Australian Wine

Australian Wines from Great Wines Direct

Australia is the fourth biggest wine exporter in the world, exporting around 750 million litres every year into the international market. Nevertheless, 40% of the wine produced here is consumed domestically and the Australian wine industry contributes significantly to the nation’s economy through tourism, export, employment and production.

The Australian domestic market is worth over $2 billion per year, and Australians consume more than 530 million litres annually, with a preference for white wines over reds. All of the states produce wine, and there are over 60 wine regions in the country, covering around 160,000 hectares of the land surface. Most of the wine regions are in the south due to the cooler climate, and some of the best known vineyards are in New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, Queensland, Western Australia and Victoria. Each state produces a range of wine styles and varieties to reflect the local soil types, topography and climate.

The main varieties produced are cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, shiraz, pinot noir, merlot, Riesling, Semillon and sauvignon blanc, however the country’s best wines are made in the regions with cooler climates.

Most of the country’s wines are produced in South Australia however the Tasmanian region has become known as one of the world’s best producers of high quality wine. The Tamar Valley in particular is known for its pinot noirs and chardonnays which thrive in the cool Tasmanian climate. Some other noteworthy wines are made in the Granite Belt region to the extreme south of the state which has a very high altitude and therefore a cool growing environment. Production here centres on the towns of Ballandean and Stanthorpe.

Read our blog: Australia's Wine Wonderland: Exploring the Regions Down Under

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Red 14.5

D Arenberg The Dead Arm Shiraz 2019 75cl £34.03

Dark fruit and savoury characters leap from the glass; liquorice and blackberry, laced with a hint of char Complexity in the shape of iodine and soil-like notes follow The wine is powerful and structured After decanting, the core of sweet black fruits, plums and mulberries permeates through the savoury layers of earth, shiitake mushrooms and cedarwood spice The wine is quite compact and focused A powerful yet refined expression of Shiraz with balance, complexity and persistence

White 13.5

Broken Shackle Classic White, South Eastern Australia 2024 75cl £11.09

Broken Shackle's Classic White delivers approachable elegance from South Eastern Australia's premier wine regions. This great wine balances crisp acidity with subtle stone fruit and citrus notes, making it equally at home as an aperitif or paired with seafood and lighter fare. A versatile, well-crafted white that represents excellent value for everyday enjoyment or entertaining. A fruity and fresh style showing tangy green apple, pineapple and grapefruit leading to a clean and crisp finish

White 13

Stargazer Riesling 2024 75cl £30.38

One of Australia's top premium producers This Riesling is made in minute quantities (less than 4000 produced) Quartz-green in colour Crammed with vibrant Cox's Orange apple and lemon pith notes on the nose, as well as lifted jasmine and crystallised ginger aromatics The palate's bright acidity and river stone flavours are balanced with a gentle fruit sweetness and talc-like texture

Red 14

Fowles Wine Ladies Who Shoot Their Lunch Shiraz 2021 75cl £25.08

This superb Shiraz smells invitingly of juicy ripe blackberries and black cherries, with slightly resinous, spicy, incense notes, toasted oak and raspberry jam In the mouth, it is irresistibly delicious, with gorgeously pronounced black fruit, black pepper and liquorice notes, alongside subtle, suave oak The tannins are beautifully rounded and velevety and there is fabulous freshness Tip top - Tom King, Fine Wine Manager

Red 13.5

Paringa Estate, Peninsula, Mornington Peninsula, Shiraz 2021 75cl £27.29

Paringa Estate's Peninsula Shiraz showcases the distinctive character of the Mornington Peninsula terroir. This vintage delivers dark berry fruit with subtle spice and pepper notes, underpinned by fine tannins and balanced acidity. The cool-climate conditions of the region impart elegance and restraint to the wine, making it equally suited to immediate enjoyment or cellaring. A sophisticated choice for those seeking premium Australian Shiraz with regional authenticity and food-pairing versatility. A subtle hint of violets and herbs laces the warm mint chocolate and black pepper core. A wonderfully enticing and silky cool-climate Shiraz

White 12

Opal Ridge, Australia, Semillon Chardonnay 2023 75cl £11.45

Delicate creamy texture with plenty of tropical and zesty lemon flavours

Red 14.5

Teusner Wines The Gentleman Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 75cl £19.48

Stylish, elegant and generously fruited - a delicious Barossa Cabernet The Eden Valley fruit is showcased by lifted red currant and blue fruit notes, whilst the Barossa Valley fruit contributes aromas of dark chocolate and rich black fruits The savoury tannins run fine and long with a crunchy red fruit freshness and sweet cassis flavours on the palate

Red 14.5

Teusner Wines The Riebke Shiraz 2021 75cl £19.48

The wine is jam packed with Barossa Shiraz flavoursplums, black fruits and warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg and 5 spice There s a touch of mid palate sweetness, some mocha and black olive and the soft tannins are integrated seamlessly through the mid palate The subtle use of oak allows the rich dark fruit to take center stage

Red 14

Berton Vineyard, Winemakers Reserve, Riverina, Durif 2021 75cl £14.92

Rich, ripe concentrated fruit bursting with varietal aromas of anise, mint and blackcurrant combined with hints of violets, spice and chocolate

Red 13.5

Rob Dolan Cabernet Shiraz Merlot Rob Dolan 2018 75cl £17.09

Aromas of blackcurrant, red plum and blackberry with a hint of black olive On the palate, the brambley black fruit is evident supported by fine grained tannins A hint of savouriness with a touch of spicy oak

White 11.2

Jim Barry Wines, The Lodge Hill, Clare Valley, Riesling 2024 75cl £15.90

Vibrant aromas of kaffir lime, pear and ginger spice lead to a delicately poised and mouthwatering palate A beautifully balanced Riesling with an endless finish

Red 13.7

Mount Langi Ghiran, Hidden Lagoon, Victoria, Shiraz 2024 75cl £16.82

Enticing aromas of red and black cherry are underpinned by subtle mocha and a whisper of spice The berried fruit is framed by supple tannins through to a long finish

Red 14

Xanadu, Margaret River, Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 75cl £66.72

Quintessential Margaret River Cabernet, with perfumed black fruit aromas and a generous, velvety palate packed with irresistible dark forest fruit and chocolate characters

Rose 12.5

Berton Vineyard Foundstone, South Eastern Australia, Rose 2025 75cl £11.00

A refreshing and full flavoured rose with notes of rosehips and strawberry fruit

Red 13.4

Wynns Wynvale Shiraz 2024 75cl £15.18

Elegant and silky, with generous mulberry and blackberry notes Delicate oak is used to match and support the fine palate structure, without dominating its distinctive cool climate character The finish is drawn out with hints of cedar, nutmeg and fragrant bay leaf This is a beautifully balanced wine ready to enjoy now or cellar in the medium term Wynns is the largest owner of vineyard land in Coonawarra, with its world-renowned terra rossa soil

Red 14.5

D Arenberg The Laughing Magpie 2019 75cl £19.07

Dark brooding fruit is apparent on the nose with earth, spice and dried herbs The palate is round and luscious with an attractive black olive and sage character persistent throughout the palate This wine has fantastic fruit weight, with great supporting tannin and balanced acidity It still looks very youthful and should easily cellar for the next ten years