The Australian wine industry has developed a bit of a reputation for being more ‘scientific’ in its approach to wine than some of the more ‘romantic’ old world countries. The continuous work with the CSIRO to improve & develop viticulture to better perform in our conditions has produced several interesting varietals that we can call our own. Two are in commercial production at the moment:

Cienna: One of the crosses between the Spanish varietal Sumoll & Cabernet Sauvignon.  Can produce wines that resemble Cabernet through to a wine with softer tannins & berry characters. In it’s softer form, it can be served chilled.

Tarrango: A cross between Touriga Nacional & Sultana producing a varietal that likes warmer climates, retains its acid but produces lower tannins & cherry fruit characters.  These lower tannins mean that it too can be chilled.