidelines.
79
Clarendon Hills - where are they based? Top wines made?
McLaren Vale, South Australia Astralis Syrah: Inaugural vintage 1994. Hickinbotham Syrah Piggot Range Syrah
80
What gepgraphical features influence McLaren Vale?
Gulf of St Vincent Sellicks Hill Range
81
List 3 wines from Coonawarra
Wynns - John Riddich Cabernet Penfolds Bin 620 Cab Shiraz Parker Coonawarra Estate 'First Growth' Cab based blend
82
What is Australia's oldest continuously operating winery? Where is it?
In Hunter Valley, George Wyndham founded Australia’s now-oldest continuously operating winery (Wyndham Estate) in 1828 he planted Australia’s first commercial Shiraz vineyard in 1830
83
What was the area encompassing Pokolbin and Broke Fordwich traditionally known as?
Lower Hunter Valley, but it was not given GI status. Top producers refuse to label Pokolbin.
84
Top producers in Hunter Valley?
Tyrrell’s, Brokenwood, Thomas Wines, Audrey Wilkinson and McWilliam’s Mt. Pleasant
85
Mudgee GI- where is it? Grapes?
in Central Ranges, NSW. Borders Hunter GI, but sunnier and drier Cabernet, Shiraz, Merlot
86
Orange GI- where is it? At what elevation does it start?
Central Ranges, NSW. GI begins at 600 meters, and rises above 1000 meters. Cab, Merlot, Shiraz, Chard, PN, SB
87
Cowra GI- where is it? Grapes
Central Ranges, NSW. southernmost and warmest. known for chardonnay
88
What is the sole GI of the Northern Rivers Zone?
in NSW Hastings River GI too hot to make good wine. some Semillon
89
What is the sole GI of the Northern Slopes Zone?
In NSW New England Australia GI
90
What GIs are within the South Coast Zone?
in NSW Shoalhaven Coast GI Southern Highlands GI
91
What is the largest region in Australia? Which zone produces the most wine?
Riverland in South Australia largest Big Rivers zone in NSW - most production
92
What are the most planted grapes in Riverina GI?
In Big Rivers, NSW Chardonnay, Shiraz, Semillon
93
Who makes the wine Noble One Botrytis Semillon? Where?
DeBortoli, in Riverina, NSW. First released in the 1982 vintage, the lusciously sweet “Noble One” quickly rose to the pinnacle of Australian dessert wines, and has garnered an outpouring of international critical praise.
94
What is the capital of Australia?
Canberra, in NSW
95
climate of Canberra GI
mild continental. comparable to Cote Rotie/ Northern Rhone against backdrop of Snowy Mountains (southern end of GDR)
96
Compare Shiraz from Canberra vs Hilltops
Canberra is comparable to Côte Rotie- cooler climate, elegant, pretty Hilltops Shiraz, in comparison with Canberra District fruit, tends to develop deeper color, lower acid, more robust tannins and darker fruit. NSW
97
Tumbarumba GI- where is it? Styles made? Climate?
in the Southern NSW Zone. In foothills of the Snowy Alps. Mostly Chardonnay and PN planted, capable of quality sparkling.
98
List 3 producers from Canberra
Clonakilla Nick O'Leary Lark Hill
99
Who owns yellow tail? What else do they own?
Casella Peter Lehman Casella Family Wines Morris Rutherglen
100
What is the capital of Tasmania?
Hobart
101
What is the center of wine production on Tasmania?
Tamar Valley, in northern Tasmania
102
Most important part of southern Tasmania?
Coal River
103
Describe the climate of Tasmania
The climate of Northern Tasmania is similar to that of Champagne or the Rheingau, and Southern Tasmania is even cooler, although long sunshine hours during the growing season promote slow, even ripening Quite a bit of rain in the west, but Hobart in the east is Australia's second driest capital after Adelaida
104
What separates Tasmania from mainland Australia?
The Bass Straight
105
Between which lattitudes does Tasmania lie?
40-44 south
106
Describe the topography of Tasmania
Tasmania is Australia's most mountainous state, with multiple mountain ranges criss-crossing the centre of the island. The highest point is Mount Ossa in the north-west, its peak sitting at 1,620 meters (5,300ft) above sea level.
107
List 3 producers Tasmania
Jansz - sparkling Tolpuddle - chard / pn Chatto Stoney Rise House of Arras
108
Who founded Jansz? Who owns it now?
founded in the early 1980s as a joint venture between Louis Roederer and Heemskerk Wines, now owned by Yalumba (??)
109
Who makes Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz? Where?
Brokenwood, Hunter Valley, NSW $170 retail
110
Which wines from NSW are Langton's 1st Classified?
Brokenwood Wines Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz Tyrrell's Vat 1 Semillon- ages 5 years before releases
111
NSW wine demoted from Langton's Exceptional in 8th edition?
in 2023- Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier demoted to Classified
112
What are the Langton's Exceptional wines from Western Australia?
Leeuwin, Art Series Chardonnay $110 Cullen, Diana Madeline Cabernet Merlot $110 both from Margaret River
113
Western Australia Langton's Exceptional demoted in 2023?
8th edition of classification. Moss Wood Cabernet Sauvignon is now Classified
114
Langton's 2023 changes
8th version of the classification. Now only 100 wines are classified. 21 are 1st Classified, 79 are just classified 19 new to the list. Was previously 3 categories, now just 2
115
What bodies of water surround Margaret River GI?
in SW Australia, Western Australia Indian Ocean, Southern Ocean, Geographe Bay
116
Hunter Valley soil types?
Alluvial - semillon thrives here Red volcanic loam - shiraz likes tihs
117
Murray Darling GI - where?
in both Victoria and NSW (Big Rivers)
118
Pericoota GI - where?
in Big Rivers Zone, NSW
119
Riverina GI - where?
Big Rivers Zone, NSW
120
Swan Hill GI - where?
in both Victoria and NSW (Big Rivers)
121
Gundagai GI - where?
Southern NSW
122
only fine wine region in Australia not sheltered by Great Dividing Range?
Hunter Valley. The mountains protect from rain, heat, humidity and other extreme weather
123
Which wine is known as "baby Grange?"
Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz. McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Padthaway 12 months in American oak, 33% new
124
Langton's First Classified wines from Victoria (7)
Bass Phillip Wines Reserve Pinot Noir Best's Great Western Thomson Family Shiraz *Bindi Block 5 Pinot Noir* Giaconda Estate Vineyard Chardonnay *Mount Mary Pinot Noir* Mount Mary Quintet *Yarra Yering Dry Red Wine No.1 Cabernet*
125
Langton's First Classified - new wines in Victoria 2023
Bindi Block 5 Pinot Noir Mount Mary Pinot Noir Yarra Yering Dry Red No. 1 Cabernet
126
Langton's First Classified wines from South Australia (10)
Henschke Hill Of Grace Shiraz Henschke Mount Edelstone Shiraz *Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz* (“baby Grange”) Penfolds Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon Penfolds Bin 95 Grange Shiraz Penfolds Bin 144 Yattarna Chardonnay (Adelaide Hills AND Tasmania) Rockford Basket Press Shiraz Torbreck Runrig Shiraz Wendouree Shiraz Wynn’s Coonawarra Estate John Riddoch
127
What is Penfolds Yattarna?
Bin 144 Yattarna Chardonnay is a blend of fruit from both Adelaide Hills and Tasmania
128
South Australia wines demoted from Langton's exceptional in 2023
Chris Ringland Dry Grown Barossa Ranges Shiraz Clarendon Hills Astralis Syrah Grosset Polish Hill Riesling Jim Barry Armagh Shiraz all are now Classified, rather than First Classified
129
Which wine was removed from Langton's classification in the 8th edition?
Seppeltsfield 100 year Para Vintage Tawny. Was Exceptional, now is entirely off the list
130
100 year Para who makes it what is it
Seppeltsfield Made every year since 1878, the 100 Year Old Para Vintage Tawny is the longest unbroken line of single vintage wines in the world, and the world’s only unbroken lineage of single vintage Tawny. GSM, fortified, 21% ish abv
131
Mountains of South Australia
Flinders and Mount Lofty ranges
132
who is often considered the 'father of the Australian wine industry?'
James Busby. A Scottish immigrant. He studied wine in France and set sail for Sydney in 1824 at the age of 22. He planted vines in the modern day Hunter Valley area. George Wyndham - also important. planted the first commercial shiraz plantings in Australia Maurice O'Shea - known as father of 'modern Australian wine industry' - saved table wine industry in the Hunter in the 1920s. Founded Mt. Pleasant
133
oldest Marsanne vines in the world?
Tahblick's vineyard in Nagambie Lakes GI, in Central Victoria. Planted 1927
134
Tamar River Valley vs Champagne - sun and temperature
Tamar gets about 2550 annual sunshine hours, average temp in January is 63 F Champagne gets 1650 annual sunshine hours, avg 73 F in July
135
Pipers River vs Tamar River - size? climate?
Tamar is wider, and the area is higher in elevation, so greater frost risk. Tamar is generally warmer though.
136
Winemaker behind Grange?
Max Schubert. grenache aged in new american oak. needs time- first tastings of the wine had everyone hating it but he persisted and it eventually caught traction. the wines in fashion at the time (early 1950s) were more claret in style, and lighter
137
Vasse Felix bottlings
Margaret River Tom Cullity- flagship Cabernet Heytesbury - flagship Chardonnay Filius- CS, Shiraz, Chard, SB/Semillion
138
Peter Lehmann bottlings
Barossa Stonewall Shiraz VSV Ruediger Cabernet Sauvignon Margaret Semillon Wigan Riesling there are so many
139
Jim Barry bottlings
Clare Valley The Armagh - flagship Shiraz The McRae Wood Shiraz The Benbournie Cabernet Spring Farm Block - several varieties .... so many bottlings
140
what did James Busby do?
considered the father of Australian viticulture, he brought cuttings from France & Spain, as well as knowledge. he planted vines at his Kirkton estate and the Sydney botanical gardens
141
Hunter GI traditional subregions
in Hunter Valley, NSW Pokolbin, Broke Fordwich, Allandale, Belford, Dalwood, and Rothbury only Pokolbin and Broke Fordwich got GI status though
142
Mudgee vs Hunter Valley - climate, elevation
Mudgee is 400-500 meters higher in altitude and experiences a drier, sunnier, and less humid climate with greater diurnal shifts in temperature. Budbreak is delayed and harvests often occur a month after those in the Lower Hunter Valley—and they are less frequently interrupted by severe storms NSW
143
Lower Hunter soils
red volcanic
144
Orange GI elevation
NSW, Aus GI begins at the 600-meter line of elevation, and its vineyards rise up the slopes of NSW’s central highlands, past the 1000-meter mark. highest point in the appellation is Mount Canobolas, an extinct volcano and the source of the region’s richest, basalt-derived soils. coolest region of the Central Ranges
145
Australian GI with most rainfall during growing season?
Hastings River GI, in Northern Rivers NSW. also very hot- Region V
146
What are the rivers in Big Rivers zone?
in NSW Murray & Murrumbidgee
147
who brought Riesling to Barossa?
Johann Gramp, a Bavarian farmer, around 1847 A descendant of his, Colin Gramp, visited Napa in the 1940s and came back and made the first dry red table wine in Barossa since the 1860s The Gramp family founded Orlando Wines, and eventually Jacobs Creek
148
Barossa Valley climate
Mediterranean. Cool, wet winters, warm, dry summers, with high maximum temperatures, high sunshine days, and low humidity and rainfall. A combination of dry, sunny days and cool nights ensures consistent, timely ripening. main threat is drought warmest areas in south and west are Region 4 on Winkler scale
149
Eden Valley climate
Mediterranean, but wetter and cooler than Barossa. More humid = less groundwater evaporation Elevation has a big effect on mesoclimate- higher areas are much cooler highest areas are Region 1B on Winkler scale (Pewsey Vale in high eden)
150
What is Barossa Pearl?
A lightly sweet, low alcohol sparkling wine inspired by German perlwine. Style was pioneered by Colin Gramp of Orlando Wines in 1956.
151
Describe the geography of the Barossa zone
the zone is bisected by the Barossa Range, a small section of the Southern Mount Lofty Ranges. west: Barossa Valley: most vineyards planted at 280m elevation or below, and most of the delimited area is under 350m east: Eden Valley: most vineyards planted at or above 350m, with none below 280m
152
planted area of Barossa Valley vs Eden Valley
Barossa 11k ha Eden 2k ha the delimited area for each is around 600 sq kilometers though
153
Adelaide Hills elevation range
400 to 650 meters (1,300 to 2,100ft)
154
Two Gulfs in South Australia
Gulf of St Vincent Spencer Gulf
155
what is PRD in viticulture?
Partial Rootzone Drying: reduces total water use by up to 50% by alternating the application of drip irrigation from one side of a vine row to the other, keeping half of the rootzone irrigated and half dry. - reduces water use (good in drought prone area) - less money spent on water - increases grape quality - does not reduce yields pioneered in Australia
156
what is RDI in viticulture?
Regulated Deficit Irrigation: RDI creates water stress during certain key periods of the vine’s development by lowering the total amount of applied irrigation water. By utilizing RDI after fruit set, vineyard managers could limit vegetative growth while enhancing fruit coloration and restricting berry size, and it is thus particularly useful for red wine grapes. - water stress can reduce yields - does not save a ton of water/ money - but grape quality remains high pioneered in Australia
157
most planted in Hunter Valley?
NSW Semillon
158
Tyrell's Vat 47 - what?
Chardonnay from Hunter Valley. First varietally bottled Chardonnay in Australia. 1971 or so he claims.... he apparently got the cuttings from someone (Craigmoor?) in Mudgee that may have bottled first...
159
which Australian zone encompasses the ACT?
aka the Australian Capital Territory - Southern NSW Zone
160
synonym for Petite Sirah in Australia
Durif
161
Muscat of Rutherglen Network
a producers’ syndicate established in 1995, has developed a voluntary and self-regulating four-tier classification system for the Muscat wines based on taste profile
162
quality levels for Rutherglen Muscat
Rutherglen Muscat: showcases the orange and rosy aromatics of young Muscat in a saccharine, mouthcoating frame. Classic: Muscat retains intense varietal aroma, but adds concentration and slight rancio tones. Grand: more oxidative tones and begin to show mature rancio character. Rare: The oldest, sweetest, most concentrated and most viscous wines same categories in place for Topaque. these are voluntary / enforced by 'peer pressure'
163
grape for Rutherlgen Muscat soil
Brown Muscat (Muscat de Frontignan, or Muscat Rouge à Petit Grains) Rutherglen loam
164
describe how Rutherglen Muscat is made
grapes are overripe- passerillage. no botrytis. harvested, short fermentation then fortified with neutral grain spirit. age in various barrels for years to decades
165
Rutherglen muscat producers
All Saints, Morris, Campbells, Chambers, Stanton & Killeen, Rutherglen Estates, Buller, and Pfeiffer.
166
regions within Western Victoria zone
Grampians GI (Great Western GI sub) Pyrenees GI Henty GI
167
first Aussie region to adopt screw cap?
Clare Valley led by Jeffrey Grosset
168
aussie term for sherry style wines
now "apera" - post 2008 agreement with EU to stop using european protected terms
169
aussie term for tokaji style wines
now "topaque" - post 2008 agreement with EU to stop using european protected terms
170
what decade did the aussies start making bag in box wines
invented in 1965 by Australian winemaker Thomas Angove
171
where is Bass Phillip? main grape?
Gippsland, Victoria. Pinot Noir
172
McLaren Vale key producers
Chapel Hill, Clarendon Hills, d'Arenberg, Pirramimma, Rosemount Estate, Wirra Wirra, Kay Bros. Amery, Mitolo, Yangarra, Hickinbotham
173
SSB vs SBS
acronyms used in western australia to denote the primary grape in semillon - sauvignon blanc blends
174
where did Western Australia's cabernet cuttings come from?
South Africa
175
first 3 Langton's Classified wines?
Penfolds Bin 95 Grange 1991 Henschke Hill of Grace 1996 Mount Mary Vineyard Quintet Cabernet Blend 1996
176
Mount Mary Triolet grapes
Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Muscadelle
177
Mount Mary Quintet grapes
CS Merlot CF Malbec PV
178
Jackson Family aussie wines
Hickinbotham, Giant Steps, Yangarra Estate
Master Sommelier Theory 2026
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