The Wine Regions of Australia: The Complete Guide

A revised and updated edition of the comprehensive guide to the geographical indications that now divide Australia's wine areas into zones, regions and sub-regions. This "geography" of wine has been written in response to the growing movement to classify Australian wine in more regional terms. In France it is terrain that determines a wine's uniqueness, but how do we define those factors that give Australian wines their "regional" qualities? Is it by soil, by climate, by topography, or simply by municipal boundaries? John Beeston introduces each of Australia's wine regions, their winemaking histories and the viticultural qualities that make each place unique. He also provides a comprehensive listing of vineyards and wineries in each region with descriptions of soils, climate and location together with notes on grape varieties planted, grape cultivation techniques, harvesting times and leading wines. As a wine taster, John Beeston also gives his personal rating of many of the vineyards listed. Encyclopaedic in its scope, the book should help readers understand the unique qualities of Australian wines and discover the country's many vineyards, both large and small.