subject: Margaret River Wine - Truly World Class [print this page] Wine production has a rich and deeply rooted history. Many areas throughout Europe and the northern states of the Middle East stake claim as the home of wine. As it goes back over 8,000 years, it's safe to believe that we will probably not be able to figure out its exact birthplace. If there's one thing that's for sure, it's the fact that wine is a drink cherished all over the world.
The early 1800s was when wine production began in Australia. The achievements of the enterprise was difficult to determine since winemakers back then were still not familiar with the climate of the country. Prior to the turn of the century, however, winemakers discovered that Southern and Western Australia proved to be a good area for vineyards and the production of wine.
Margaret River wineries began only in the 1960s. A group of enthusiastic winemakers knew the conditions in Margaret River were excellent for producing a world class wine. Together, they built the foundation for the booming industry we have today.
A number of factors played a part in determining that Margaret River was an excellent spot to grow grapes for wine production. Winemakers figured out that the climate was similar to that of the Mediterranean in the sense that it was steady year round. Another thing that sealed the deal was the soil quality in the area. Realizing that the conditions were ideal for the cultivation of grapes and the production of wine, winemakers gave it a go.
From there, cultivation and production increased. Today, the area hosts over 5,000 hectares of vineyards and more than one hundred wineries. Most wineries are small and generally family owned. One more thing worth talking about is the process winemakers use to ensure the quality of their product. In order for the wine to have the perfect taste, new French oak barrels were introduced to aid the fermentation process. Many aren't aware that using the barrels actually improves the flavour of the final product. It's due to the type of wood used by the barrel that wine gets that distinctive bite that it is famous for.
Margaret River wineries produce both red and white varieties. In 2010, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Merlot were the top three when it comes to volume produced. Chardonnay, Semillion, and Sauvignon Blanc rounded out the list of the top six varieties made.
If you are serious about trying a bottle of Margaret River wines, all you need to do is find it on the net. Read and learn more about the region and the products they offer online. Most wineries in Margaret River are present on the Web, and ship their world class wines. With the growth that it saw in just a decade, there's no guessing just how far Margaret River wines will go.
