There are about ninety or so red wine varieties in my database of alternative varieties used in Australia. Let’s have a look at some of the less common alternative varieties.
The definition of ‘alternative’ is a little subjective but I use my own definition, based largely on that of the Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show. They include Sangiovese and Tempranillo even though they could be considered mainstream by now.
Previously I have written about Rare Ozzies - varieties which have only a handful of Australian producers.
Extending the classification I have made a rough division of other more common, but still alternative red varieties into first and second tier groups. Conveniently the yardstick falls at 100 producers.
First Tier Reds
On the Vindata spreadsheet the following red varieties have 100 or more producers.
Tempranillo (approximately 460 producers listed)
Sangiovese (340)
Malbec (210)
Nebbiolo (200)
Barbera (140)
Montepulciano (120)
Durif (120)
Nero d’Avola (100)
Zinfandel/Primitivo (100)
Second Tier Alternative Reds
These varieties have between 20 and 100 producers.
Touriga (90)
Graciano (70)
Gamay (60)
Aglianico (50)
Dolcetto (40)
Lagrein (50)
Sagrantino (40)
Tannat (40)
Carignan1 (30)
Cinsaut (30)
Saperavi (30)
Tinta Cao (30)
Mencia (20)
Negroamaro (20)
A few of the second tier varieties have been around for yonks. Cinsaut and Carignan were important components of Australian ‘Claret’ and ‘Dry Reds’ up to the 1980s. Negroamaro, Mencia, Aglianico, Saperavi, and Lagrein are much more recent.
Which of these have you tried?
Which is your favourite?
Which ones have the most potential to climb up into the first tier?
Share your thoughts…
A few of the second tier varieties have been around for yonks. Cinsaut and Carignan were important components of Australian ‘Claret’ and ‘Dry Reds’ up to the 1980s. Negroamaro, Mencia, Aglianico, Saperavi, and Lagrein are much more recent.
You can learn more about each of these varieties and peruse the list of Aussie producers on the Vinodiversity site.
Taste and Talk - Save the date
The next taste and Talk will be at 5pm on Thursday 20th July. We will be discussing 2nd Tier Alternative Reds from the list above.
Vinodiversity Community members will receive the details of the login on the morning of the event.
Make sure you are subscribed to get the invitation
An offer from our wine partner
Our friends at wine selectors have an offer2 called
Co-Chairs Corner: Alternative mixed dozen with bonus glasses.
It includes five of the reds mentioned on this page, and one red that isn’t. Plus there is an extremely rare white. Check it out.
The ‘Carignan’ in Australia is probably all actually Bomvedra
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Have tried all of these 1st & 2nd level varieties. They provide some great alternatives to the more common everyday shiraz etc.
I love the Tannat from Coolangatta Estate in the SHOALHAVEN and also both the Lagrein and Sagrantino from Di Lusso Estate in Mudgee. All are great reds.