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Shiraz research to provide more information on how growing regions influence character of wine

Wine Australia is hoping a better understanding of shiraz terroirs will help the nation's wine regions better compete in the global market

19/01/2017

Wine Australia is hoping a better understanding of shiraz terroirs will help the nation's wine regions better compete in the global market.

The word 'terroir' refers to environmental factors that influence the make-up of wine grapes, including climate, soil and topography.

Wine Australia is investing $5.3 million into research and development projects in a bid to shed light on the relationship between where vines are grown and the eventual style and taste of Australian shiraz.

While terroir is a common word used in the wine industry, it seems many want a greater understanding of how it can impact wine.

Wine Australia deputy chairman Brian Croser said the projects were aimed at informing wine grape growers on how to best utilise their own vineyard conditions.

"It will chase down the environmental triggers in each of the regions that influence the vine to produce different flavours and characters in the grapes, region by region," Mr Croser said.

"We will be able to tell the world why our shirazes are different from the other ones across the regions, and why they are better than the rest of the world."

Mr Croser said by having a better understanding of terroir, the Australian wine industry could follow the lead of many European countries in marketing their wine through regions, just as much as brands.

"This will help the whole Australian wine industry elevate its image of being a fine wine producer," he said.

"It will allow the regions to … market why their shiraz is different."

Read more at source: ABC

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