Emerging Varieties in Australia

In Australia, “Emerging Varieties” are defined as grape varieties with tiny amounts planted – maybe 1% – 3% of the total Australian vineyard area. A more common wine consumer definition is that the emerging variety is new, unusual and makes a change from previous wine selections. Emerging varieties include white grapes Fiano, Vermentino, Aligote, maybe Viognier, Verdelho and Pinot Gris; and reds Sangiovese, Nero d’Avola, Nebbiolo, Mencia, maybe Tempranillo and many more.

Until recent years, Australian grape varieties were dominated by French and Germany varieties that had largely been introduced by wine pioneer James Busby in the 1820’s. Semillon, Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon were the main well known varieties.

Emerging varieties not only are attractive to consumers who are looking for something new and different, emerging varieties often offer an advantage of some kind to a wine grower. For example, Fiano and Vermentino are disease resistant white varieties and hold their natural acidity and freshness in hot years. Hence growers in warm parts of Australia are interested in them along with Albarino and Cabernet Franc for the same reason. A red such as Durif ripens evenly and quickly and remains fresh and disease resistant in hot drought conditions, offering a deep red colour and a notable plummy spicy aroma.

A selection of emerging varieties: –