Tasmania

Hobart – South East

South west of Hobart is the Huon Valley, west-north west is the Derwent Valley and north east is the Coal River these districts are the most southerly in Australia. 

Average annual rainfall for Hobart is a low of 507mm it is considered to be in a rain shadow and most rainfall takes place throughout the winter months. Temperatures range between 4 degrees and 22 throughout the year with a mean January temperature of 16.8 degrees and it is the near constant off shore winds that cool the regions and extent the ripening season. Humidity is low and as with other parts of Tasmania sparkling wines are of significant production and quality.  The Derwent Valley covers an area of 4,111 square kilometres and follows the Derwent Rivers up to its starting point at lake St Claire. The Huon Valley also follows its own River and being closer to the coast feels the full effect of the cold southerly that blows across the island. The Coal River is the fastest growing district in Tasmania and the most populated as it is further north allowing it to ripen some varieties to premium table wine standard. Its versatility can be seen in the amount of national awards the region receives annually not to mention international recognition which sees many influential people visit the district to discover why.

Core varieties grown are;

-          Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewurtztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc

-          Pinot Noir

Harvest occurs late and is usually between April and late May and for those growing Riesling June may sometimes be the pick date. This is hard viticultural country where site selection is important to maximise sunlight and aspect. To also match clones of varieties not just the variety itself.

Soils are;

-          Dolerite-capped mountains

-          Lower slopes originate from sandstone, mudstone

-          River sediments, igneous volcanic rock

Launceston

The Tamar River District stretches for 58km from the city of Launceston to the northern coastline of Tasmania. It is home to around a dozen wineries and many vineyards which produce around 40% of the islands wine. The Pipers River district is situated north east of Launceston and produces around 30% of the islands wine.

Altitude ranges between 81 and 210 metres with an average of 683mm of annual rainfall. Around 40% of this rain will fall during the season which is quite low and humidity is moderate at 51%. Disease pressure is not severe but a robust spray program remains essential to guarantee fruit quality. Mean January temperature is 17.9 allowing the district to grow such late ripening varieties like Cabernet. And the regions have received many awards for Shiraz over the years. Corporate investment is part of the landscape and is an ever growing side to these diverse districts. It has become a district where fruit can be sourced for its natural structure and finesse for blending into mainland Australian wine across a broad spectrum of styles. As with other parts of Tasmania sparkling production is a significant focus but being further north premium table wines of class are produced.

The core varieties grown are;

-          Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling,

-          Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Cabernet, Merlot

Harvest occurs late and is usually between April and late May and even later in some cases. This is hard viticultural country where site selection is important to maximise sunlight and aspect. To also match clones of varieties not just the variety itself.

Soils are;

-          Dolerite-capped mountains

-          Lower slopes originate from sandstone, mudstone

-          River sediments, igneous volcanic rock