De Bortoli Deen Vat 5 Botrytis Semillon 2005

Winery: De Bortoli

Varietal: Semillon

The grapes of the Semillon vine have been grown throughout Europe and the New World in abundance over the past three hundred years, and were at one point considered to be the most widely planted grape in the world. The reason for this is probably due to the fact that in the New World, wineries were looking to set up vineyards using grapes which grow well in a range of conditions, produce high yields and have a strong resistance to disease – things which Semillon is renowned for. The grapes themselves are usually golden in color, taking on their pink blush only when ripened in particularly warm climates. They produce wines of many different types, and are equally fine for use in dry wines as well as sweeter varieties.

Country: Australia

Whilst every Australian state has some level of wine production, it is in South Australia and on the island of Tasmania where the finest wines are made to the highest quantities. Here, the scorching Australian sun is a little tamer, and the heat is tempered by brisk oceanic winds, making the climate of these regions ideal for vineyard cultivation. The Tamar Valley on Tasmania has been making waves internationally in recent years, as both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grape varietals are thriving there and resulting in hugely flavorful wines, which are at once distinctly Australian, yet remain unique and interesting enough to surprise and impress. Elsewhere in the country, the Syrah grape (known locally as Shiraz) reigns supreme, as the long, hot summers allow these grapes to ripen fully and lend their intensely fruit-forward character to the ruby red Australian wines, which have such international appeal.