Tasmania - Distinctive Australian!

Tasmania, the southernmost state of Australia and is also the coolest region for viticulture in Australia. It is situated on 41° S latitude. Tasmania has almost 1,702ha of area under vines. The vines were first planted in Tasmania in the year 1865. With a climate similar to that of Champagne, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the regions widely grown grape varieties. Tasmania today is the most talked about region when it comes to quality sparkling wine production. Tasmania was awarded the GI classification at the beginning of 1994.

@Tasmanian Vineyards.

Tasmania does not have any official wine regions as of now. But the major regions are:

Tamar Valley

Based on gravelly basalt with clay and limestone soils Tamar Valley mainly grows Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Riesling and Pinot Noir which is approximately 40% of the regions wines. The region's vineyards are mostly located close to the Tamar river. The north-facing slopes on the southern banks of the river are perfectly placed to receive both these winds and the prevailing sunlight, as well as protecting from frost danger. The river (and subsequently the valley) is named after the Tamar river in southwestern England, and the local town names (Devonport, Launceston, Exeter) are also derived from this area of Devon and Cornwall.

Pipers River 

Chardonnay & Pinot Noir are the main grapes here. The soil profile is deep, free-draining and brittle. It is Tasmania’s northernmost wine region. Pipers River has a maritime climate with high sunshine hours, making for an excellent mesoclimate for viticulture.

Coal River Valley 

A region with peaty alluvial and sandy low humus soils specializes in Cabernet Sauvignon. The climate here is Maritime explaining the Cabernet Sauvignon being planted widely. Most vines are planted on the slopes facing northeast, where they benefit from the region's long sunlight hours. The region follows the course of the Coal River from the hills north of Hobart to the coast.

Derwent Valley 

The key grape varieties here are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Riesling and they grow well on the sandstone and schist soils of the region. The region is responsible for 7% of Tasmania’s output. The climate of Derwent valley is maritime with an influence of the Tasman Sea. Vineyards are located on the north-facing hillsides that rise up from the river on its western side, providing plentiful sunshine exposure.

Huon Valley

Huon Valley is a wine region in southern Tasmania, just south of Hobart. The region takes its name from the Huon river. Huon Valley has a cool, maritime-influenced climate in the protective rain shadow of mountains to the west. Huon Valley's vineyards are located on the slopes above the river, where the aspect and drainage in the alluvial limestone soils makes for a healthy vineyard. The major grapes grown here are Chardonnay & Pinot Noir.

@Tasmania Wine Map
Map Credits - www.decanter.com

Let’s take a look at some of the major wine producers of the region:

House of Arras 

Established by the legendary Ed Carr in 1988 with a vision to produce world-class sparkling wines. The fruit is sourced from select vineyards in southern Tasmania and on Tasmania's south-east coast. The wine is produced by blending numerous individual parcels. The top labels of the house include:

• House of Arras, E J Carr Late Disgorged Sparkling
• House of Arras, Grand Vintage Sparkling
• House of Arras, 'A by Arras' Premium Cuvee Sparkling

@House of Arras, Grand Vintage Sparkling.

Jansz

Jansz is a part of the Hill-Smith company (Yalumba). The vineyards were originally owned by Heemskerk (Louis Roederer) taken care by local winemaker Natalie Fryar one of mosr respected sparkling producers in the country. Jansz has adopted the rather neat slogan “Méthode Tasmanoise.”. Some of the noteworthy wines from this house include:

• Jansz Tasmania, Vintage Cuvée
• Jansz Tasmania ,Vintage Rosé
• Jansz Tasmania, Late Disgorged Vintage Cuvée
• Jansz Tasmania, Single Vineyard Chardonnay

@Jansz Tasmania, Vintage Cuvée.

Pirie

Pirie is located in Tamar Ridge in northern Tasmania. Made in the traditional method with grapes from amar Valley vineyard widely recognised for the quality of sparkling wine. Some of the best expressions of Pirie are:

• Pirie, Sparkling Vintage
• Pirie, Sparkling NV

@Pirie, Sparkling Vintage.

Article by - Kevin Rodrigues, Certified Sommelier.