Wines from Tasmania

Located at a more southerly latitude than the rest of Australia's wine regions, Tasmania has a cooler climate and therefore has the potential to make distinctly different wines than in the rest of the country and has made it a very good location for the production of sparkling wine. The moderate maritime climate, cooled by prevailing westerly winds off the Southern Ocean, provides conditions free of extremes in terms of temperature. Hence mild spring and summer temperatures, with warm autumn days and cool nights enable the grapes to ripen slowly on the vine, resulting in maximum varietal flavour development and no loss of essential natural acidity that gives wine both freshness and balance. The area grows primarily Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, with some smaller plantings of Riesling, Pinot Gris and Cabernet Sauvignon.