Tasmanian regions – the south
Tasmania’s capital city Hobart lays claim to be the second driest state capital in Australia, after Adelaide. There are fewer frosts in the south, and as is to be expected in a cool climate, especially one where there is nothing between the south of the island and the Antarctic, proximity to sea level is important for vineyards to capture as much warmth as possible.
Tasmanian regions – east coast
Tasmania’s east coast is the driest and one of the warmest parts of the state. It’s also home to the biggest single vineyard on the island.
Tasmanian regions – the north
Tasmania is a relatively small island, some 250km north to south. The cool, moderate, maritime, climate location of the whole state means that small local variations in weather, soils and topography result in differing outcomes for wine styles.
Is Gippsland Australia’s new cool climate zone?
The Gippsland zone is vast, about a quarter of the total area of the state of Victoria. The scale of viticulture is miniscule, about 1% that of neighbouring Yarra Valley. But the region is right on-trend with its cool climate locale.
A minimalist journey
Alan and Nelly Cooper are doing really tasty things high up in the Macedon Ranges. Here’s a tasting of their 2010s.
Pinot noir the new bright thing
“Pinot noir is the next wine fashion” said Ross Brown, of Brown Brothers, speaking at the closing session of the 8th International Cool Climate Symposium, in Hobart, Tasmania.
GST to be the climatic index of choice for viticulturists?
Pioneering cool climate viticulturist Dr Andrew Pirie, of Tamar Ridge, has revitalised growing season temperature (GST) as a single measure offering a refined definition of cool climate.
Mornington Peninsula temperature curve
Temperature curve from the peninsula to the city.
Cool climate Australia – tasting notes from around Melbourne.
When Wine Australia held a tasting in London during November of wines from Victoria that are available in the UK, I focused on pinot noir and chardonnay to explore cool climate expressions.
Plunkett-Fowles
Plunkett-Fowles arose as a merger of two family wine businesses in 2005, both located in the rather rugged, granitic region of Strathbogie Ranges, remote even though it is only around 130km north of Melbourne. The business is run by chief winemaker Sam Plunkett, and CEO Matt Fowles.
