Grampians, Victoria

Overview

Nowhere in Victoria is the link between gold and wine more pronounced, and nowhere are the legacies of the 19th century miners more impressive, than in the 1.6 kilometres (1 mile) of underground drives that run through Seppelt's Great Western, having been excavated by hand by unemployed miners after the gold had run out. Vineyards planted in 1867 include grape varieties so rare that several have defied all attempts at identification and are, in all probability, the sole surviving examples in the world.

The Big Picture

The landscape of the Grampians wine region is dominated by one of Victoria’s greatest land features, the Grampians National Park. Just two hours' drive west from Melbourne, the region offers a diverse range of activities for all tourists as well as the wine enthusiast. This is primarily a red wine area, producing wines with a rare combination of elegance and power and an exceptional capacity to age. The cellar doors range from state-of-the-art and architect-designed to historical buildings rich with the traditions of a winemaking past.

These strong traditions are carried today by a new breed of highly skilled and enthusiastic winemakers whose efforts respect the legacy of pioneers such as Hans Irvine, legends such as Colin Preece and today’s living legends, Viv Thomson, Ian McKenzie and Trevor Mast.

Grampians Wine Region

Climate

The climate of the region is of a Mediterranean type, the proximity to the Southern Ocean (between 100-200kms) providing a cooling influence during summer. Recognised as a cooler climate grapegrowing region, the growing season in summer is characterised by warm to hot days, but with nights that are cool to cold. Autumn is mild and reliably produces the most pleasant weather, perfect for ripening grapes in benign conditions. The region is especially well suited to later ripening red varieties, particularly Shiraz.

Soil

There are two principal soil types.  The first group includes quite acidic grey and grey-brown loamy sands and clay loam soils; the second comprises a hard yellow soil with structured clay subsoils, which is also quite acidic and requires lime adjustment.  None of of these soils is especially fertile and unless the pH is significantly increased with the addition of lime and/or gypsum, this will militate against vine vigour and restrict crop levels.

Wines

Chardonnay: This is sparingly grown and made, a situation that pays tribute to the quality of the Shiraz (and the Cabernet Sauvignon) rather than indicating any shortcoming in the quality of the Chardonnay. What is made and released is moderately intense, with a mix of citrus, white peach and cashew nut flavours.

Riesling: The style shows tropical lime juice aroma and flavour in the warmer years, with reserved, toasty wines in the cooler vintages.

Cabernet Sauvignon: Often blended with Shiraz (and other varieties), Cabernet Sauvignon performs well in adverse conditions and wonderfully when everything goes right. The black currant, blackberry and even raspberry flavours run riot without threatening the elegant, regional style of the wine.

Shiraz: This is the district's finest wine. The impact of mesoclimate conditions is greater than one might expect, for the style ranges from an almost understated silky smooth, with red cherry and plum flavours, through to strikingly concentrated wines, redolent with spice, pepper, liquorice and game. Yet, however diverse the fruit flavours may be, there is a common thread in their elegance and fine tannins, no doubt deriving from the cool conditions under which the grapes have ripened. Another unifying force has been the willingness of the winemakers of the region to let the character of the fruit express itself without too strong an influence of American oak.

Vital Statistics

A Case In Point: Douglas Green, General Manager, Best's Wines, Great Western, Victoria

"The Grampians region  is one of the oldest continuously producing wine districts in Australia, dating back to the gold rush of the 1850s. With marginal soil, marginal rainfall, cold winters and warm summers, the region does not readily yield its bounty. It is a testament to the dedication and tenacity of the vignerons and winemakers that the local industry still exists, but the suitability of this environment has been reinforced by more recent plantings of large and small vineyards.

"Founded in 1866 by Henry Best, the vineyard plantings and later established winery at Concongella have produced wine ever since. Over 35 varieties of grapes were planted in the nursery block at Concongella, some of which remain unidentified. It is from these original vines, and with this heritage, that Best's Wines makes its award winning Thomson Family Shiraz and Bin No. 0 Shiraz.

"It is all of the above that produces wines which reflect the soil and the seasons. The year's hard work is captured in the bottle with classic styles of Shiraz and refined Rieslings that will age well and reward patience."

Viv Thompson and Ben Thompson - Best's Wines

Summary

Commencing in 1867 the Grampians has a long history of viticulture dominated by production of red wines of longevity, elegance and power.

The Grampians National Park, two hours' drive west of Melbourne is a picturesque natural wonder dotted with hidden jewels for the wine buff.  Silky smooth Shiraz with flavours and aromas of red cherry, plum, spice and pepper is typical of the regional style.

Acknowledgements

Victorian Wine Industry Association

Wineries, Cellar Doors & Vineyards

Armstrong Vineyards, Best’s Wines-Great Western, Cathcart Ridge Estate, Clayfield Wines Donovan Wines, Fratin Brothers Vineyard, The Gap Vineyard, Garden Gully, Grampians Estate, Jallukar Ridge Vineyard, Kimbarra Wines, Michael Unwin Wines, Montara, Mount Ararat Estate, Mount Langi Ghiran Vineyards, Seppelt Great Western and Varrenti Wines.

If you would like to have your winery included in this list, please email awbc@awbc.com.au.