New South Wales is the historical birthplace of Australian Viticulture. The main wine regions are situated north of Sydney, and this proximity gave the wines an advantage in the 19th century.
The climate of the Lower Hunter Valley is not conducive to growing grapes – it is hot and rainy, and this can lead to problems with rot and mildew. The most widely planted varieties are Shiraz and Semillon. The Shiraz is done in a full-bodied, low acid style with a rustic edge (often referred to as “sweaty saddles”), while the Semillon is unique – crisp and minerally, it is often fermented and aged in oak. Lindeman’s is the company that dominated wine production in the Lower Hunter Valley.
The Upper Hunter is located northwest of the Lower. This region is known for Chardonnay. It is hotter and drier than Lower Hunter. Rosemount has traditionally been a strong presence in the Upper Hunter.
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Wine Regions of the World
