It is well known that the new kids on the wine block have struggled with sales of late. Overcoming the stigma from the all the years when critters sold bottles over a sense of place wont be easy. In a great step towards elevating their images, twelve quality Australian producers have banded together to form Australia’s First Families of Wine. D’Arenberg, De Bortoli, Henschke, Tahbilk and Yalumba are a few names from a list of respectable producers.

I honestly can’t remember the last time I bought a bottle of Australian wine. It was likely Innocent Bystander Moscato last spring for something to gulp out of plastic cups on the beach. Is the lull because my image of Aussie wines has been degraded? Maybe somewhat, as even though the style of jammy reds with big alcohol isn’t usually my thing, there are regions and wines that I do enjoy. Clare Valley Riesling from Grosset or Pikes comes to mind. I think I’m having a hard enough time sifting through all the obscure and unexplored European wines that truly excite me and in the mean time will keep Australia on the back burner. Sorry Australia. This video has reminded me of some of the great and historic producers the country does offer. Many are putting an emphasis on bottling a sense of place with a reasonable price tag. More videos here.

Is anyone else drinking Australia right now? And if so, what?