Tasmania
Main grapes: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot
Sub-regions: Coal River Valley, Derwent Valley, Huon Valley, Pipers River, Tamar Valley
Climate: Tasmania’s climate is in huge contrast to that of mainland Australia’s. Since it is an island costal influences play a huge role in the weather systems there. Tasmania’s west coast takes the brunt of the substantial force of westerly winds and all the rainfall they bring with them. However this wild, wet climate seemingly evaporates on the eastern side of the island (Hobart), which is the second-direst Australian state capital after Adelaide. It is here, around Launceston and Hobart that Tasmania’s main wine centers have developed.
You should know… Tasmania stands apart from the rest of her fellow Australian wine regions in a number of ways, one major contrast being that there is little to no planting of Shiraz here. Because of the much cooler climate, Tasmania is dominated by Pinot Noir and Chardonnay – grapes varieties that are better suited to these conditions – which make light, elegant still wines as well as some of Australia’s best sparkling wines.
Sub-regions: Coal River Valley, Derwent Valley, Huon Valley, Pipers River, Tamar Valley
Climate: Tasmania’s climate is in huge contrast to that of mainland Australia’s. Since it is an island costal influences play a huge role in the weather systems there. Tasmania’s west coast takes the brunt of the substantial force of westerly winds and all the rainfall they bring with them. However this wild, wet climate seemingly evaporates on the eastern side of the island (Hobart), which is the second-direst Australian state capital after Adelaide. It is here, around Launceston and Hobart that Tasmania’s main wine centers have developed.
You should know… Tasmania stands apart from the rest of her fellow Australian wine regions in a number of ways, one major contrast being that there is little to no planting of Shiraz here. Because of the much cooler climate, Tasmania is dominated by Pinot Noir and Chardonnay – grapes varieties that are better suited to these conditions – which make light, elegant still wines as well as some of Australia’s best sparkling wines.