Yalumba Viognier Organic 2011 750ml

Winery: Yalumba

Varietal: Viognier

The green skinned grapes of the Viognier varietal are a true French classic, and are the only grape varietal allowed to be used in certain fine wines produced in the Rhone region. Their highly aromatic qualities are prized by wineries and wine drinkers alike, and are widely admired for their extremely floral nose which gives an impression of sweetness, despite these wines almost always being very dry. The precise origins of the Viognier grape are lost in time, but today they can still be found growing in many regions of France, as well as in several countries of the New World. Their floral aromas and fruit-forward flavors make them a favorite for those seeking an elegant wine, and despite the grapes being notoriously difficult to grow, vintners persevere with them, as they know the results are rarely less than spectacular.

Region: South Australia

The vast region of South Australia is home to a wide variety of vineyards, growing a large range of different grape varietals. Because the South Australian wine region is so large, it benefits from a great array of climatic conditions – from dry and hot, to cool and windy – which wineries can use to their advantage when it comes to selecting the grape varietal they wish to thrive in a particular sub-region. South Australia is most commonly associated with the big, powerful and fruit-forward Shiraz wines which are produced in the cooler valley areas of the region, but recent decades have seen something of an explosion in the South Australian wine industry, leading to wineries expanding their repertoire enormously and experimenting with other fine grape varietals and making the most of their unique terroir.

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.