WA’s Mediterranean wine varieties with tasting tips, food pairings and local insights. Explore Fiano, Vermentino, Tempranillo and more.
Western Australia’s
Warm sunshine, long dry seasons and cooling coastal breezes create the ideal conditions for Mediterranean grape varieties. These sun-loving grapes thrive particularly well in regions like Swan Valley, Bickley Valley and the wider Perth Hills. They are generous, food-friendly, aromatic, and often lower in alcohol, perfect for olive-oil dishes, grilled vegetables, seafood, shared plates and long lunches under the WA sky.
Whites to Know
Fiano
Pear, fennel and mineral crunch, with subtle texture from lees ageing.
Pairs with: grilled zucchini, fennel,orange salads, grilled fish.
Vermentino
Citrus-pithy, saline, coastal and refreshing. A perfect WA apéritif for hot days and salty snacks.
Pairs with: oysters, cured fish, olives, briny appetisers.
Greco & Albariño
Technically travellers, but close in spirit. Pithy, bright and seafood-friendly, ideal for summer plates.
Reds to Watch
Tempranillo
Red cherry, tobacco and savoury spice—a tapas all-rounder.
Pairs with: chorizo, roasted capsicum, mushrooms, jamón.
Sangiovese
Tangy, structured and lively. Tomato-based dishes adore it.
Pairs with: ragù, roasted tomato dishes, hard cheeses.
Grenache
Supple, perfumed and red-fruited. A slight chill makes it summer’s friend.
Pairs with: BBQ, lamb skewers, charcuterie, mezze.
Aim for realistic serving temperatures: bright whites at 8–10°C, structured whites at 10–12°C, light reds at 12–14°C and fuller reds at 16–18°C. In warm months, glasses heat quickly, so refresh the chill rather than over-pouring.
If you’d like to discover these grapes in the glass, join one of our /Swan Valley wine Tours
Serving & Pairing Tips
Recommended Temperatures
- Bright whites: 8–10°C
- Structured whites: 10–12°C
- Light reds: 12–14°C
- Fuller reds: 16–18°C
In warm months, glasses warm quickly refresh the chill rather than over-pouring. If a wine feels mute or tight, adjust one element at a time:
- temperature
- oxygen (a short decant)
- food on the table
Most wines transform with a small adjustment, not a different label.
Deep Dive: How to Taste Mediterranean Varieties
Mediterranean-variety flights reward a short pause between sips.
Let the wine sit for a minute, swirl gently, and smell again.
With a touch of oxygen and a few extra degrees of warmth, a second layer appears: dried herbs, fennel seed, citrus skin, pine, resin, red fruit or savoury spice.
The secret is not to drink more just to pay attention to the small changes.
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