Alternative white wine varieties in Australia

Which are the most widely grown?

My Vindata database lists the producers of alternative varieties in Australia. It is not perfect but it gives a good idea of the relative popularity of varieties. You can see more about Vindata in this article.

Here is a graphic representation of the number of producers of white wine varieties as at the middle of 2024. For the sake of clarity I have not included the long tail of varieties produced by less than a handful of producers.¹

A few comments

When I started Vinodviersuty way back in 2004 Pinot Grigio was an alternative variety, but it rapidly outgrew that status. I no longer keep data on that variety.

Fiano is the clear leader of the new white varieties in Australia. It was first produced about 2004 by Coriole in McLaren Vale.

Vermentino, another variety of Southern Italian origin, is also popular.

The other popular new Italian variety is Arneis. Although it has been used in Australia for longer than either Fiano or Vermentino it has not followed such a rapid rise in popularity. Arneis is more suited to cooler regions.

The Rhone whites Marsanne and Roussanne have been in Australia for a long time. Tahbilk has long held the title of the biggest producer of Marsanne but few people realise just how many producers there are of this variety.

Chenin Blanc is an old variety here. It was once much more widely grown, especially in Western Australia. Recently there has been interest in making quality wines from Chenin. They are well worth seeking out.

Savagnin is a hangover from the labelling mix up with Albarino. More and more producers are coming on stream with the latter.

Gruner Veltliner is becoming much more popular in cooler regions, especially the Adelaide Hills.

Gros Manseng has been here since the 1990s, but only recently we found out its real name. Previously we thought Australian vineyards were growing its parent Petit Manseng. DNA sorts out another ampelographic mystery.

Arinto is the new kid on the block. Loves the heat, makes interesting well flavoured whites.

Want to try some of the best Aussie alternative whites?²

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Next Taste and Talk

Thursday 15 August 2024 at 5pm

We will be discussing these alternative white varieties and others. Put the date and time into your diary and get yourself a glass of something suitable. I will send a reminder on the morning of 15th August 2024 along with a Zoom link.

1. You can read about them in my book Rare Ozzies

2. I get a small commission if you buy after clicking this link.