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A WHO'S WHO OF AUSTRALIAN WINE WINE EXPERT JULIEN YUNG MAMEAUX TAKES A LOOK AT THE CHARACTERS THAT MADE AUSTRALIAN WINE WHAT IT IS TODAY
W
hether you drink Chardonnay, Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon – the country's top three varietals – or rarer grapes like Riesling or Grenache, it is key to understand the value and character of Australian wine. It is now two centuries since the first vineyards were established, and the country's winemakers – even the big brands that have become household names – have a history all of their own. THE STORY BEHIND THE LABELS Arguably the most famous winemaker in Australia, Penfolds, has existed since 1844 when Englishman Christopher Rawson Penfold, then a medical practioner, emigrated to Adelaide and brought winemaking practices to South Australia. His wines have made quite the impact – from the McLaren Vale vineyards in South Australia affordable Rawson's Retreat, a quaffable Shiraz-Cabernet blend with black fruits and spicy notes, to the aficionados' favourite , a vintage Grange – Penfolds seemingly has a wine for every budget. Grange is named after the original doubled over the past 20 years, says Vanya Cullen, home of Penfold and his wife Mary. chief winemaker at the multi-award-winning Cullen Jacob's Creek's origins are rooted in nature. Tied to a small creek running Winery, and herself one of the most powerful through the Barossa Valley, it is named after William Jacob, a surveyor who settled women in the winemaking world. in the country in 1839 after visiting on a European expedition. The first vines were The success of Australian wines overseas has planted on the fertile banks of the creek by Johann Gramp, a Bavarian immigrant also led to some distorted commercial perceptions. in 1847. The pick of this now super brand's wines include the Johann, a full-bodied New heroes are needed. This is perhaps the role, Shiraz-Cabernet blend, and the elegant St Hugo, which is named in honour of or at least the ambition, of the Australian First Gramp's grandson. Families of Wine, a newly formed group of the Wolf Blass, on the other hand, is the brainchild of Wolfgang Blass, a former cash- oldest winemaking families. The 12 member strapped German wine student who arrived in Australia in the early 1960s. In 1974, wineries – including Brown Brothers, Campbells, his Black Label product won the Jimmy Watson Trophy, prompting him to make d’Arenberg, de Bortoli, Henschke, Howard Park, the much-copied statement: "My wines are sexy; they make weak men strong and Jim Barry, McWilliam’s, Tahbilk, Taylor’s, Tyrrell’s, and strong women weak." Yalumba – is committed to restoring the golden reputation of Australian wines overseas. They have STARRING ICONIC FIGURES good arguments – like Hill of Grace, Henschke’s James Busby is regarded as the "father of Australian wine". A Scotsman who single vineyard, single grape jewel – and are ready was persuaded that viticulture could contribute to sustaining the development to welcome you like family. of the colonies, he collected vine stocks in France and Spain and imported them to Australia. Julien leads The Experience Company (www. Another major personality was Maurice O'Shea, a master blender by professional, TheExCo.com), Asia’s premier travel concierge O'Shea tirelessly kept refining table wines, like his Mount Pleasant from the Hunter offering tailored wine, golf and spa experiences. Valley, until they reached near perfection. Join the upcoming Australia wine tour, or arrange Long time the exclusive domain of men, the Australian wine industry has been a personalized holiday. Contact The Experience highlighted in recent times by the increasing influence of women in the trade. The Company at +852 2179 3307 or Julien@TheExCo. proportion of female oenology graduates at domestic winemaking schools has com. Quote “HKGolfer” for a special discount.
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