The 8th LANGTONS Classification of Australian Wine is currently touring the country, offering a tasting experience that includes a growing number of lighter wine styles.
The prestigious LANGTONS Classification is decorated with Australia’s most sought after wines from around the country, curated by monitoring consumer demands, collectability and prices fetched at auction.
While it has previously been dominated by full-bodied reds, this year has seen rising demand for lighter-style wines with elegance and vibrancy.
Red and white wines from cool-climate regions are proving increasingly popular with drinkers, as evidenced by the inclusion of pinot noirs from Tasmania and chardonnays from the Yarra Valley.
“The 8th edition of the LANGTONS Classification of Australian Wine is certainly a shake-up to what we’ve seen across the last three decades of the guide,” said LANGTONS Head of Auctions and Secondary Market Michael Anderson.
“We are seeing a shift in consumer interest from full-bodied, hedonistic red wines to more vibrant styles that embody elegance and complexity.”
With a combined retail value of each Classified wine of $17,655, the rare LANGTONS Classification tasting multi-state experience is a special opportunity to meet, greet and taste the most highly recognised wines from across the nation.
Winemakers from the 60 wineries and 100 wines are available for visitors to taste including the likes of Penfolds (Grange), Henschke (Hill of Grace), Sami-Odi, Rockford (Basket Press), and Giaconda among many others.
“Classification 8 reflects how diverse and dynamic the Australian winescape is today,” said LANGTONS General Manager Tamara Grischy (above).
“It also highlights the consistent quality of the wines being grown in Australia as to be in the Classification you need to have a strong track record in the market, a minimum 10 years of production. The Classification also recognises wines with truthful, real and compelling stories.
Grischy said Australian wine is being grown and made more sensitively than ever before, which is creating diversity and choice for wine drinkers.
“We are also finding that wine drinkers are recognising the quality in all styles of wines and the Classification reflects this.” she said.
“Fifty per cent of the new wines entered into Classification 8 are made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, which confirms the
rising demand for these global benchmark varieties as they reflect more sophisticated tastes and they are delicious.”
While some wine drinkers may have the perception that varieties such as pinot noir are not suited to collecting, Grischy said that is definitely not the case.
“Classified wines can all be cellared, which is a hallmark for wine collectors who value the ageability of the wines they choose,” she said.
“The finest Pinot Noir made in Australia has a great track record of cellaring and there is strong demand for back vintage pinot noirs in our market.
“Cellaring often conjures the image of an underground hideaway filled with dusty bottles. The benefit of cellaring can be seen in five or so years, particularly for Chardonnay and lighter wines. Of course, some of the classic Shiraz and Cabernets can be cellared for many. It really depends on the wine.”
As for Australian Chardonnay shaking off its reputation for being too heavily oaked and hard to drink, Grischy counters that its fortunes have never faltered among savvy collectors.
“Australian chardonnay has been an incredibly exciting variety for more than a generation with diverse styles, great value and consistency from all regions,” she said.
“The best Australian chardonnays can sit alongside the greatest wines from around the world. Our greatest producers express the uniqueness of the land and environment our wines are grown in.”
Grischy’s tip for what the next 12 months will have in store for lovers of Australian fine wine? She believes wine drinkers will continue to buy less but better.
“Buy your favourites now as tough growing conditions will limit availability,” she said. “Auctions are the best place to find those aged gems ready to enjoy now. Note that the sellers are wine collectors who look after their wines. Always read
as much as you can from lots of different opinions and stick to good vintages.”
Ticketing options for the Classification Australian wine tasting experience range from general admission at $199 to general admission early access at $249 and 1st Classified for $349.
The tour heads to Adelaide on October 1, Brisbane on October 4, Sydney on October 8 and Melbourne on October 11. Learn more here.