Unless you are a seasoned wine aficionado, you might not know that many exceptional red wines come from Australia. If you are perfectly aware of this and most likely keep at least a few bottles in their cellars.

However, if this is news for you, then you are probably new in the world of wines. But, that’s okay, you are in the right place as here we will introduce you to some of the best red wines from down under.

Australian Vineyards
Australian vineyards offer incredible terroir which can produce some truly incredible wines – from Shiraz/Syrah and Pinot Noir through to Merlot and red blends
#1 Shiraz / Syrah

Shiraz is made from the Syrah variety. Thanks to Australia’s warm climate, it gets to ripen and produce a spicy, fruity, and rich flavor. Thanks to that, it can go nicely with the classic Australian barbeque and red meat. The most prominent regions that produce the finest Australian Shiraz are Mclaren Vale and Barossa Valley.

Some of the most popular Australian Shiraz wines are:

  • Pepperjack Shiraz and Kellermeister Wild Witch Shiraz 2009, both coming from the Barossa Valley.
  • Berry Shiraz 2014 and Kerrigan, produced in Western Australia.
  • Mount Langi Ghiran Langi, produced in Grampians.
#2 Pinot Noir

Australia’s Pinot Noir flourishes in some of the cooler regions such as Southern WA, the Peninsula region, Mornington, and Yarra Valley. This is a complex and dry wine that, on average, is a bit more acidic than most other red wines. As far as food pairing goes, Australia’s pinot noir can be matched with oily fish, as well as some lighter red meats.

  • Popular Australian Pinot Noir wines are:
  • Freycinet 2014, coming from Tasmania
  • Bindi “Block 5”, Macedon Ranges
  • Castle Rock Estate 2011, WA
#3 Cabernet Sauvignon

When it comes to red wines, there is no way around the cabernet sauvignon, which is an absolute classic. This is a dry red wine that is quite fruity and full-bodied. Very often, it can contain notes of mint, menthol, and capsicum. In addition to that, the Australian cabernet sauvignon includes notes of eucalyptus.

Furthermore, the Australian cabernet sauvignon is heavily influenced by the local climate and clay-based soils. Thanks to all that, Australian cabernet sauvignon is genuinely exceptional. The cabernet sauvignon wines that are produced in the warmer regions tend to be quite sweet, whereas those that come from the cooler regions feel more savory.

Some of the most popular Australian Cabernet Sauvignon wines are:

  • Kirrihill Tullymore 2013, produced in Clare Valley
  • Hardy’s Thomas 2013, coming from Coonawarra & Margaret River
  • Wynn’s ‘The Siding,’ coming from Coonawarra
#4 Merlot

This is another classic that is very popular in Australia. However, Merlot wines are always mixed with another variety and rarely used as the only grape in a blend.

Australian Merlot can be found in the same regions where Cabernet Sauvignon thrives. Both varieties are often blended to create Cabernet Merlot, which is very popular with Aussie wine lovers. The Merlot variety brings the smoothness and balance, whereas the Cabernet Sauvignon adds robust flavors. When searching for a great Australian Cabernet Merlot, look for wines that come from Margaret River or Coonawarra.

Some of the most prominent Merlot wines are:

  • Hollick ‘Neilson’s Block’ 2008, Coonawarra
  • Pepper Tree 2014, Wrattonbully
Australian Merlot
Australian Merlots are wonderful wines, often blended with another varietal, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, to produce a smooth and balanced wine. 
#5 Red Blends

This is where Aussie wines excel. Australian blends are versatile, unique, mouthwatering creations that can be paired with various types of food. Furthermore, they make great value for your money. From shiraz-based wines to classic cabernet merlot, they can accommodate even the pickiest wine drinkers. Australian red wines are made from various red varieties such as Mataro, Tempranillo, Grenache, and many others.

Some of the must-try Australian red blends include:

  • The 2005 Mount Mary Quintet comes from the Yarra Valley. This is one of the most premium red wine blends in Australia. Typically, its price can range from $100 to $200 per bottle.
  • The “Bin 389” Cabernet Shiraz blend is made in South Australia. This is one of the unique red wine blends in Australia. Because of that its price range is a bit on the higher end, from $50 to $100.
  • The 2010 Cabernet Merlot is produced in the Margaret River region. This blend offers exceptional value for the money. Typically, the price range is from $20 to $50.
  • The “Chrous” wine blend is made from Mataro, Grenache, and Shiraz. This blend comes from the Barrosa Valley, and it is one of the most popular ones in Australia as it is one of the most affordable ones (under $20).

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