Wakefield Winemaker Writes.  Add/Read Comments

I won't repeat the whole 8 page press release from the UK distributors of Wakefield Wines - but a section from Adam Eggins, wine maker at Wakefield, is quite interesting indicating how he sees Australian wines in general and the Clare Valley specifically are developing.

Wakefieldwines.com
"The biggest mistake we have made in the Australian wine industry is to pigeon-hole ourselves by region. How often have you heard people say that the Barossa makes fantastic Shiraz� or the Clare Valley produces fantastic Cabernet Sauvignon�? It's true - they do, but they are capable of so much more. We have really undersold ourselves and it's time we started to think more broadly. Attitudes are slowly changing, often consumer-led as the demand for full-bodied, heavily oaked, traditional whites and point-chasing powerful, alcoholic reds decreases. Unwooded Chardonnay, for example, is flying off the shelves in both domestic and export markets. There seems to be a general trend towards cooler climate wines and the Clare Valley is in a very strong position being able to offer the sort of food-friendly wines that consumers want, whilst offering good value for money. The Australian wine industry is still young, not just in terms of wine production (20-30 years) but also in terms of wine marketing. Regional expression is so important and will be the key to the continuing success of Australian wine worldwide."