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Importers of Fine Wines Since 1919 | Resources for the Trade |
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Wine Regions: QueenslandAlthough much of Queensland has a hot, tropical climate unsuitable for the vine, vineyards have been founded at high altitudes, which mitigate heat and humidity. Most of the plantings are located just south of Brisbane near the border of New South Wales. This region is known as the “Granite Belt” because of its trademark decomposed granite soils. The climate here is continental and is hallmarked by rainstorms and hail. Summers are hot; winters are cold. Australian Capital Territory was carved from an existing state—like Washington D.C. Although grapes are grown here, most agricultural crops are planted in neighboring NSW because all crop land is on short-term lease from the government. The government reserves the right to reclaim all leased property if it is needed for urban growth. Label LawIn 1993, Australia developed a “place of origin” system. Place names, known as geographical indications (GIs), represent geographical zones of production. These geographical indications do not mandate specific grape growing or wine making practices, but if a place name appears on the label, 85 percent of the grapes in that bottle must come from the named GI. Common GIs include the states of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, or Queensland. One multistate GI, South Eastearn Australia, is the only geographical indication (apart from Australia itself) that covers an area larger than a single state. It combines New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and parts of Queensland and South Australia. Various wine regions, such as the Barossa Valley, and sub-regions, such as Barossa’s Eden Valley, also carry their own GIs. Vintage and Varietal SpecificationsWine law regarding vintage dates and varietal composition follow the 85 percent rule. A single grape variety can be placed on the label if a minimum of 85 percent of the grapes in that wine are from the single variety stated. The same holds true for vintage dating: if a vintage is placed on the label, 85 percent of the product inside the bottle must have been harvested during the year stated. If there is a blend of grape varieties or a blend of vintages, the varieties (and vintages) must be listed in descending order of content. For example, a Semillon-Chardonnay has more Semillon than Chardonnay in the blend. A Chardonnay-Semillon blend has more Chardonnay.
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Queensland’s tropical climate allows it to ripen pineapple and sugar cane! The capital territory grows a plethora of vines in a multiplicity of mesoclimates. The wine industry is supported by Canberra, a large metropolitan market, and Australia’s capital city. South Australia on this label is the GI zone and Shiraz is the grape, which means that 85% of the Shiraz grape is sourced from South Australia within this wine named Stonehaven Winemaker’s Selection. South Eastern Australia is the GI zone on this label and Chardonnay is the grape. 85% of the Chardonnay grape in this wine was sourced from South Eastern Australia. “To carry the mail”…Aussie speak for “buying a round of drinks”—Hey, let’s celebrate, I’m going to carry the mail.
“Good on ya Mate” in Australia means “good for you friend”. It’s a common phrase of encouragement and praise. Australia drinks more wine, per capita, than any other English speaking country in the world. 
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Queensland's vineyards are located northwest of Brisbane. Vines went into the ground here in 1990.
“It’s my shout,” in Australia means “I’m treating”…as in a round of drinks.