Grampians – click to enlarge

Grampians – click to enlarge

The Grampians wine region is located in the Western Victoria wine zone, Australia. It shares this zone with Pyrenees to its east and Henty to its southwest. It is nestled in the foothills of the Grampians Mountain range about 250km west of Melbourne. This area is known for its dramatic mountain ranges, rugged landscapes, and striking rock formations.

The region is defined by its elevated position, with vineyards sitting at altitudes of up to 400m above sea level. The climate is Mediterranean, and both the elevation and the proximity to the Southern Ocean provide a cooling influence during summer.

The Grampians wine region boasts some of the oldest winemaking histories in Victoria, dating back to the 1860s. In 1866, Henry Best purchased 30 hectares of land in the small town of Great Western, 230km northwest of Melbourne. The property was named Concongella. Henry planted the first vines in 1868, and Best’s Great Western became a functioning winery by 1869. The winery is still in operation today.

In 1888, Ballarat businessman Hans Irvine purchased Great Western. In 1890, Irvine hired Frenchman Charles Pierlot to produce the first methode champenoise sparkling wines in Australia, including the uniquely Australian sparkling red wine. The Grampians is widely regarded as the birthplace of sparkling Shiraz, and the Seppelt winery played a crucial role in developing this style.

Seppelt’s underground cellars, known as the “Drives,” are a remarkable feature of the Grampians wine region. Miners dug these tunnels in the late 1800s, and they are still used today for ageing wine. Visitors can tour these historic cellars to experience Australia’s winemaking history.

Every year, the Grampians celebrates its rich biodiversity with the Grampians Grape Escape festival. This festival combines wine tastings with local food, arts, and an array of wildflower displays that bloom during the spring season.

The Grampians is best known for its cool-climate Shiraz, which has a distinctive style characterized by elegance, finesse, and balance. It often shows red and black fruit flavours with peppery spice and floral aromas. These wines are typically medium-bodied, with fine tannins and good acidity, making them highly age-worthy. Shiraz alone made up 78% of the crush in the region in 2023.

Way behind the number one spot is Riesling, accounting for 5% of the crush. The local wines are known for their vibrant acidity and citrus flavours. Grampians Rieslings often have a mineral edge and excellent ageing potential.

Pinot Gris, thrives in cool climates, where the slower ripening process allows the grapes to develop crisp acidity and complex flavours. In the Grampians, the combination of altitude, cool nights, and a long growing season creates ideal conditions for producing elegant, aromatic, and well-balanced wines. This varietal made up 4% of the crush in 2023.

Merlot and Pinot Noir round out the region’s big 5, each having a 2% share, respectively.

Grampians Merlot displays inviting black cherry, plum, and raspberry aromas with subtle hints of herbaceous notes, cedar, and spice. On the palate, Merlot from this region offers flavours of dark berries, such as blackberry, plum, and redcurrant, often accompanied by nuances of chocolate, mocha, or earthy tones. The cooler climate results in wines with brighter acidity, giving the wine a fresh, lively quality.

Pinot Noir from the Grampians tends to exhibit elegance, bright acidity, and delicate fruit flavours, often with earthy undertones.

Source:  www.wineaustralia.com,