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Wine Club Australasia: Explore the Diversity of Australia and New Zealand
Wine Club Australasia: Explore the Diversity of Australia and New Zealand
In short:
Australasia, a vast and diverse region encompassing Australia, New Zealand, and neighbouring territories, boasts a rich tapestry of wines that captivate connoisseurs and novices alike. From the bold Shiraz of the Barossa Valley to the crisp Sauvignon Blanc of Marlborough, Australasian wines offer an unparalleled array of flavours and experiences. Take a look below at some highlights in Majestic’s range, as well as some exclusive bottles from our unique wine subscription service, Wine Club by Majestic.
Australasia is often categorised as a New World wine region, with stereotypical mentions of ‘hefty’ Australian reds and ‘lean’ Kiwi whites. However, such generalisations fail to capture the true essence of the region. With mind-boggling expanses of land, astonishing topographic variety, and extreme climates, there’s more to Australasia than meets the eye, including some of the oldest vines on Earth. Another string to Australasia's bow lies in its innovation. Unlike Europe, where strict traditions often dictate winemaking practices, a culture of experimentation prevails here. From niche varietals to multi-vintage blends, the landscape is a canvas for winemakers to express their creativity.
The grape varieties, though originating from Europe, have been reinvented in Australasia, making them entirely unique to the region. The natural suitability of the land Down Under for viticulture has allowed modern wines, typically single varietals over blends, to capture the hearts of drinkers globally in just a few short decades. Household names like Barossa Shiraz and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc now stand proudly alongside the classics like Bordeaux or Chablis.
Australia's wine landscape mirrors its varied terrain, showcasing an array of climates and grape varieties. The Barossa Valley's Mediterranean climate fosters robust Shiraz, characterised by dark fruit flavours and peppery notes, while Margaret River's temperate conditions nurture elegant Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay with vibrant fruit profiles and crisp acidity. In the Hunter Valley, warm temperatures produce distinctive Semillon and Shiraz wines renowned for their citrusy aromas and peppery finish. Tasmania's cooler climate is ideal for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, resulting in wines of exceptional finesse and complexity. With every sip, Australian wines showcase the country's viticultural diversity and commitment to quality, solidifying its reputation as a world-class wine-producing nation.
Crossing the Tasman Sea, New Zealand proudly holds its own esteemed status in the world of wine. Marlborough, set within sun-soaked vineyards and embraced by a cool maritime climate, is a mecca for those seeking exquisite Sauvignon Blanc. Renowned for its vibrant tropical fruit notes and lively acidity, Marlborough has set a new standard for the varietal, captivating palates globally with its unique flavour profile. Meanwhile, Central Otago, with its dramatic landscapes and continental climate, shines as the southernmost wine region, celebrated for its elegant Pinot Noir. Wines boast a delicate balance of fruitiness and earthiness, reflecting the unique terroir.
First produced in 1981, this sets the benchmark for elegant Australian cool-climate Chardonnay. It’s subtly creamy, with flavours of peach, nectarine, pear and nougat.
Shaw + Smith Sauvignon Blanc, Adelaide Hills
Shaw + Smith have made this Sauvignon Blanc for 30 years. It's an iconic Aussie wine. Expect bright aromas of freshly-cut grass and fruity pink grapefruit, with a luxuriously long finish.
Clare Valley is one of Australia's oldest wine regions, and it’s famed for its remarkable Riesling. This is a textbook example – full of aromatic lemon, lime and stone-fruit flavours.
Eddystone Point Pinot Noir, Tasmania
An elegant, Burgundy-style Pinot, crafted with grapes selected from across Tasmania’s cool-climate regions. Expect notes of strawberry, cherry and earthy spice.
Gibson Wines ‘The Dirtman’ Shiraz, Barossa
This critically acclaimed red is everything you could want in a classic Barossa Shiraz. Aged for 18 months in oak, it has notes of blackcurrant, dark chocolate and smoke.
Vasse Felix 'Filius' Cabernet-Merlot, Margaret River
Inspired by European wines in the 1960s, Dr Thomas Brendan Cullity was the first to plant Cabernet Sauvignon vines in Margaret River. Vasse Felix remains one of the finest wineries here. Expect opulent strawberry and raspberry flavours and elegant tannins.
As harvest season unfolds in Australasia, now is the perfect time to appreciate the incredible wines of the region. As well as Majestic’s vast wine collection that’s readily available in stores and online, there’s another fantastic way to get a taste for Australasia this month: Wine Club by Majestic.
From delicious winter warmers that will grace your table to fresh and lighter styles to transition you into spring, this season’s wine cases are focused on Australasia, allowing you to explore the full vibrancy of the region via 12 exclusive, handpicked bottles. There’s also easy, delicious recipes from Kiwi Chef and Restaurant Owner, Jude Kereama, to pair with your wine selection. Here’s just a taste of what you can expect:
Pegasus Bay is considered a pioneer of Canterbury winemaking. Bottlings are crafted from low-yield vineyards and are full of unique character.This bold and exotic blend has notes of guava, lime and lemon curd.
The unusual Zweigelt grape is widespread in just one place: Austria. But here on New Zealand’s South Island it clearly thrives in the hands of Austrian-born winemaker Hermann Seifried. You can expect dense dark-fruit aromas and flavours of plum, Christmas cake and mocha.
Unlike European winemakers who can be limited by strict traditions, Australian producers cherry-pick from influences as they choose. This crisp and aromatic Sauvignon Blanc-Muscat blend is inspired by the whites that winemaker Dean Hewitson enjoyed on his travels to the Mediterranean coast.
What is Wine Club by Majestic? Wine Club is a subscription service that showcases exciting wines, expertly handpicked by our award-winning Buyers and Masters of Wine. Each quarterly case includes a magazine which guides you through regions and vineyards, with insights from producers and our Masters of Wine. You’ll also enjoy bespoke recipes from leading chefs – all designed to pair with each bottle – plus a whole host of exclusive member benefits.
Click here to learn more about our one-of-a-kind wine subscription.
Ali Mountjoy Majestic Copywriter & Wine Club Lead - WSET Level 3
Ali first gained a taste for everything ‘wine’ when she moved to France after university. Upon returning to England a few years later, her equal love of good food led her to work as a sommelier in some of the country’s best restaurants, including Gidleigh Park, Rick Stein’s, Texture and Lucknam Park. Ali gets just as much pleasure from writing about wine as she does tasting it.
