Last Friday our enthusiastic students finished their week with an Australian wine tasting activity led by our Student Services Coordinator Dominic.
Due to the activity’s massive popularity, students worked in 5 tasting teams to individually taste, and then as a team, review our selection of white and red Australian wines.
Students tasted an Australian Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot, all of which were from Southeast Australia.
Dominic explained to students what to look for involving the colour, opacity, and viscosity of the wine.
Wine aromas are derived from the grape, winemaking process and from the aging process (in bottle or oak).
Dominic provided images of fruits, spices and nuts that corresponded to flavours present in each wine. Students were encouraged to refer to the images when tasting each wine and think if any of those flavours came through for them.
Finally, after looking at, smelling and tasting each wine students discussed their thoughts as a group and answered the activity worksheet questions.
Many students had a discerning palate and correctly associated each wine with its flavours.
The activity was highly interactive and an excellent way for students to practise their English in a fun, relaxed setting.
Australian Wine
The major grape varieties grown in Australia are shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, sémillon, riesling, viognier, pinot noir, grenache, sangiovese, mourvèdre and pinot grigio.
Australia’s vineyards and wine regions are in New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria, Western Australia, Tasmania and Queensland.
The most renowned wine regions include:
- Western Australia – Margaret River
- South Australia – Barossa, Coonawara, Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale and Clare Valley
- New South Wales – Hunter Valley
- Victoria – Yarra Valley, Rutherglen, Heathcode and Mornington Peninsula
- Tasmania
If you’re interested in learning more about the Australian wine industry start here. There is an abundance of helpful resources about Australian wine online.
Learn English in Byron Bay. Lexis English students study General English, IELTS, FCE, CAE, and English plus Surfing in a friendly and professional school right in the heart of Byron Bay and only 15 minutes from the beach.
