Elderton Golden Semillon Riverina 2011 375ml

Winery: Elderton

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.

Region: Barossa

Australia's Barossa Valley has, over the past few decades, been catapulted to the forefront of Australia's wine industry as a result of the quality produce which is made there, and the dedication the winemakers of the region have for great flavor The original German settlers in the area may have set up the first traditional style vineyards, but today there are plenty of wineries exploring the possibilities of the region and utilizing modern technology to make the most of their vines. The region itself is surprisingly temperate, with hot valley floors and cooler slopes allowing the grape varietals to reach full ripeness. Although the region is most closely associated with Australia's much loved Shiraz grapes, there are now plenty of different varietals being cultivated in the Barossa Valley, and great success has been had with everything from Chardonnay to Semillon, Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Country: Australia

With over sixteen thousand hectares of Australian land now under vine, Australia has become something of a world leader in regards to wine production. One of Australia's key attributes to their success has been their willingness to leave traditional vineyard practices to one side, and develop techniques which are perfectly suited to a New World country. Modern Australian wineries take into consideration the climate and the unique soil types which cover much of their country, and have had fantastic results from cross-breeding programs and blending practices which make the most of the grape varietals which thrive most successfully there, notably the Shiraz and Chardonnay grapes. In recent years, Australia has been lauded as the 'most influential' wine producing country in the world, and the rest of the New World is looking down under for inspiration, and the ability to produce comparable fine wines on their own terrain.