Pyrenees Wine Region - Melbourne

Initially selected by the French Remy Martin group in the 1960s as an area suitable for the production of brandy, when the brandy market collapsed they looked to their next area of expertise, sparkling wine. That first vineyard is now named Blue Pyrenees Estate, and in the ensuing years has been joined by some serious players including the well-known Taltarni, Redbank, Mount Avoca and Warrenmang as well as smaller vineyards.

Types of Wine/Grapes

Once again Shiraz demonstrated just how suited it is to the climate of Western Victoria, as with Cabernet, gloriously sweet and in rich fruit flavours. Blue Pyrenees Estate continues to be a significant producer of sparkling wine. Since 1990 Chardonnay has been produced heavily, and Sauvignon Blanc is produced by a number of makers in the cooler years.

Climate/Geography

While its inland location gives rise to low midsummer relative humidity and to substantial diurnal temperature ranges in spring and early summer, late summer peak temperatures are lower than one would expect. Sunshine hours are generous, growing season rainfall is, however, limited, making irrigation all but essential.

For more information about the Pyrenees wine region visit:

www.visitvictoria.com/wineries