Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/133302
FROM THE EDITOR The New Australia A couple of decades ago the first Australian wines washed ashore and American wine drinkers were immediately smitten. Not only were these Chardonnays and Shirazes very reasonably priced, but PHOTO: CATHY TWIGG-BLUMEL they had a brazen, New World charm about them. Aussie wines were an overnight sensation. By 2004, Down Under had surpassed the French to become the second largest U.S. supplier after Italy. Some Australian producers reasoned that if the fruit-forward style was appealing to Americans, then even bigger, more concentrated wines would be even more popular. They were wrong. Australian wine sales dropped precipitously, helped by the increasing value of the Aussie dollar. But that is, by no means, the end of the story. A dramatic change has taken place in the Australian wine making style. Those big, tooth-staining Shirazes have gone the way of coolers and Cold Duck. The new Australian wine renaissance is characterized by subtlety, finesse and refined style. The revival is being fueled by an exciting coterie of small, talented and youthful winemakers whose artisanal wineries are determined to reconfigure Australia's wine image. Barossa monster wines are being elbowed aside by bottlings from Margaret River, Eden Valley, Adelaide Hills, Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula, among others. The wines are personal, creative and exciting. If you haven't already discovered the new Australia, it's time you did. See my "Blue Reviews" column on page 72 for reviews of some recent Australian releases. Want to win a trip to Australia? THE TASTING PANEL is teaming up with Savour Australia, and we want to send YOU, the wine-buying professional, to Adelaide, where you'll have the opportunity to taste the wines and meet the winemakers that are shaping the future of Australian wine! Send us a letter to the editor explaining why you want to go to Adelaide and how the trip will benefit your career, and we'll send TWO lucky winners on an all-expenses paid trip Down Under! The deadline to enter is July 19, so get writing if you want to wing your way to Adelaide! Email entries to SendMeDownUnder@tastingpanelmag.com or visit our website for more info. june 2013 / the tasting panel / 3 TP0613_001-41.indd 3 5/23/13 4:22 PM