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• Shiraz (Syrah): The flagship red grape of Australia, grown across various regions such as Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Clare Valley, and Hunter Valley. Known for its bold fruit flavours, pepper, and spice notes.  This is the grape that goes into Grange: one of the most intense red wines in the world.

• Cabernet Sauvignon: Widely planted in regions like Coonawarra, Margaret River, and the Barossa Valley. Exhibits blackcurrant, mint, and eucalyptus flavours, with firm tannins and aging potential.  Great Cabernets include Moss Wood (Margaret River) and Penfolds Bin 707 ($700!).

• Merlot: Found in Margaret River, Coonawarra, and the Barossa Valley. Offers soft, approachable tannins and flavours of plum, cherry, and chocolate.  The greatest Merlot dominant blend in the world is Petrus from Bordeaux (yours for $10,925 a bottle for 2018 – with free delivery).

• Pinot Noir: Thrives in cooler regions such as the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, and Tasmania. Known for its red fruit aromas, silky textures, and vibrant acidity.  The greatest Pinot (at least in price would be Domaine Romanee Conti, a snip at just $20,000 for the 2020 vintage).  Australian Pinot’s are a bargain.

• Grenache: Flourishes in warm, dry climates like McLaren Vale and Barossa Valley. Exhibits ripe red fruit flavours, spicy notes, and supple tannins.  A little like Juicy Fruit.  Mainly used in blending.

• Chardonnay: Widely planted in regions such as Margaret River, Adelaide Hills, Yarra Valley, and Hunter Valley. Offers a diverse range of styles, from rich and buttery to lean and mineral-driven.  Frankly the king of white grapes with breathtaking prices for white burgundies making Australia the chardonnay bargain.

• Sauvignon Blanc: Grown in Margaret River, Adelaide Hills, and Tasmania. Exhibits vibrant acidity and expressive fruit flavours, including citrus, tropical fruit, and herbaceous notes.

• Semillon: Particularly associated with the Hunter Valley and often blended in different regions with Sauvignon Blanc. Known for its crisp acidity, citrus flavours, and aging potential. Tyrells Vat 1 would be a great example from the Hunter at around $100 a bottle for straight Semillon.

• Riesling: Excels in cooler regions like Clare Valley, Eden Valley, and Tasmania. Celebrated for its aromatic intensity, vibrant acidity, and ability to reflect terroir.  

• Viognier: Gaining popularity in regions like McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, and Heathcote. Offers floral aromas, stone fruit flavours, and a luscious apricot texture.  

• Pinot Gris/Grigio: Found in regions like Adelaide Hills, King Valley, Mornington Peninsula, and Tasmania. Exhibits pear, apple, and citrus flavours, with a crisp finish.  Very approachable.