Top Australian Wines 2017

The Australian wine industry is changing, evolving, and setting world wine trends. It is this devotion to innovation and quality that has brought some amazing wines to the world. SecondBottle Presents our top Australian Wines of 2017. Of course, not all of our favorites could make the list. This is a merely a delectable selection of them!

Australian Grapes

European settlers populated most of Australia, and they brought much of the European culture with them. With culture came the habit of growing grapes and producing a wine that later gave birth to some nice Australian wines.

The Australian landscape recognizes several wine regions, most being located in the southern parts of the country/continent. The most abundant wine varieties are Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Semillon, Pinot Noir, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc.

Most wineries opt to name their wines according to the grape variety they used for making the wine. It should come to no surprise that the top three Australian wine brands are Shiraz, Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Check out these amazing New Zealand Wines!

SecondBottle’s 3 Top Australian Wines

While the Australian wine industry is large, small wineries take a large share. We have looked into these and found our pick for the top Australian wine brands.

Penfolds Grange Shiraz

First, by far the best wine from Australia. It comes as no surprise, as Penfolds is the most famous Australian winery, winner of over 50 international wine medals and accolades. Secondly, the Grange Shiraz is the best wine in their offer.

96% Shiraz and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are grown in several wine regions constitute the Grange Shiraz. Lastly, it ages for 20 months in American Oak barrels and is truly the best wine that comes from Australia. The Penfolds Grange Shiraz is easily one of the top Australian wines today.

Expert Opinion:

• The black color of the Shiraz (Syrah) grapes translates itself into the black body of the Penfolds Grange Shiraz.
• Furthermore, the wine has a complex, yet balanced aroma that reminds of soy sauce, hoi-sin and balsamico, with undertones of raspberry and oak.
• This beautiful Shiraz’s palate is nice and dense. The first taste reminds of black fruits and spices. The taste that lingers leaves oaky feeling and an abundance of fruity flavors.

Grosset Polish Hill Riesling

The Grosset Winery has been around since the early eighties. They have been primarily producing Riesling grapes and Riesling wines. The Reisling has been their signature variety and they are most famous for it. The Grosset Polish Hill Riesling is an amazing producer of high-quality Australian wines.

Aptly named for the vineyard where the Riesling is grown, the Polish Hill Riesling is a very good wine due to the grapes that grow on relatively dry soils with low fertility. These conditions produce low crops, but great quality grapes that are able to give the smooth taste of the Grosset Polish Hill Riesling.

Expert Opinion:

• The Riesling grapes have nice, warm, rich golden color that translates itself into the wine.
• Its aroma is full of floral scents, along with citrusy undertones that tickle the senses.
• The palate is dry and tight. The first sip reminds of freshly squeezed lime juice, with freshness, power, and persistence.

Wynns Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon

The Wynns Coonawarra Estate has been producing good quality wines since the 1950’s. One of their flagship Australian wines has been the Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon.
Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes grown in the Coonawarra region, this wine matures for 18 months in seasoned French oak barrels. Along with the dedication to quality in production, this wine is known for the potential for long-term cellaring, with bottles well over 35 years of age. Furthermore, the longevity of this Cabernet Sauvignon gives credence to its position as one of Austrailia’s top Australian wines!

Expert Opinion:

• Its color is deep, dark purple that comes from the beautiful purple skins of the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.
• The wine has a complex, intense aroma of ripe dark fruits like cherry, blueberry, and blackberry, along with powerful spices.
• For a Cabernet Sauvignon is soft, unobtrusive and nicely balanced. The first sip has a feeling of ripe fruits and pepper spice.
• The aftertaste that the tannins leave is ripe, leaving smooth, rich, juicy sensations.

In Conclusion:

The Australian wine industry has been on the rise for a long time. As well, the popularization of Australian wine brands is due to exquisite quality and uniqueness.

One can easily notice the dedication of the Australian winemakers to new wine-producing techniques, along with exploring the properties brought forth by the climate. Another point for the Australian winemakers – they travel the world in search of inspiration and knowledge. The seasons are opposite – summer in Australia is winter in Europe, meaning that the Australian wines can benefit, develop and grow. These, top Australian wines are an excellent choice for any occasion! Try one, or all of them today. You will not regret it.