Queensland is one of six states and two "territories" that make up the Commonwealth of Australia. It covers approximately 1. 85 million square kilometres (715,300 square miles) in the north-eastern quarter of the "island continent".
Although far from being renowned for its wine, Queensland has a growing wine industry, responding to a growing global demand and the happy combination of tourism and wine.
The generally hot and humid Climate, with its high humidity and resulting prevalence of fungal diseases, presents a challenge to winemakers. However, the number of Vineyards is increasing and some cooler areas show promise.
Initially, wine production was limited to fortified wines and strong red table wines, but this portfolio is expanding. A typical modern Queensland vineyard might be planted with Shiraz, cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and a handful of less common varieties (such as Durif, Chambourcin and various Italian reds), alongside Australia's most popular white wines, Chardonnay and semillon.
The state even has two officially recognised wine regions: the Granite Belt and South Burnett.
The vermentino grape variety was widespread in Italy, Sardinia and Corsica. Today, Vermentino is grown in the regions bordering the Mediterranean, mainly in Provence (Côtes de Provence, Bellet), Corsica (Corse Calvi), Languedoc (Côtes du Roussillon, Costières de Nîmes) and the Rhône Valley (Côtes du Luberon). Because it ripens late, Vermentino requires a warm climate for its development and can only be grown in regions with good sun exposure. Conversely, cold or temperate climates do not allow it to ripen properly. Vermentino is only susceptible to powdery mildew. When vinified on its own, Vermentino produces a single-variety dry white wine that is light and full-bodied with a pale yellow color. It can also be blended with other grape varieties such as Ugni Blanc, Cinsault and Grenache, in which case its low acidity makes it light and fresh. Vermentino belongs to the grape varieties of Ajaccio, Corsica and Corbières. The aromas released by this variety are multiple. One can detect notes of fresh apple, green almond, sweet spices, hawthorn, ripe pear and fresh pineapple.
white wines from the region of Queensland go well with generally quite well with dishes of pork, rich fish (salmon, tuna etc) or vegetarian such as recipes of roast pork with prunes, salmon with sorrel or zucchini and goat cheese quiche.
