Geelong vignerons are celebrating the culmination of Vintage
2012 with the prediction that wines emanating from the region will
extend Geelong's reputation as one of Australia's premiere wine
producing regions.
"Across the board, local winemakers are genuinely excited about
the quality of fruit and varietal intensity from this year's
harvest," said Hugh Hull, Geelong Winegrowers Association (GWA)
Viticultural Executive.
"With fermentation processes well underway, the resultant wines
are already shaping up to be seriously impressive - Vintage 2012
will be an enduring, signature year for Geelong Wine."
According to Mr Hull, the 2012 viticultural season had delivered
a fine, moderate ripening period, ideal for colour development,
fruit flavour and intensity, particularly in the aromatic whites
which should display some striking varietal characteristics.
"Whilst yield across the region was generally lower than the
long term average, climatic influences saw a slightly earlier
harvest than 2011 with vines progressing through to full ripeness
whilst maintaining natural acidity," he said.
"Another particularly positive aspect of Vintage 2012 was that
disease pressure was minimal in the lead up to harvest.
Unlike previous vintages, the season was relatively kind - there
was neither drought or extended periods of intense heat or wet to
contend with."
Mr Hull said later ripening reds such as Shiraz and Cabernet
Sauvignon had also enjoyed the consistency in ripening period with
rich, bold varietal intensity apparent.
"The earlier picked reds, such as Pinot Noir and Merlot, are
also shaping up well in terms of complexity with some great cool
vintage influences shining through as well," he said.
Mr Hull said one of the wonderful things that set the Geelong
wine region apart was that it embraced three dynamic sub regions -
The Bellarine, Moorabool Valley and the Surf Coast.
"Each sub region boasts its own unique micro climate and
'terroir' which impact upon ultimate wine offerings. The
result is that wine lovers can visit Geelong and be tantalised by
an incredibly broad range of palate nuances - delicate fingerprints
of each sub region, yet all part of one greater region"
Mr Hull said the GWA website http://www.winegeelong.com.au/ provided an
abundance of information about Geelong wine, the three sub regions
as well as details of the host of local wineries where people could
enjoy some of the best wines in Australia.