Henry's Drive The Postmistress Blanc De Blanc 2009 750ml

Winery: Henry's Drive

Varietal: Champagne Blend

There are few areas in the world with a reputation quite as famous and respected as that of Champagne in France, and almost every wine region on earth has imitated or has been influenced by the careful process mastered by the wineries of Champagne. However, it is in the grape varietals which thrive in this region where the secrets to the Champagne's success can be found – the acidic, flavorful Chardonnay grapes meeting the characterful Pinot Noir varietal, and coming together to produce something wonderful in the bottle. There are actually seven varietals allowed by French wine law for the production of Champagne wines, all of which are used by wineries to accentuate each others finest points and maintain the reputation of this very special region, the home to some extremely high quality grapes.

Region: Limestone Coast

The Limestone Coast in Southern Australia has long since been an important wine producing region for the country, with almost one third of all Australian wines being produced there. The region benefits enormously from its coastal position, enjoying a cool maritime climate for much of the year, complete with brisk ocean breezes which help the grapes ripen slowly and fully. Many of the highest quality wines of Australia are made in this special region, most notably the excellent Cabernet Sauvignon wines made from Limestone Coast grapes. However, grapes of both colors grow exceptionally well in the mineral rich soils of Limestone Coast, and wineries have for many decades experimented successfully with a range of grape varietals, making it an interesting and exciting region for wine makers and drinkers alike.

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.