Iberian reds from Australia: Top picks

While there was plenty of talk of the recent and devastating bush fires and their effect on the Australian wine industry at last month’s Wine Australia trade tasting, many other topics were up for discussion too.

Much of the chat centred around drought-resistant varieties and the growing trend – at the premium end at least – for Aussie red wines made in fresh, elegant styles. There was even a Focus Room dedicated to reds made with the foot firmly off the pedal – a tangle of juicy, bright wines that eschew oak and the full-bodied style which has defined Australian red wine in recent years.Both these themes were prevalent in the selection of red wines on show made from Iberian varieties, with many producers explaining that they first planted these grapes due to their drought-resistant properties and/or their ability to make more nuanced wines.

While the recent trend for Italian grape varieties planted in Australia shows no sign of waning (there were plenty of Sangioveses, Primitivios and Nebbiolos to get excited about) but there’s much to discover from Iberian varieties too; from punchy and edgy Tempranillo to supple and spicy Graciano. There was even a Pedro Ximenez dessert wine, but that didn’t quite sing like many of its Jerez counterparts.

A final note on the bush fires. When speaking to winemakers about what consumers can do to help support the industry and those affected by the fires, the message was simple and unanimous – buy Australian wine.

Chris Wilson’s top Aussie Iberian selections