Henty – click to enlarge

Henty – click to enlarge

The Henty wine region is about two hours northwest of Melbourne in the Western Victoria wine zone, Australia. It shares this zone with the Grampians and Pyrenees to its northeast. The region covers a large area of Victoria, extending from the Hopkins River to the South Australian border. Wine production is concentrated in two parts of the region: Hamilton and Tarrington in the northeast and Heywood, Condah, and Drumborg in the southwest.

It is one of Victoria’s coolest wine regions, situated near the Great Ocean Road in the state’s southwest. The region’s proximity to the Southern Ocean plays a significant role in its cool maritime climate, which is among the coldest in Victoria’s wine-growing areas. The Ocean provides cool breezes that moderate the region’s climate, ensuring long, slow ripening periods for the grapes.

In the 1960s, Karl Seppelt identified two promising viticulture sites in Australia: Padthaway and Henty. As knowledge of cool-climate viticulture was minimal at the time, wrong varietal selection and training techniques saw many of these original vines sold or abandoned. Things have certainly changed in the region, which is now seen as the ideal cool region for producing sparkling and delicate aromatic wines.

The region’s vineyards are planted across rolling hills, river valleys, and volcanic plains, with elevations ranging between 100 and 200 meters above sea level. The soils are primarily volcanic loam and clay, offering good water retention and nutrient availability, contributing to the development of high-quality grapes.

Known for producing elegant cool-climate wines, Henty has built a reputation for its high-quality Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and sparkling wines.

Henty excels at producing cool-climate wines with finesse, bright acidity, and complex aromas. The region is particularly renowned for its white wines and sparkling wines.

Henty is considered one of Victoria’s top regions for Riesling, which thrives in the cool, long growing season. The wines are known for their vibrant acidity, citrus and lime flavours, and distinctive mineral notes. Henty Rieslings often have excellent ageing potential, developing complex flavours of honey and toast over time.

Cool-climate Chardonnay is another standout in Henty. The wines are typically elegant and refined, with flavours of green apple, citrus, and stone fruit, often with a subtle oak influence that adds texture and complexity. The cool temperatures help maintain the wine’s acidity, giving it a fresh and lively character.

Although Riesling and Chardonnay are the flagship white varieties, Semillon is another varietal that thrives in the cool maritime climate of this region. Known for its fresh acidity and citrus-driven flavours, Semillon from Henty offers a unique expression of this classic variety, with bright, refreshing characteristics that set it apart from the warmer-climate styles in regions like the Hunter Valley.

The region is also ideal for crafting fresh, zesty Sauvignon Blanc. The cool breezes from the ocean keep temperatures moderate, especially during the warm summer months. This results in a long ripening season for Sauvignon Blanc, allowing the grapes to slowly develop intense fruit flavours while retaining bright acidity. The region’s volcanic soils also contribute to the wine’s minerality, adding a level of complexity and depth.

While less common than the whites, Pinot Noir is also produced in Henty. The wines are light to medium-bodied and show flavours of red berries, cherries, and a touch of earthiness. The cooler climate allows for delicate, nuanced wines with bright acidity.

Thanks to the region’s cool climate, Henty is also known for its high-quality sparkling wines, particularly those made using the traditional method. These wines often have a fine mousse and complex flavours of citrus, green apple, and brioche.

Though typically associated with warmer climates, cool-climate Shiraz from Henty is gaining recognition for its elegant and restrained style. Its flavours include pepper, dark berries, and spice, along with fine tannins and vibrant acidity.

Due to the cool climate, the vintage conditions have to be favourable, but when they are, Cabernet Sauvignon is produced with striking similarities to the wines from the Haut Medoc in Bordeaux. The prominent characteristics of the wines are cassis, cedar, and cigar box.

Source:  www.wineaustralia.com,