WORDS ON WINE by Robert Black

While old favourites such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are likely to remain important, emerging Mediterranean and lesser-known European varieties are being recognised for their resilience and suitability to Australia’s future wine landscape.

Australia’s wine industry has long relied on a small number of internationally recognised grape varieties. Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc have dominated white wine sales due to their accessibility and strong consumer demand. However, rising temperatures, prolonged droughts and more frequent extreme weather events are challenging the viability of these varieties in many growing regions. Our Mudgee region is no exception with its already very warm/hot growing climate being challenged further.

Varieties originating from southern Europe, including Fiano, Vermentino, Assyrtiko, Xynisteri, Catarratto and Arinto have attracted increasing attention because they maintain acidity, flavour and balance under conditions of heat and water stress. Many of these grapes have evolved over centuries in Mediterranean climates, making them well suited to our changing environment. Their ability to produce high-quality wines while requiring fewer inputs also supports more sustainable vineyard management.

The willingness of younger wine drinkers over previous generations to experiment has encouraged retailers and producers to expand their range beyond traditional varieties. Tastings to get unfamiliar wine into people’s mouths are so important to build confidence. And it is vital that our winemakers carefully present these new varieties in their best forms otherwise it will be very difficult to maintain a captive market.

So, as committed wine drinkers we should be prepared to take the leap of faith. Unfamiliar, intimidating and hard to pronounce names can offer a delicious drink that complements our diverse food culture. The future Aussie wine shelf in your local bottle-shop will therefore reflect not only changing environmental conditions but also a more diverse, resilient and innovative wine industry that invites consumers to broaden their horizons beyond Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

Below are two newly released white wines perfect for Spring weather. Enjoy!

DiLusso 2025 Vino Bianca
Out of 5 rows that were thought to be Pinot Grigio, they were actually a mix of Pinot Grigio (Italian)/Pinot Blanc (French)/Malvasia Istriana (Slovenia). Alex Lowe has fermented all three together and the result is pear, floral, hints of apricot, with a slaty almost flinty acidity and lime/lemon citrus finish. Lively and delicious. Alternate varieties unite!
RRP $38 | ABV 12.5%
dilusso.com.au

ROBERT BLACK 2026 Riesling
Fruit from Orange off the Carington Vineyard in the foothills of Mt. Canobolas at just over 850m. Has typical finely structured lemony acidity of the region and white floral notes. The 6g of residual sugar is neatly balanced with the delicate acid and whilst dry on the palate the wine has a fresh hand-squeezed juiciness about it. It’s drinking well from day one.
RRP $27 | ABV 12%
robertblackwines.com