Oxford Landing Pinot Grigio 2011

Winery: Oxford Landing

Varietal: Pinot Gris

Pinot Grigio is fast becoming one of the most widely planted white wine grape varietals in the world, due to the fact that the wines made from it are increasing in popularity with global audiences, and the fact it has the ability to match with a wide variety of different foods. This grape varietal is notably for its color, or colors, which range from grayish blue to amber, from pink to purple depending on the climatic conditions and other such variables in the place where they are grown. Pinot Grigio grapes tend to ripen early, yet have a relatively high natural sugar content. This makes them ideal for a wide range of winery methods, and they can either be drank young and slightly sweet, or can be fermented more for extra dryness or a higher alcohol level.

Region: South Australia

The vast wine region of South Australia has long since shaken off its reputation problems and is now producing many of the finest wines of the New World. The advanced irrigation systems that run through the more arid areas of the region provide plenty of moisture to support a wide range of vines, and the temperate valley sides and mountainous regions of South Australia are ideal for large scale viticulture. Although Australia is most commonly associated with the big, flavorful Shiraz wines grown across this region, South Australia's wineries have been growing plenty of different varietals for several decades now, and have had great success with everything from Pinot Noir to Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay to Riesling. By using a blend of traditional techniques with modern technology, South Australia will continue to grow and develop as an important global wine region, and will no doubt continue to impress in the future.

Country: Australia

Whilst most of Australia consists of arid deserts and dense bushland, the oceanic coasts to the south of the country have a terrain and climate ideal for vine cultivation and wine production. It took several decades of failed attempts at the end of the 18th century in order to produce vines of a decent enough quality for making wine, but since those first false starts, the Australian wine industry has continued to grow and grow. Today, wine production makes up for a considerable part of the Australian economy, with exports in recent years reaching unprecedented levels and even overtaking France for the first time ever. Whilst the greatest successes in regards to quality have been the result of the Syrah grape varietal (known locally as Shiraz), Australia utilizes several Old World grapes, and has had fantastic results from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Riesling, Chardonnay and more. As the Australian passion for locally produced wine continues to develop, wineries have begun experimenting with a wider range of grape varietals, meaning that nowadays it isn't uncommon to find high quality Australian wines made from Petit Verdot, Sangiovese, Tempranillo and Viognier, amongst many others.