Why Western Australia Wines Are ‘So Cool’?

Jan 9, 2017
3 min read

Why WA Wines Are ‘So Cool’?

Australia’s reputation for high quality wines is no secret. Esteemed wine growing regions in South Australia and Victoria, in particular, have put Australian wine on the map.

One area currently generating headlines — and premium sales — is Western Australia. Receiving its temperate climate from the cooling influence of the Indian Ocean, the region's Mediterranean-esque weather, beautiful scenery, rolling slopes, beaches and amazing produce make it a popular tourist destination.

Western Australia is blessed with over 150 wineries enticing wine lovers from all over the world to indulge. The wine-growing areas span from within 30 minutes of Perth to the Southern region which can be three to four hours drive, but well worth the time.

Margaret River, for example, a famous tourist destination and world renowned for its excellence in viticulture, produces only five per cent of Australia's premium wine but is responsible for about 20 per cent of premium sales. This is in part due to the region’s cooler climate lending itself to significant variations of terroir (French, literally translating: earth, or soil) which imparts unique characteristics in the wine.

According to James Halliday's 2015 Wine Companion (Australia’s definitive online guide to wine), Margaret River has 14 of the top 32 Cabernets and eight of the top 30 Chardonnays in Australia. Great Southern — headed by subregions of Porongurup and Mount Barker — has six of the best 17 Rieslings nationwide.

One man who has invested in the premium potential of Western Australian wines, namely those of the Great Southern region, is award-winning Rockcliffe Wines winemaker Coby Ladwig.

Ladwig passionately believes the cool climate of the region has the potential to make exceptional wines that can compete with the best in the world and is excited to bring a taste of Rockcliffe Wines and Great Southern to Malaysia and Drift Dining and Bar onTuesday 7th of Feb.

Right on the top of the list for the Decanted: Rockcliffe Wines tasting is Great Southern’s world famous Riesling.

TASTING MENU

Third Reef Riesling 2015
Third Reef Chardonnay 2015
Third Reef Pinot Noir 2014
Third Reef Shiraz 2013
Single Site Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Naïla Mazzucco, Trade Commissioner, Malaysia at the Australian Trade Commission (AUSTRADE) says it’s great news such a calibre of wine is coming to Malaysia.

“It is fabulous to see a new Australian wine debut in the Malaysian market, particularly from a respected yet relatively under-represented premium producing region such as Western Australia, known for its gourmet cuisine and world class award-winning wines,” Mazzucco said.

“Through tourism, business and education links, Malaysians are becoming increasingly familiar with Australia’s rich natural landscapes, foodie culture and diverse climates which offer unique styles of wine.

“With 65 wine producing regions, Australia is well placed to satisfy Malaysia’s growing demand amongst discerning consumers for more variety in premium food and beverage.

“In 2015 alone, the value of Australian wine exports to Malaysia rose 56 per cent to over MYR160 million, maintaining its lead in supplying the market. I look forward to Western Australian wines continuing to be more readily available in Malaysia.”

Guests at our Decanted session will be invited to share in the experience of “amazing wine and amazing people” with Drift managing director and professional sommelier Robert Gilliland who will educate attendees on the unique qualities of cool region wines.

We will also have an array of light bites and canapés on show to accompany your wine tasting experience. Don't forget, you can purchase these amazing wines at better than retail price on the night.

For more information on Rockcliffe Wines or to reserve your table contact events@driftdining.com or call 0321102079. Pay in advance to receive the special price of RM 95++ or full price of 115RM++ after that.