Northern Tasmania
Cool to cold climate/Elevation 15-200mThe arrival of Andrew Pirie and the planting of vineyards around Pipers Brook near Launceston in Tasmania’s north really kicked off northern Tasmania’s wine industry. The vineyards are all located in cool to cold maritime areas. The warmest and sunniest part of the island is in the north. At Pipers Brook most of the vineyards are located on slopes at elevations of around 100 to 140m on basalt-derived gravelly soils with relatively high iron content. Pipers Brook vineyards are close spaced on north-facing vineyards but quite exposed to wind. Riesling has thrived, while Chardonnay and Bordeaux varieties are a mixed bag, and Pinot Noir is showing great potential. Mesoclimate and individual sites differ markedly around Tasmania. The Tamar Valley, close to Pipers Brook, is estuarine influenced.
In terms of wine investment, Tasmania has a very small presence. Despite a strong commitment by BRL Hardy in sparkling wine production and a few relatively large-scale ventures, NorthernTasmania has still to find its feet. This is illustrated by the change of ownership of several enterprises – Pipers Brook being the most recent.
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» Riesling
Riesling has shown the most promise in this marginal wine-growing region. They have pronounced limey aromas with a touch of dried herb/spice nuances, fine acidity and plenty of concentration and length. Vintage is important .
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» Chardonnay
Chardonnay has struggled. The climate is extremely marginal and botrytis seems to be a perennial problem in some vineyards. Producers are able to make leaner Burgundian styles, but many seem to have a herbal edge to them. Sparkling wine producers (specifically Hardys and Domaine Chandon) value the fruit highly, which is where its ultra-fine future probably lies in the medium term. Pipers Brook Chardonnay was once one of Australia’s leading wines, but is now lost in a sea of Australian Chardonnays. However it can only get better!.
The best performers in the secondary market are Grosset and Petaluma. Mitchell, Wilson Vineyard and Mount Horrocks are well regarded but have yet to impress investors. Old Leo Burings are fabulous wines; 1975 DWE 17 was brilliant, but the bin numbering system is difficult to understand. Orlando's Richmond Grove label hosts some great Clare Valley Riesling, but is yet to develop brand definition. It is interesting to note that many Clare Valley producers are now embracing the use of 'Stelvin' closures as an alternative to cork.
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» Pinot Noir
Some good expressions of Pinot Noir are produced in these parts. Pipers Brook and Tamar Ridge are making Burgundian styles, although vintage is an important consideration.
Andrew Caillard MW
Eastern Tasmania
Cool to cold climate/Elevation 5-35mThis beautiful stretch of coastline may well become Australia’s pre-eminent Pinot Noir region. Certainly the wines of Freycinet illustrate the extraordinary promise of this capricious grape variety. Centred near the fishing port of Bicheno, famous for abalone, and the early penal colony of Maria Island, the soils are generally granitic with a high iron content. The best vineyards lie in protected slopes as the prevailing cold south and southeast winds can hinder growth. The Moulting Lagoon, a substantial body of water, moderates the microclimate particularly in autumn. Frost is non-existent and rainfall is erratic.
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» Pinot Noir
It is far too early to point to regional style. However, Freycinet is making the most exquisitely beautiful Pinot Noir showing plenty of ripe cherry, meaty aromas and silky textured palate.
Andrew Caillard MW
Southern Tasmania
Cool to cold climate/Elevation 5-55mTasmania is an island State which is separated from the southeast coast of mainland Australia by Bass Strait. These vineyards are Australia’s most southerly, the first vineyard planted in 1823 near Hobart. The emerging wine industry petered out during the late 1880s due to difficulties with climate and economic pressures.
The Tasmanian wine industry re-emerged in the late 1950s with the establishment of Moorilla Estate on the outskirts of Hobart in Tasmania’s south. The vineyards located close to the Derwent Estuary and Coal River near Hobart and planted on a range of sandstone and alluvial soils. They are protected from wind, enjoy long hours of sunshine and maritime influence. The nearby large body of water moderates temperatures during autumn. However, supplementary irrigation is needed because of low rainfall. The Huon Valley is yet to make its mark. Moorilla Estate is perhaps the most important producer. Certainly it is making some very good Pinot Noir, Merlot and Riesling. Its Gewurztraminer is highly regarded, too, but none of these wines performs on the secondary market. The small Domaine A, located at Campania near Coal River, is also showing potential for its Pinot Noir and Cabernet.
Andrew Caillard MW