Beyond Shiraz

The so‑called alternative or emerging varieties may still account for a sliver of total production, but they punch far above their weight in shaping what we grow and how we drink. New arrivals and reimagined old are bringing new flavours, textures and ideas into the Australian wine scene. And importantly, they're practical tools as growers and winemakers respond to changing consumer tastes and the realities of a warming, drying climate. Consumers are looking for new flavours and lighter styles in wines with a wow factor. Growers and winemakers are looking for heat and drought tolerance, and fresh expressions from familiar regions to adapt to changing tastes domestically and internationally.

Each variety is described in an entry that aims to be useful and down‑to‑earth: where the grape comes from, its global and national importance, how it behaves in the vineyard, the styles it tends to produce, and why it matters now. The book tries to include every variety used commercially in Australia, with a special eye on the emerging cohort that is redefining what Australian wine can be. If the classics tell Australia's wine story so far, these up‑and‑comers hint at the next chapters-and this guide will help you discover them in the glass.
The author, Darby Higgs, has been writing about alternative varieties in Australia for over two decades on his Vonodiversity website and other media.