Following On from the previous Article in Part one of the Granite Belt. Here is my take on some great examples of wines in the Granite Belt.
Not Gospel there are many other tasty titbits on offer. Make your own mind up
GRANITE BELT WINES
( I have to declare that I have a long association with the region at Robinson's which will not be included in the discussion other than the 1979 Cabernet below)
What they do well.
Chardonnay, Semillion, Cabernet Sauvignon , Merlot , Shiraz , Petit Verdot , Red Blends from these
I have tried many great wines over the years from the exceptional vintages of the early 80's through to the modern day. What has proven to excel are the reds. From blends like the traditional shiraz cabernet through to 100% petit verdot. But if you were ever lucky enough to try the old semillion of Rumbalara back before it became unfashionable to drink semillion it was a grape to admire. Chardonnay receives a mention simply because so many have done so well over the years from national wine of the year in Winestate magazine (Heritage) to trophy for best white wine at a National show (Robert Channon) along with the numerous gold medals around Australia. With the milder days and nights during ripening many wineries under appreciate just what can be done with Chardonnay on the Granite Belt.
I know the list above isn't exciting and new and fashionable but when you try a 1979 Cabernet Sauvignon that your father made forty plus years after he made it and it blows you away it's hard to go past these proven performers. Merlot , in the right hands, can be better than anywhere.
What they claim to do well.
Verdelho
Don't like the variety , never have. This is probably more a reflection of my taste than anything. It just fails to excite me with a mid-palate awkwardness that I don't admire. Friends will bring along a bottle of verdelho for me at wine options just to stir me up. It's a popular drink for many others. And many wineries have a fresh example. Enough said.
What Shows promise
Tannat , Mourvedre/Mataro/Monastrell, Fiano,Vermentino,Durif
Some producers are making some really exciting wines out of these varieties. Where interesting aromas,flavour and texture really come to the fore.
Surprises
Chenin Blanc
One producer makes Chenin.When you see some of them with a bit of age around 7-10 years they really come into their own. Reminiscent of some of the old Houghton's White Burgundy where Chenin was a major player, it ages so well. That said, it is probably challenging to forge the best out of it every year.
Sangiovese :
After doing a vintage in Tuscany I know how fickle this variety is to different soils and aspects even within the same vineyard. With so many clones and the vineyard variability it is hard to know where to start when introducing a new variety like this. But I have tried a few fine examples of this variety in the Granite Belt, which came as a surprise to me. The makers must have worked hard to bring out its best.
Riesling:
One producer has made some fresh citrus and floral rieslings that are of a very high quality. The variety should do well in the region in regards to temperature and granite soils but rainfall during ripening is the major challenge. With a variety that has sensitive skin.
Strange Birds:
The region has many different grape varieties planted and if it's in Australia chances are its in the Granite Belt. The strange bird symbol on the regional map highlights the wineries that have something different. Look out for Graciano and Albarino as something on the horizon.
For My Taste:
Semillion :
Tobin Isabella
Sauvignon Blanc :
Masons wines Cellar Collection, Girraween Estate
Herbaceous Tropical fresh lifted
Chardonnay
Elegant modern Style: Ridgemill Estate
Old School : Ballandean Estate
Unwooded: Girraween Estate
The Estates have it.
There are many other great examples.
Cabernet Sauvignon:
Top three for me
Pyramids Road
Harrington Glen (in a good year)
Mason Wines Cellar collection
The wines need cellaring to truly appreciate the length and elegance like a good Bordeaux but if you have them young just match it with a lamb roast or barbecued rib eye fillet.
Tannin Ripeness and ripe fruit is key. Some higher elevations in the region can sometimes struggle to ripen Cabernet fully. Can't over crop if you want quality.
Merlot: Ridgemill Estate
I have had some great merlot from right bank Bordeaux, Eden Valley, Coonawarra and even the Yarra. But the ripe fleshy character and black fruits possible in a ripe example in the Granite Belt can rival anywhere.
Shiraz: Too many great examples
Bigger Style: Golden Grove, Bungawarra
Medium Bodied : Pyramids Road,Whisky Gully
Elegant spicy: many producers do an elegant style with a black pepper spice and black fruits , in a cool year like 2008 or 2009 this can sometimes even be more white pepper.
Others are introducing some whole bunch/berry elements to create a lighter fresher ester lifted easy drinking style.
Mataro: Pyramids Road
Has that rustic tannin firmness and big fruit that ages particularly well.
Red blend: Ravenscroft Waagee or Bungawarra's Paragon
Ask him at the Cellar door about the name. He tells it so well.
Pinotage: Ravenscroft
wines
Fortified: Ballandean Estate Muscat
Verdelho: I am not qualified to comment.
But just about everyone makes one. Freshness is key.
Petit Verdot: Mason wines Cellar Collection
Dense good length firm tannins inky has that typical (what I call orange rind) spice on the nose, this variety generally needs time for the tannins and acidity to soften but has all the building blocks of a great wine. It's cabernet sauvignon on steroids.
Fiano: Ballandean estate or Heritage
Saparavi:Ballandean Estate
Super concentrated jubey juicy
Marsanne: Marsanne/Rousanne at Bents Road
Tannat: Just Red Wines or Boreiann
Big tannin dense fruit
Sangiovese: Boreiann
Savoury and round
Nebbiolo: Ballandean Estate
This variety is typically tannin city without the dense fruit of Tannat needs time.
Vermentino:Golden Grove
Fresh and punchy fruit
Riesling : Ridgemill estate
citrus ginger
Durif : Golden Grove
best in a dry year
Malbec : Golden Grove
Big and brooding
Chenin Blanc: Casley Mount Hutton
With age gets an attractive honey toast with tree fruits
Best Older Vintages on Tasting: Casley Mt Hutton
2008 Shiraz probably the pick of them
Barbera:
Golden Grove or Boreiann both good examples depending upon oak level preference
Most Underrated Winery:
Pyramids Road
Readily Available outside region
:
Sirromet, Witches Falls, Symphony Hill
Hipster/Modern/Funky: Bents Road (La Petit Mort Range)
Wine styles and Story targeting the younger drinker
Wow Factor Cellar Door: Savina Lane
Napa Valley comes to the Granite Belt great views over the vineyard
Hidden Gem: Bungawarra
Small cosy with good quality reds
