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Brokenwood
Varietal: Semillon
Semillon grapes have been grown in the Old and New Worlds for several centuries, and were at one point probably the most widely grown grape in the world. Indeed, in the 19th century, over 90% of South Africa's vineyards were used for growing Semillon grapes, most probably due to the fact that Semillon vines are hardy and produce high yields of reliable quality, as well as being highly resistant to disease. The golden skinned grapes of Semillon vines are used to produce a wide range of wines, from dry, crisp and citrus flavored bottles, to sweeter, softer and more rounded examples, all of which are highly popular across the globe. They thrive in a wide range of climates, and their flavor often depends on how much sunshine and heat they are exposed to, given wineries a great opportunity to experiment with the flavors and aromas they get from the Semillon grapes they grow.
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.