About White Wines from Australia

About White Wines from Australia
Wine is a bit of a quandry when one speaks of Australia. Here is a country that ranks sixth in the world as far as total production, yet it so too often associated these days with inexpensive, mass-produced wines. This is understandable, given that a few huge corporations produce a great majority of the country's wine, with much of its destined for supermarkets in the USA and England. But this reputation is a true shame, as there are so many excellent wine regions that are home to some magnificent producers. Shiraz is the country's signature wine; not only is it Australia's most widely planted variety, it is also the wine with the greatest reputation. Especially in the Barossa and Clare Valleys, there are explosive versions of this wine that can age for many years. Other notable reds from Australia are the Rhone blends with varying percentages of Grenache and Mourvedre added to Shiraz. Certain areas such as Western Australia are ideal for cool climate varieties such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Probably the best white wines are Semillon from Hunter Valley and especially Riesling from the Clare and Eden Valleys. These Rieslings, thought quite different from those produced in Germany, are equally brilliant and are most assuredly world-class

Top Picks for Australia

White Wines

Berton Vineyards 2022 Metal Label Flavored Moscato Frizzanté Riverina
95 points
$13
Best Buy
A fascinating and delectable Moscato Frizzante with just a hint of extra floral lift and spiced complexity.
95 points $13 Best Buy
Wakefield 2022 Promised Land Chardonnay
95 points
$13
Best Buy
A New World under study well-suited to fill in for Village level white Bourgogne.
Awards: '2022 World Value Wine Challenge-Top 10 White Wine $15 and Under' Best Value Australian Chardonnay 2022 Best Chardonnay
95 points $13 Best Buy
Taylors 2022 Promised Land Sauvignon Blanc
94 points
$13
Best Buy
A genially herbal and fruit forward expression of Sauvignon Blanc; pair with pesto, salads, and light fish dishes.
94 points $13 Best Buy
Wakefield 2023 Estate Pinot Gris
94 points
$18
Best Buy
An explosion of fruit on the nose and palate that seems almost candied at first because of the ripeness, but is in fact pleasantly dry on the palate.
94 points $18 Best Buy
Wakefield 2023 Jaraman Sauvignon Blanc
93 points
$22
A refreshing and bright Sauvignon Blanc that has a smooth finish; great for lunch or brunch.
St. Andrews 2023  Chardonnay
93 points
$32
An alternative for Village level Chablis that has seen light battonage and barrel-aging.
Jip Jip Rocks 2023 Single Vineyard Chardonnay
93 points
$16
Best Buy
A vibrant and refreshing Chardonnay with very light oak for balance and the wide spectrum of fruit flavors at play.
93 points $16 Best Buy
Wakefield 2022 Estate Chardonnay
93 points
$18
Best Buy
An elegantly fruity and vivaciously ripe Chardonnay that is totally dry and maintains a crisp acidity.
93 points $18 Best Buy
Wakefield 2022 St Andrews Chardonnay
93 points
$32
Just delightful and sure to find fans with anyone that enjoys a leaner, Old World style of Chardonnay.
Natural Selection NV Dangerously Good Chardonnay
93 points
$9
Best Buy
An elegant white wine with subtle notes of apple and orange blossom that crests in to a long pleasant finish.
93 points $9 Best Buy