Nowhere else is the dominance of a few grape varieties as big as in Australia. Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay account for almost 60% of the total vineyard area of 149,000 hectares. Syrah alone accounts for 28% of the planted vines.
But perhaps a diversification is in sight. Both Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc are showing a strong increase. Also, some grapes belonging to the 20 per cent of “other grapes” are increasing.
The 10 most planted grape varieties in Australia:
- Syrah, 40,000 ha
- Cabernet Sauvignon, 25,000 ha
- Chardonnay, 21,000 ha
- Merlot, 8,000 ha
- Sauvignon Blanc, 6,000 ha
- Pinot noir, 5,000 ha
- Sémillon, 5,000 ha
- Pinot Gris, 4,000 ha
- Riesling, 3,000 ha
- Muscat d’Alexandrie, 2,000 ha
- Other grapes, 30, 000 ha
Source: oiv.int
We currently do not have a wine tour to Australia on the BKWine travel program. But we do have a fabulous wine tour to neighbouring New Zealand.
