Australian red wine in the UK

We’ve been following (albeit tracking) with great interest the UK’s ongoing love affair with Australian red wine. No sooner had we seen the vivacious success New Zealand wine offers did we get quickly catapulted into the arrival of a ‘new wave’. This wave is of Australian wine producers making small, boutique hand-crafted wines. We’re talking small batch, organic (and biodynamic) wines. These are wines that have driven Australia’s untapped potential through many a wine enthusiast’s palate. Bearing in mind, the majority of the UK don’t see past big brands such as Yellow Tail and Jacobs Creek. We are here to tell you there is a plethora of kick ass red Aussie wines on our UK shores.

AUSTRALIA RED WINE IS TAPPING INTO ITS POTENTIAL

A country not broadly steeped in tradition, but seemingly and casually unearthing something. A raft of pioneering individuals. These individuals have audaciously lead the perception of Australian wines to a bright future. A natural interest has sparked across the globe, particularly as our fav Sheeraaz have came into play in the last 40 years. Watching these vignerons nail a style that has become synonymous with the phrase ‘Australian Red’. It’s certainly been a rocky road, with several styles suffering through highs and lows. However, as resilient as those Aussie folk are they’ve managed to seduce us. Performed with visually intoxicating images whilst simultaneously hypnotising us into a state of adoration. We are now proud to see Australian Wine as one of the most successful New World wine countries. (Sozz, but we’re pretty certain New Zealand is up there too).

Anyway, back to Australian Red Wine

Quite a significant topic, not only because when you track down something good it is so so good. It also accounts for a fair chunk of wine production across the globe, given Australia is the fifth largest wine exporter on the globe.

There are the obvious icons, who set and retain a benchmark of quality and integrity. Our top picks include, but are certainly not the limited to; Henschke, Penfolds, Cullen, Clonakilla, Grossett. However, what happens if you don’t know where to turn after these icons, or actually, in fact you want something better value to quaff of a night? Wine is probably one of the most intimidating things to buy – from stylish labels, critics choices and so many varieties and then lets talk about vintages – how many red grape varieties really are there? We wanted to highlight for you an old varietal fav but to also introduce you to a varietal you may not be so familiar with.

AUSTRALIAN SHIRAZ

First and foremost Australian Shiraz, FYI Syrah and Shiraz are genetically the same. Production of alternative styles between new and old world lead to the mutation of grape name). Typically Shiraz is grown in a warmer climate. However excitingly we are starting see some cool-climate examples appear in Australia. Check out Barossa or Mclaren Vale to get your Shiraz fix!

Want to know more? - Everything You Need to Know About Australian Shiraz

AUSTRALIAN GRENACHE

Our next favourite Australian Red wine grape would have to be Grenache. We’re super stoked to see it break out from traditional blends with Mouvedre and Syrah. This cheeky wee grape is producing approachable, fresh and light (er) styles of red from Australia. Check out our absolute star friends Ochota Barrels, a collection of natural wines with attitude, freshness and sass appeal. Grenache is bright, can be drunk as rosé, and always enjoyed with our favourite charcuterie. If you want to discover more epic Aussie red, you know what to do, get yourself up to speed here

JOIN THE AUSTRALIAN RED WINE MOVEMENT

Much like New Zealand Wine, Australia’s wine journey is relatively youthful (even though they have some of the oldest vines in the world). The clean, green and sustainable attitude enhances the the Aussie image. It is leading to an intuitive group of producers who aren’t afraid to step away from the norm. Want to see our collection of amazing Australian Red Wines? (Course you do)!