The Raise a Glass feature is published in several UK regional newspapers every week – here’s a quick glance at January 26 which is Australia Day 2024.
Australia Day comes around every year on January 26 and I imagine several people living upside down from us are raising a glass or two of wine.
Some understandably may not, as we have seen this week.
But whatever the view on this day, it has been a reason for me to craft a small handful of words on Australia’s wines and regions.
I knew the perfect people to ask for some tips and thoughts to share with you.
Wine Australia is the team which promotes all things wine-shaped and just for you, they didn’t hold back!
Did you know:
- More Australian wine goes to the UK than to any other country.
- The UK is the number one export market by volume for Australian wine – accounting for 36% share of total exports.
- Australian wine is the UK’s favourite. Australia is the number one country of origin in the UK off-trade wine market, with nearly twice the market share of its nearest rival Italy.
- Australia is bigger than the moon! Australia is wider than the moon – by about 600km.
- Australia is a continent, and there’s so much diversity in terms of wine regions and wine styles.
- Australia is home to more than 150 grape varieties across 65 wine regions.
- Despite being known as the New World Australia has some of the world’s oldest vines.
- The oldest surviving shiraz, grenache, mourvèdre, cabernet sauvignon and semillon vines, now up to 180 years old, aren’t in Europe, they’re in Australia.
- 15.4 million glasses of Australian wine are enjoyed overseas each day.
Here’s a fleeting glimpse at four wines to try:
Wirra Wirra 12th Man Chardonnay (£24, Ocado): This wine is from the Adelaide Hills, one of the oldest wine regions in Australia. Grapes grow at altitude which helps to retain acidity and develop flavours. This is a gorgeous food-friendly wine (think roast pork or chicken). It has peachy notes, dried honey and lemon pith.
Clare Valley Riesling (£8.49, Aldi): I love riesling; and these dry styles from the Clare Valley have zesty ribbons of citrus, with lime. This example from Aldi is one of my go-tos.
Artan Reserve Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon (RRP £12.25, selected Co-op stores): The Coonawarra region has a famous red soil, terra rossa, and is believed to be home to some of Australia’s best red wines. I tried the Artan with a much-needed warming casserole and its lovely juicy, spicy black fruits sighed in appreciation.
Jansz Premium Cuvée NV (£18.49, Waitrose): Tasmania, the island off Australia’s south coast, is home to some of the most amazing sparkling wines, made in the same way as champagne. And invariably from the same grapes. Seek them out!
To find out more about wines from Australia, here are some terrific guides to the regions at australianwine.com. You can also follow the hashtag #aussiewine on social media.
First published in UK regional newspapers: See “About ” me