Geography and climate
Australia spans tropical, subtropical and temperate climate zones. Much of the interior is shaped by deserts, while the coastal climates vary depending on latitude and the influence of the ocean. In total, six major Köppen climate zones are distinguished. In the south, in temperate climates, precipitation is usually higher in winter than in summer; in the north, distinct wet and dry seasons alternate.
Landscape and geology
Australia’s present-day topography was shaped above all by long-lasting erosion caused by wind and water, as well as by tectonic movements and changes in sea level. Around half of the rivers drain into the interior and often end in salt lakes that are temporarily filled with water. The country includes rocks that are older than 3,000 million years, as well as geological formations created by comparatively recent volcanic activity.
Viticulture and regions
South Australia produces a significant share of Australian wine. The wine-growing areas there include the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Clare Valley and Coonawarra. The vineyards in the Barossa Valley, in McLaren Vale and in Clare Valley survived historic outbreaks of phylloxera thanks to geographical isolation and quarantine regulations. The Barossa Valley has Shiraz vines dating from 1843; in Clare Valley, the first vineyards were established in the early 1840s, while McLaren Vale’s reputation as a wine-growing region dates back to the late 1830s.
Australia’s wine regions have different conditions and styles: the Barossa Valley has a warm Mediterranean climate and is known, among other things, for Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and Riesling. Margaret River is influenced by the maritime climate and is associated with Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Semillon and Chardonnay. In the Hunter Valley, moist, warm weather and sea breezes influence viticulture; Semillon is an important regional style there. In the Yarra Valley, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are grown in particular.
Labelling of Australian wines
The Integrity Program, enshrined in law, requires traceable records of vintage, grape varieties and origin details for Australian wines. The corresponding documents must be kept for seven years. If an individual registered geographical indication is used on the label, at least 85 percent of the grapes used for that purpose must come from the delimited area.
