Articles

TheĀ exportĀ driven Australian wine industry was well situated for theĀ Chardonnay boomĀ of the 1980s and 1990s and Australia responded with a unique style of wine that was characterised by big fruit flavours and easy approachability. To compensate for the very warm climate, richness was enhanced by the use of oak chips and acid was added duringĀ fermentation.

In 1831, the ScotsmanĀ James Busby, often called "the Father of Australian viticulture", made a trip back to Europe to collectĀ cuttingsĀ from vines (primarily from France andĀ Spain) for introduction to Australia.Ā One of the varieties collected by him was Syrah, although Busby used the two spellings "Scyras" and "Ciras". The cuttings were planted in theĀ Sydney Botanical Gardens, and inĀ Hunter Region, and in 1839 brought from Sydney toĀ South Australia.Ā By the 1860s, Syrah was established as an important variety in Australia.