When I first visited the Tamar valley on my way to Tamar Ridge in Kayena to start the vintage in 2022. I was struck by the majesty and beauty of the river winding it's way up from Launceston to the Bass Strait. Here along this estuary were vineyards, stone fruit orchards olive groves and fishing villages as well as nature reserves and national parks just a short journey away.

The region is the engine room of the Tasmanian wine industry with over a third of Tasmania Production coming from the broader region.

The climate 

Maritime 

The region is definitely a cooler climate but warmer than the rest of Tasmania with the exception of some parts of the east coast depending on the year,  particularly the Northern section of the Tamar which benefits from the estuaries influence. The southern part of the region south of Launceston is a little bit cooler due to it's distance from the Tamar river . The cooler season gives them time to pick the grapes when they want to rather than be forced to pick due to rising sugar levels and lowering acidity. Many Austrian and German grape varieties should be suitable in this climate. Chardonnay is well suited. And Pinot Noirs problem may be a lack of heat and fuller ripeness which may be an advantage if your making a more delicate style rather than a structural Pinot. 

Due to the more maritime influences they may have a lot more hang time on the vine than say Burgundy. Which may mean that some of these vines will still get to some semblance of ripeness although being numerically cooler.

The Rosevears sub region will probably be a bit warmer based on the aspect and proximity to a large body of water . This may also be the case in some of the vineyards further north.

                                         MID SUMMER TEMPERATURES        HDD                  RAINFALL 

                                         Minimum / Mean /  Maximum               7Months              (mm)

Dijon Burgundy                    15.0     /  20.8   /     27.0                       1324                  474

Auxerre                                14.4     /  20.2   /     28                          1266                  433

Northern Launceston           12.6     /  18.7   /     24.8                       1243                  294

Southern Launceston           11.0    /   18.1   /     25.1                       1074                  292

Reims                                  12.9     /  18.8   /     24.7                        1018                  385

Geisenheim                         13.4     /  18.7   /     23.9                        1001                  342

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_091237.shtml  ( Northern Tamar Probably Slightly warmer and possibly more maritime than this site?)

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_091311.shtml ( Southern Tamar a little more diurnal range due to the distance from the Tamar River)

The sub regions

Their are new vineyard plantings near the airport as well as older plantings in Reibia. Further south east on your way to Ben Lomond at White Hills their are also large vineyard holdings mainly owned by Penfolds.. The southern section can be ripening fruit up to two or three weeks later than the north depending on the year.

Wines to Try : Josef Chromy , Penfolds (straight Pinot Noir or the Yattarna Chardonnay which has a % of Tasmanian fruit.)

In the Northern section you have

Legana 

 In amongst the urban sprawl one vineyard on lighter soils is able to ripen Cabernet Sauvignon no small feat in Tasmania.

Wineries: Velo Wines

Rosevears 

A warmer site that has an north easterly aspect and basalt soils. Probably some of the first fruit to be harvested in Tasmania due to its advantageous aspect on the ridge in front of a large body of estuarine water of the Tamar river.

Lots of vineyards here and wines made from both larger and smaller producers.

Gravelly Beach

 Is further north it has a few vineyards just up from the river and has produced some very smart chardonnay.

Wineries to try: Holyman wines/ Stoney Rise the Holyman Chardonnay is particularly good up their with the best in Tasmania.

Deviot 

A smaller vineyard has had some success with Shiraz where due to the aspect and proximity to the river (within 10-20m) they have been able to ripen shiraz on their steep east facing vineyard.

Wineries to Try: Marion's Vineyard

Kayena & Rowella

Here there are several vineyards that are surrounded on three sides by the river helping to moderate the climate. Larger vineyard holdings and smaller sites co exist. The whole gamut of varieties that are grown in Tasmania seem to thrive here. With a special mention to Shiraz as three producers have all had some very interesting and tasty cool climate styles. But both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir were also impressive.

Wineries to try: Tamar Ridge, Holm Oak , Waterton Hall

Beaconsfield to Exeter 

Further back from the river but still with some maritime influence a few smaller producers are making some interesting wines from mainly chardonnay, pinot noir and the odd pinot gris even a couple of rieslings. Swinging Gate had an amarone style cabernet Pinot noir blend that was pretty interesting, and a more fleshy fuller Pinot Noir.

The grape varieties

What does well chardonnay is hands down the most interesting and high quality dependable variety, even the amateurs in the region are making decent chardonnay. 

Pinot Noir in the right hands with a good understanding of their vineyards , clones and winemaking techniques makes great tasty raspberry and cherry styles with more flesh than many other parts of Tasmania but still quite light to medium bodied. There is an honesty to the styles. With producers that lack experience with the variety the wines tend to be light easy but lacking in character.

Of coarse the climate is ideally suited to Sparkling wine with the methode traditionalle technique, as the chardonnay and pinot noir keep their acidity. This is the case all over Tasmania but in the Tamar the southern area is particularly suitable.

Riesling can be interesting and delicate more minerally and less citrus like the Clare, but may have an excess of acidity when young. with age they tend to come into their own.

Pinot Gris is probably the most commercially viable variety with yields and growing conditions. And when done well can have a beautiful drinkability, but unfortunately as a style not many will set the world on fire.

What struggles

Cabernet Sauvignon will struggle in general and anyone persisting with this grape here you have to ask why?

Having said that the one exception I found was at Velo wines where the poorer soils and fastidious vineyard management produced a very nice varietal cabernet. I would suggest that maybe this is a much warmer site and combined with the poorer soils  may also assist in it's success.

Surprises

Shiraz in general does not lose enough acidity to be considered viable in most of the Tamar looking green and harsh. But the warmer sites close to water have all shown that great shiraz is indeed possible in Tasmania particularly in a warmer year (here and possibly in the upper Derwent and Lower Coal River Valley). with some having white to black pepper red to black fruits and a European like elegance to the wines.

Activities

 Penguin spotting:

 If you wander up to Low Head you can visit the nests and resting spots of the local Penguin Population. Their are also untouched sites that can be visited all along the Northern Tasmanian Coastline to see these fascinating critters.

https://parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-parks/low-head-historic-site

Gorge Hiking: 

Cataract Gorge is a must visit. Hike up to the swimming pool or adventure along the winding path right through the Cataract Gorge Reserve and the Trevallyn Nature Recreation Area, located nice and close to the city of Launceston in Tasmania.

https://parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-parks/trevallyn-nature-recreation-area

Platypus : 

Platypus House at Beauty Point provides a great spot to check out these unique creatures . Great if you have kids on board. There is also a nice breakfast spot slightly further north where you can look out on the bay.

https://platypushouse.com.au/

Seahorse :

 Right next door to Platypus House Seahorse World gives you an up close experience with these tiny delicate marine animals.

https://seahorseworld.com.au/

Zoo:

Tasmania Zoo has a wild variety of animals to discover, probably the most interesting being the Tasmanian Devils and the Meercat population.

https://tasmaniazoo.com.au/

Hikes:

Ben Lomond:

Climbing up Jacobs ladder this landscape seems unique to this small part of Tasmania with its Dolerite Cliffs. Climbing up to 1500m the climate cools considerably as you move into a cloud covered alpine environment. In winter the top of the mountain has a skiing available. In summer its a playground for hikers and mountain climbers.

https://parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-parks/ben-lomond-national-park

A serene  hike through magnificent old tree ferns that culminates in the waterfalls at the top of the hike. You wander through the rainforest and get glimpses of the creek and moutain ranges through small gaps in the undergrowth.

https://parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-parks/liffey-falls-state-reserve

Narawntapu National Park:

A world away on a beautiful stretch of beach looking out over the Bass Strait in the Northern Part of the Tamar region.

https://parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-parks/narawntapu-national-park

Food Options

Stillwater: 

Situated just off the Bridge in the entrance to Cataract Gorge. Some of the best food in Launceston. I had great coffee and some poached eggs for breakfast.

https://www.stillwater.com.au/

Smell

Fern Gullies near Launceston like a mini Liffey Falls at Notley Gorge

https://www.discovertasmania.com.au/things-to-do/nature-and-wildlife/notleyferngorge

See

Brady's Lookout in Tamar has gorgeous vistas looking north as the Tamar river snakes its way north towards the Bass Strait.

https://goo.gl/maps/JF4o6UfrQNS1wMET9

:Eddy flows of the Tamar River.

 If you get up before sunrise or in the early hours of the morning and sit around or near the Batman Bridge you can watch the whirlpool eddies and flow of the Tamar River. In the early morning light this becomes a peaceful yet visually breath taking experience.

https://goo.gl/maps/Aow49va7cG7UwN578

Padymelons around the Bonnie Beach Road and other parts of Kayena

VISIT

Taste 

Oysters from all over Tasmania

Raspberries and other delights from the berry farm in Hillwood.

https://www.hillwoodberries.com.au/

Wine bar

Havilah a cool spot amongst some other eateries across from Princes Square in Launceston.

https://havilahwine.com.au/

Other Options:

# James Boags Brewery Tours 

https://www.jamesboag.com.au/

# Local Macaques Population while strolling through the Botanic Gardens

# Rosvears Pub looking out on the Tamar

https://rosevearshotel.com.au/history

# Pinot Noir Heaven

https://www.pinotshop.com/

A taste of Europe with a Modern twist

It was earlier in the 19th century when the Yarra Valley first had the vine take hold. Swiss

immigrants soon saw the potential of the area and what became Yering Station was first established

in 1849 by Paul de Castella. Soon more wineries were established with Pauls Brother Hubert and

Baron Guillaume de Pury starting St Huberts and Yeringberg respectively.

Melbourne was a wealthy city due to the Gold Rush. But a combination of phylloxera, a move to

fortifieds ,the depression of 1891 and competition from other wine regions from interstate post

federation caused the decline in the region. By 1937 there were no more vines in the Yarra Valley.

Phoenix rising

In the mid to late 1960's the region began afresh with new enthusiasm and a move towards table

wines again. Dr Bailey Carrodus at Yarra Yering, Dr John Middleton at Mount Mary , Reg Egan

from Wantirna Estate and the resurgence of Yeringberg by Guill de Pury. The persistence and

determination along with the high quality of the wines attracted the likes of James Halliday at

Coldstream Hills and Domaine Chandon with Tony Jordan and De Bortoli. From here the region

has gone from strength to strength.

People

The Yarra Valley now has a diverse range of well travelled winemakers and vignerons of

exceptional talent and personalities that have a national voice.

The stalwarts fom the internationally famous wine writer James Halliday and Steve Weber the

seasoned professional at De Bortoli to the winemakers of the year like Steve Flamsteed, Tom

Carson , Sarah Crowe and David Bicknell to the younger experimeters and innovators like Out of

Step and Mac Forbes and many others making great wine without the fanfare like Scott McCarthy,

Rob 'Sticks” Dolan, Andrew Fleming , Marc Lunt and Andrew Santarossa amongst many others.

Old families of the region still make wine. And it was enjoyable to visit the Yeringberg

vineyard and historic winery and chat with the humble and quietly spoken Sandra de Pury. She was

kind enough to let me plunge the Shiraz.

The sharing of ideas and the willingnesss to experiment means that whatever nature deals up

the region can mould wines of interest and elegance. Combined with being the lovechild of

Melbourne to assist in the finance at the quality end of the industry.

The Climate

The region in general is quite cool. Colder than Bordeaux and warmer than Burgundy but with a

greater diurnal range than both meaning that the day temperatures can be quite warm in summer but

the average temperature cool.

The region in Australia closest in climate to the Yarra would appear to be Tumbarumba

NSW albeit marginally cooler than the Yarra. They share a large diurnal range from night to day but

Tumbarumba has a slightly higher growing season rainfall but similar harvest period rainfall.

Coonawarra has very similar temperatures but is much drier normally so later ripening

varieties are probably under less disease pressure and have a greater possibility of uninterupted

hang time than in the Yarra. Coonawarra also shares a generally homogenous climate whereas the

Yarra has many varied and undulating aspects.

The Willamette Valley in Oregon USA also shares some temperature similarities but is

somewhat drier overall and has a cooler spring than in the Yarra.

The comparison below is with Coldstream on the southern end of the valley.The sub

regional variation due to elevation , aspect and exposure to warm northerly winds will no doubt

alter the range of what can ripen. The northern area around Dixons Creek being warmer and the

higher areas of Seville and Hoddles Creek considerably wetter and cooler. Any isolated hills that

could moderate the diurnal range variation would no doubt help in extending the scope of what

ripens which may be the case at Yarra Yering and surrounds.

WHAT DOES WELL

Chardonnay

Nearly every winery in the Yarra makes a Chardonnay and this variety is by far the most successful

for even the unintiated makes a descent chardonnay. And the best examples cover a few styles

where elegance and complexity come to the for. It all depends on how much Sly and the Family

Stone you can handle.

For full on funk Oakridge is the leader , this style tends to get better and more interesting with age

but it's not for everyone.

I quite liked the richer and more muscular Tarrawarra, and Giant Steps find a good middle ground

between funk and fruit weight. Even smaller Wineries like Pimpernel had some tasty drinks.

For my taste I quite preferred the fresh acid line and length but with a fruit lift with a little

funk or none at all from the higher areas of the Yarra up in Seville and Hoddles Creek , but for value

for money De Bortoli do a great job from the warmer Dixons Creek .The Lusatia Park vineyard

above 200m elevation up near Hoddles creek no matter who made the wine also gave great wines. I

think it is now owned soley by De Bortoli.

SHIRAZ

Although other red varieties are more favoured in the Yarra and more widely planted. For

me this variety is hands down the most interesting red coming out of the Yarra. The lifted white

pepper and berry fruits that a well made one can deliver provide a tasty and wonderful contrast to

the typical chocolate vanilla and alcohol that comes from the Barossa.People need to step outside

their South Australian comfort zone and try more elegant shiraz wines. De Bortoli, Giant Steps and

Seville Estate are a great place to start.

OLDER VINE BORDEAUX Blends

Some of the low yielding older vine blends of Cabernet Sauvignon and associates can provide

lovely elegance and interest. Yarra Yering ,Yeringberg and Mount Mary are testament to that. And I

tried a Cabernet blend from the southern Yarra at Helens Hill that was wonderfully varietal and

fleshy without the green edges. Oakridge also had an older blend that was great from a warmer year.

I think the secret to getting good cabernet blends is the higher isolated hill sites in the middle of the

valley that are north facing that fully ripen the varieties when the growth and yields are managed

well or in the northern warmer section where there is more heat load. The lower valley floor sites

are probably less suitable and the higher altutude sites in the southeast more challenging.

WHAT THEY CLAIM TO DO WELL

Pinot Noir

The region does make some great Pinot Noir. But for me this variety has the most hype and it tends

to under deliver. The ones that can get some flesh and suppleness into their wines I preferred like

Mandala “the Prophet”, Giant Steps and for quaffability 'the Village' at De Bortoli. Tarrawarra once

again had an interesting muscular style like the chardonnay and I found Pimpernel Pinots to be

good. Yeringberg for me is the best of the more delicate style.

Others in general were lighter fruit styles with a hardness either from too much stem or over

extracted and angular and astringent. The tannins are noticeable in the Pinots compared to other

regions. So any techniques to soften the tannins and add some flesh could only help.

Some producers from Willamette valley in Oregon use very gentle techniques so any

adoption of these would be welcome.

Heavier toast oak was used in some wineries to fill the palate out, not always successfully.

Cabernet Sauvignon Commercially

Even though Cabernet blends can be good particularly from lower yielding older vines and warmer

sites within the mid to northern section of the valley .

Generally speaking on it's own the commercial styles that were readily available suffer from

overly green elements that for me are unattractive. The region seems almost marginal for Cabernet

when made on a commercial level and I think they accept this greener character in their wines

through familiarity or necessity because the variety is so widely planted.

The climate trend of warming may improve the ripeness and flesh of the Cabernet Sauvignon in

the Yarra across the board.

SURPRISES

MERLOT

Merlot generally across Australia is disappointing with only a few regions doing it well. So it was a

surprise to try one at Coldstream Hills that was delicious. Which I think was solely Yarra valley

fruit. This variety should do well in the region as it ripens a bit earlier and is rain tolerant. Providing

the right clones are planted. Although tannin ripeness may be an issue.

Sauvignon Blanc

If you are looking for something a little different Dominque Portet does a fuller barrel fermented

sauvignon blanc which is quite interesting. Out of Step also had a great 'wild' example and

BoatO'Craigo had a vibrant style..

Best Of

White Blend: Yarra Yering Dry White No.1

Sauvignon Blanc: Boat O'Craigo or Out of Step

Chardonnay: Seville Estate or Wines from the Lusatia Park Vineyard

Pinot Noir: Fuller style : Mandala “The Prophet” Delicate style: Yeringberg

Shiraz: Giant Steps

Merlot: Coldstream Hills

Cabernet Blend: Helen's Hill for right Now Yarra Yering Dry Red No.1 for a decade on.

Best Value: De Bortoli

Fancy Pants Cellar Door: Domaine Chandon or Levantine hill

Cosy cellar Experience: Tarrawarra or Coombe Farm

Graze and taste: Giant Steps

Off the Beaten Track: :Long Gully Estate

Best alternate varieties: Soumah

Interesting Low Input Minimalists: Out Of Step and Bobar

Off the Grid: Serrat and Yeringberg

Other Activities

Cheese

The Yarra Valley dairy

Right in the middle of the valley this is a great break from the wines try the goat feta.

Chocolate

Just north east of Yarra Glen.

The free chocolate and Willy Wonka style outfits of the staff with windows into the making of the

chocolate and a massive outdoor play area along with the ice cream. This is the place to bribe the

kids on visiting a few more wineries. That is if you can ply them away from the place.

Food

Healesville Hotel has some great options

Giant Steps also has a large high roofed area and a window into the winery where you can

graze and relax in the afternoon

Beer

The White Rabbit Brewery is right behind Giant Steps in Healesville . They do season brews

and have a few different brews on tap.

Balloon Riding

Nearby Excursions

High country forests

Melbourne Laneways

Cycling in the Middle valley off roads

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

Coastal Valley vineyards of Chile 16th March 

Casablanca and the coastal Aconcagua are cooler areas than the inland regions due to the maritime influences from the cold ocean currents traveling up the western seaboard. With sauvignon blanc, chardonnay and pinot noir being the major varieties.The days don't get as warm there is more humidity and the nights are milder.

Casablanca

Casablanca lies around twenty to thirty km from the coast and 40 to 50km wnw of Santiago with some variation in the soil profiles, ridges and steep hills either granitic cream grey sandy loam over sand going into stony pebbles or a higher iron content redder loamy soils. On the lower parts of the valley a heavier dark grey clay soil is predominant, it tends to delay the ripening of chardonnay and sauvignon blanc due to both usually a higher crop but also a cooler soil, compared to the others. Chardonnay and sauvignon blanc are harvested in mid to late march the more clay soils into april. Frost can be a problem earlier in the season and the easterly facing slopes are the coolest in the area.I found the chardonnay here particularly good, but it is very dependent upon the clone,site, management and crop load. the clones 96 and 548 being particularly impressive in regards to the fruit and acid balance. One vineyard of sauvignon blanc on the red soil was very impressive with a combination of herbaceous, mineral fruit and acid freshness. 

Aconcagua costa(coastal)

Is about 10 to 20 km from the coast and some 80 to 100km nw of Santiago the vineyard i visited was off the valley floor and quite simply a breathtaking vineyard. Every aspect and microclimate was covered and in an extraordinary fashion with steep rows that climb the heights and reach the depths of the property. Here the sauvignon blanc in certain sites (mainly the cooler spots either protected from the afternoon sun or exposed to the coastal winds) were particularly varietal, the more protected and warmer spots less so. Chardonnay here was more round and full not as much acid as Casablanca. They also have a pinot and syrah on the top of the hills on sites exposed to the coastal winds.  The pinot having red fruits and the syrah some pepper and berry but it  was a bit early to tell for the syrah. They were picking sauvignon blanc and chardonnay at the time of visiting and this was in mid- march.