Book Review: Alternative Reality: How Australian Wine Changed Course by Max Allen

Book Review: Alternative Reality: How Australian Wine Changed Course by Max Allen and the Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show

For those who love wine and books, Max Allen’s Alternative Reality provides a fascinating exploration of the evolving Australian wine landscape over the last twenty years. This book explains how Australian wine has developed into what it is today and encourages wine enthusiasts to discover a wider array of unique and intriguing varieties. Allen’s narrative serves not only as a historical account but also as an invitation to delve into the significant changes in wine production, style, and culture that have transformed Australia’s wine scene.

In the past two decades, Australian wine has experienced a remarkable shift. The introduction of new grape varieties, cutting-edge winemaking methods, and a new wave of dedicated winemakers have all contributed to redefining the country’s wine identity. Max Allen attributes much of this transformation to a pioneering wine competition held in Mildura, Victoria. Located far from Australia’s established wine regions, this competition has been crucial in promoting non-mainstream varieties that have gained traction nationwide.

Since its launch in 2001, the Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show (AAVWS) has been at the forefront of innovative winemaking, challenging the supremacy of popular varieties like Shiraz and Chardonnay. The show has become a hub for creativity, where every November, winemakers, sommeliers, writers, and viticulturists from all over the country converge in Mildura to share ideas, sample wines, and envision a new future for Australian wine, one that celebrates lesser-known grape varieties.

Allen’s book goes beyond merely recounting the history of the AAVWS; it intertwines the narratives of the key players who have driven this revolution. From winemakers to critics, the individuals featured in Alternative Reality are the pioneers who have boldly steered Australian wine into exciting new territories.

Buy the Wine Book at Melbourne Books