VIOGNIER
Photo: Yalumba
Since Viognier was first planted in Australia in the 1970s and 80s, this native French variety has gone from strength to strength. It’s challenging to grow and get right in the winery, but in the hands of skillful winemakers, Viognier wine is silky and seductive. Australian Viognier can range from delicate and fresh to full-flavoured and rich, depending on where it’s grown. It has similarities to Chardonnay but is more aromatic. Read more about Viognier.
Typical flavours: peach, floral, apricot
Pairs with: Fish, roast chicken and pork, curries and other spicy dishes, mild cheeses
Top regions: Adelaide Hills, Barossa Valley, Eden Valley, Hunter Valley, Riverland, Yarra Valley
Try Viognier if you like: Chardonnay
VERDELHO
With its vibrant tropical fruit flavours, Verdelho wine is a crowd-pleaser and a versatile partner for food. Originally from Portugal, Verdelho has been growing in Australia since the early 1800s. Australian Verdelho wine ranges from bright and zesty to richer and full-flavoured, and usually represents great value. You’ll also find it blended with other white varieties, including Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon.
Typical flavours: lemon/lime/citrus zest, tropical fruit, honeydew melon, ginger, floral
Pairs with: roasted vegetables, seafood, chicken, spicy Asian-style dishes, creamy cheeses, salads
Top regions: Hunter Valley, Langhorne Creek, Manjimup, Margaret River, Riverland, Swan District
Try Verdelho if you like: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay
VERMENTINO
Photo: Ian Routledge/Wine Australia
Australian Vermentino is growing in popularity as more wine drinkers discover its bright freshness and food friendliness. Native to Italy, Vermentino is a hardy grape variety that thrives in cool to warm climates and produces vibrant wines that scream summer. Australian Vermentino wines have never been better and range from light and refreshing to richer and more complex.
Typical flavours: lime, green apple, peach
Pairs with: salads and vegetable dishes, seafood, chicken, lighter Asian-style dishes
Top regions: Riverland, Hunter Valley, King Valley, Margaret River, McLaren Vale
Try Vermentino if you like: Pinot Gris/Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc
GRÜNER VELTLINER
The first Australian Grüner Veltliner commercial wine release was made in 2009 and since then it’s gone from strength to strength, especially in cooler-climate regions. Grüner Veltliner is Austria’s most planted variety. In Australia it produces stylish wines that are bright and refreshing yet intensely flavoured. Grüner wines have a unique spice that makes them a great match with Asian-style dishes like Thai curries.
Typical flavours: pear/apple, lemon, white pepper
Pairs with: salmon, roast chicken, spicy Asian-style dishes
Top regions: Adelaide Hills, Canberra District, Eden Valley, Tasmania
Try Grüner Veltliner if you like: Riesling, Pinot Grigio
FIANO
Photo: Ian Routledge/Wine Australia
Hailing from Southern Italy, Fiano loves a warm, dry climate and is thriving in Australian vineyards. Fiano wines are generally aromatic and bursting with flavour and loved for their versatility. Styles of Australian Fiano range from light and fresh through to richer and more complex, but they’re all typically high in quality. Fiano is taking off in Australia and its future is bright.
Typical flavours: lemon/mandarin, apricot/stone fruit, nuts
Pairs with: seafood, vegetarian pasta dishes, Asian-style dishes, creamy cheeses
Top regions: Clare Valley, Granite Belt, Hunter Valley, McLaren Vale, Riverina, Riverland
Try Fiano if you like: Semillon, Pinot Grigio, unoaked Chardonnay
MARSANNE
Originally from France, Marsanne is one of the world’s rarest white grape varieties. Some of the oldest continuously producing Marsanne vines are actually found in Australia, in Victoria’s Nagambie Lakes wine region. Australian Marsanne wine is typically smooth and full-flavoured, and it’s often also blended with Viognier and/or Roussanne.
Typical flavours: lemon, peach, pear, melon, nut
Pairs with: rich seafood dishes, creamy pasta, roast chicken
Top regions: Barossa Valley, Nagambie Lakes, McLaren Vale
Try Marsanne if you like: Pinot Gris, Chardonnay
