Australia's wine market is worth over $7.4 billion, making it the 4th largest wine producer in the world. On a consumption level, Australians are also the top wine drinkers in the English-speaking world. It should come as no surprise, then, that they can produce some exquisitely complex and aromatic wine varieties!
Here, we're going to talk about some of the best Australian wines UK consumers can import and enjoy. Read on to learn about the drinks that you can enjoy regardless of your preferences.
Shiraz: The Best Australian Wine
Shiraz is the single most popular variety of Australian-produced wine. It accounts for about 25% of the wine production in the country and is by far the most commonly exported variety. This makes it one of the most accessible Australian wines in the UK.
It's also important to note that Shiraz grows in every single wine region across Australia. This means that there's no single variety of Shiraz. Some of them are affordable bottles for everyday drinking with dinner while others are collectable fine wines for special occasions.
Shiraz wines aren't a monolith! This is good news for those who want to enjoy a variety of flavours and aromas. Wines produced in warmer Australian climates tend to be fuller, bolder, and fruity. Common flavours include plum, dark cherry, and chocolate, so you're sure to find something full-flavoured that you love.
If you get wine from colder Aussie climates, you can expect lighter flavours. They'll be laced with the aromas of spice and pepper. This unique taste makes them an ideal conversation starter at dinner parties or on beach trips where you're looking to enjoy something light and summery.
Other Reds
Shiraz is far from the only red wine in Australia. In fact, Australia is primarily known for its red wines despite having a wide array of white and rose varieties as well. One of the most common imported wines in the UK is Pinot Noir.
Pinot Noir is widely known for its silky texture and bold fruit flavours. Australia first began growing it in the 1840s and has improved its cultivation techniques over time. They've greatly refined their strategies to the point that they produce some of the highest-quality Pinot Noirs in the world.
Australian Pinot Noir
It's also important to note that Australian-grown Pinot Noirs are much rarer than Shiraz varieties. This is because they only can grow in specific climates and Australia has a lot of diverse microclimates. It mostly comes from Tasmania, Adelaide Hills, and Mornington Peninsula.
This makes it rare and desirable for both Australian and UK wine enthusiasts.
The usual flavours for Australian Pinot Noir include cherry, raspberry, and strawberry. These full-bodied tastes make it easy to pair with various meats and cheeses. Its pairings are pretty versatile, and it tastes great with bries and goudas alike.
Cabernet Sauvignon
This intense red wine is an extremely popular and high-quality option in Australia. This is because it's been produced since the 1800s there, and Australia is widely known among wine enthusiasts for having the oldest Cabernet vines across the globe.
A lot of Cabernet Sauvignon varieties have that same fresh boldness as Australian Pinot Noir. They usually taste like cherries or blackberries, though some have a unique mint flavour that everyone should try at least once. Other Cabernet Sauvignon types are light and fresh, making them perfect for picnics and summer days.
One of the best things about Australian Cabernet Sauvignon is also that it ages extremely well. If you put it in a wine cellar for decades (or just buy an aged wine outright), you can enjoy bolder and more complex flavours. It certainly ages better than other Australian wines including Shiraz!
Affordable options like Bertno Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon are excellent choices for UK imports. You can get these bold Australian wines online for under £20 and show them off at dinner parties. They pair especially well with lamb dishes and herb-roasted vegetables, so they're ideal for hosting those with refined palettes that expect high-quality luxury.
Australian White Wine
Australia is primarily known for its red wine, but that doesn't mean that winemakers there are unable to produce a great white. Riesling, a wine that's best known in Germany, is also often produced in Australia. In fact, they're one of the top Riesling producers globally and enjoy cultivating it in cooler-climate regions.
But Australia doesn't just take inspiration from Germany when producing white wines. They have several of their own varieties that you can enjoy.
Semillon
Semillon is one of the most unique and individualistic wines produced in Australia. These wines tend to be light and airy with citrusy flavours like orange and lime. Honey and apple are also common flavours, making Semillon an ideal summer wine for those who like sweeter aromatic options.
Most white wines don't age well, but Semillon is an exception to this rule. One of the most interesting features of Semillon wine is that it will age amazingly even over several decades. The hue will become older, and the flavours will develop honey undertones and nutty aromas.
One of the top Semillon wines is produced in New South Wales. If you want to start a conversation about unique wines (or simply want to try something new and interesting), this is a great place to begin. You can branch out from there and try more Semillon varieties - we offer dozens of UK imports on our website.
Diverse Chardonnay Varieties
Australia is also known for being a huge producer of Chardonnay. In fact, about half of the white wine produced across the country falls into this category. But "Australian Chardonnay" is an extremely diverse thing, and you'll find multiple styles from various climates.
Generally, you'll find three common Chardonnay types in Australia.
Unoaked options are vibrant, light, and fresh for casual summer consumption. Oaked varieties are creamy and full-bodied, making them perfect for entertaining at home. And, finally, sparkling Australian Chardonnay is perfect for special occasions like weddings and formal events.
Get Quality Australian Wines UK Consumers Love
Now that you know some of the Australian wines UK drinkers prefer, it's time to begin shopping for your next social event. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or wine night, there are great options for types of wine available online at an affordable price.
We're committed to helping you find Australian-produced wine that works perfectly with your palette. Contact us with any remaining questions you have about our offerings and how to choose the right wine for your specific needs.