New South Wales, located on the east coast of Australia, boasts a diverse landscape with various climatic conditions suitable for growing different grape varieties. With 14 wine-growing areas spread across the state, it produces a wide array of wines, contributing around 27% to Australia's total wine production. One of the most famous wine regions in New South Wales is the Hunter Valley, particularly recognized for its Semillon and Shiraz. The Semillon from the Hunter Valley is known for its crisp acidity, citrus aromas, and flavors that pair well with seafood. With age, these wines develop complex toast, vanilla, and honey flavors, giving them depth and richness.
The climate in New South Wales varies significantly across sub-regions. For instance, the Hunter Valley has a mean January temperature of 21.6°C, while the Riverina region experiences a mean January temperature of 25.7°C. Rainfall also varies, with the Hunter Valley receiving an annual average of 774mm and the Riverina region receiving just 404mm. Producers have increasingly sought out higher altitude areas to counteract the effects of climate change and drought, particularly in the warm inland regions like Riverina, Riverland, and Murray-Darling. New South Wales is home to a variety of grape varieties, including Shiraz, Chardonnay, Verdelho, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Semillon.
Shiraz is extensively planted across Australia, with 39,900 hectares dedicated to this variety. Pinot Noir, a notoriously difficult variety to grow and vinify, is also planted in New South Wales, primarily in the higher-altitude, cooler regions. Cabernet Sauvignon, another widely planted variety, requires a certain degree of warmth to ripen fully and is grown in regions like the Hunter Valley. In addition to the traditional wine pairing suggestions, such as matching Hunter Valley Semillon with seafood and Shiraz with a good Australian barbecue, New South Wales offers a range of wine styles suitable for different occasions and cuisine preferences. These include dry and sweet wines from Sémillon, Chardonnay in various styles, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling, and red wines ranging from light-bodied and fresh Pinot Noir to oak-aged, meaty Shiraz.