Wine is sometimes thought of as pretentious. This can be attributed to the subtle qualities that complement the drink. However, understanding wines isn’t as hard as it’s believed to be. Wine tasting trips can be really fun. Vineyards are set in different locations and provide a variety of wines. Australia has around 65 wine regions with over 2450 wineries. Many of these regions are great tourist spots as well. For example, there are many options for accommodation in the Hunter Valley region as it is one of the oldest wine regions in Australia.
Develop a Palate
One should develop their palates before setting out on wine tasting trips. One should recall the taste of wines and have a refined palate to appreciate wines. This is easier than it sounds and can be accomplished by almost anyone.
Look – A lot can be understood from how the wine looks. One should look out for the colour and opacity of the wine. Wine legs or viscosity can also be noted. These factors can show what type of grape is used and hint at its age. Unless it’s a blind tasting, this knowledge can help one understand the drink better.
Smell – The smell of the wine can reveal a lot about its ingredients. One should always search for broader smells rather than finer notes. For example, one can consider citrus, orchard or tropical fruits in white wines. Alternatively, red, blue and black fruits can be considered while drinking reds. The smell or nose of wine can be classified into three. The primary aroma is grape related and contains fruits and herbs. Secondary aromas come as part of the manufacturing process. The yeast-related aromas commonly spotted in white wines are an example. Tertiary aromas originate from the ageing process. The aroma of oak can be classified as tertiary.
Taste – Wines usually have a sour taste due to the presence of acid in them. The amount of bitterness depends on the climate and ingredients. Other wines are sweet due to the retention of sugars. Slaty wines also exist but are very rare. The tongue can be used to understand the texture of the wine. Higher texture wines are usually riper and contain more alcohol. The tannins can also be felt on the tongue.
Wines in Australia
There are a lot of opportunities to try out great wines in amazing settings all around Australia. With earlier mentioned options like taking accommodation in the hunter valley, one can easily plan a wine tasting trip. Here are some of the most iconic wines and their areas of origin.
Chardonnay – This can be found in the Yarra Valley, which is Victoria’s oldest wine region. Winemakers started making this around the 1830s. They have come back into the spotlight due to the recent demand for lighter wines. Varieties with floral and citrus notes are quite common.
Prosecco – This is found in a great wine tasting destination set in the foothills of the Alpine National Park. Known as King Valley, generations of Italian migrants contributed to the making and running of wineries. These Mediterranean inspired wineries are known for their crisp palate.
Semillon – Originating from the prestigious Hunter Valley, these wines are zesty and are great with seafood. The variable climate in the region has given rise to a range of wines that explore modern flavour profiles.
Shiraz – This wine is made in the Barossa Valley, which is home to over 150 wineries. Shiraz is appreciated for its full body and dark fruit flavours.
