Moving Beyond Shiraz
How the world sees our wine
An interesting graphic came to my attention lately. It shows the breakdown by variety of the value of export for the past two years.
The most obvious feature of the graphic is the change in the leadership of the two main red varieties.
The value of exports of Shiraz has declined by a small but significant amount, while that of Cabernet Sauvignon increased a similar amount.
This second graph shows the average value of exports of Shiraz over time.
Source : Wine Australia.
Are we at a tipping point?
Maybe the market is telling the industry it is time to move on from Shiraz. But where will we go. The reopening of the Chinese market my not be the saviour many are expecting. The Chinese prefer Cabernet Sauvignon, or at least wines so labelled. And in any case the wine consumption in China is falling.
Source: American Association of Wine Economists
The problem of oversupply will be with us for some time. In the past, vine pull schemes have been one response. Maybe this time it will be Shiraz vines that are pulled. Of course the main impact will be felt in the regions where the bulk of Australian wine is Produced, namely the Murray-Darling, Riverina and Riverland regions.
But where to from here?
Notice in the first graph of this article there are no alternative varietals shown. We are still drowning in a sea of mainstream varieties. Or at least those of us who haven’t discovered the joys of Vinodiversity yet.
Sangiovese and Tempranillo already have strong footholds in Australia. But there are four other varieties which might take up a bigger role in the future. Plantings of Malbec, Nebbiolo, Montepulciano and Nero d’Avola are all increasing.
Notice this graph shows number of producers rather than volume or value of wine produced. At this stage exports of these varieties from Australia are negligible. I think they all have a bright future in Australia.
What do you think?
Leave a comment via the button below or join us via Zoom1 on Thursday, October 17 at 5pm to discuss this topic with our panel of experts.
You’ll need to stock up on whites for summer
Another very hot summer is forecast this year. Make sure you are prepared with this offer of alternative whites.2
I’ll send a Zoom link to subscribers earlier on Thursday. Come prepared for a lively discussion. A glass of alternative varietal wine in your hand will help your contribution.
I receive a commission if you buy from this merchant after clicking this link. This helps defray the costs incurred maintaining this newsletter and the Vinodiversity website.
Agree it’s well overdue that Australia produces more great wine from the many other grape varieties (red and white) that are well suited to our climates - increasingly so! There are numerous smaller producers already leading the way.
"Sangiovese and Tempranillo already have strong footholds in Australia. " These are two varietals I seem to but at the various wineries I visit. They go well with the pasta dishes I like to cook and Mexican too.