Wine regions Australia - King Valley

King Valley   Victoria

The King Valley region produces a range of wine styles due to the variance in elevation. Chardonnay has proved highly successful with its rich, yet mellow flavours and Cabernet Sauvignon is flavoursome and generous with soft tannins.

Take the King Valley Road from Wangarratta, following the course of the King River to its source in the Great Dividing Range and you would have travelled the length of the region. Your journey would see you begin at Wangaratta, a mere 150 metres above sea level, ascending in a south easterly direction to Brown Brothers' Whitlands Vineyard on the snowline. And if you thought while on high you would never be warm again, by the time you got down to the valley floor you would once more be feeling the heat. The climatic variability is great making this region one of the most diverse in terms of grape varieties grown and wine styles. In more recent years, Fred Pizzini has led a growing trend towards the growing of Mediterranean varietals, for example, Barbero, Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, Arneis and Mezzamino.

The King Valley wine story began in the 1970s when Guy Darling and John Levigny planted vines. Brown Brothers came in to buy the grapes and has remained an important buyer and landholder since. The real growth spurt, however, came when many local Italian farmers switched from tobacco growing to vines as that industry began to decline and wine came into the ascendant.

Although primarily a vineyard region there are numerous cellar doors so the wine traveller will not be disappointed. Add to that great local produce such as Milawa cheeses, mustards and olives and a proliferation of restaurants, accommodation ranging from five star to B&Bs, and the beauty and proximity of the ski slopes and you soon realize that this region is blessed.

With the Mansfield to Wangaratta road upgraded, the King Valley can also be accessed from the south. From Mansfield take the road to Whitfield. You will be treated to a great drive with spectacular views as you climb up to Whitlands where you will encounter the first of the King Valley vineyards. An interactive map of the region can be found on the King Valley Vignerons website enabling you to plan a comprehensive visit.

Harvest time: late February to late April

King Valley Vintage Report 2008

Season

Bud burst occurred mid to late September following a relatively dry winter.  Above average temperatures prevailed from bud burst to flowering.  Flowering occurred early November, two weeks ahead of normal. 

Above average rainfall occurred in the months of November and December promoting shoot growth and increasing berry size.  

Above average temperatures continued through December and January with heat waves in late December, early January prolonging the onset of veraison which occurred mid to late January.   Throughout February cooler temperatures coupled with lower evaporation rates maintained good leaf health which resulted in rapid increase in sugar levels.

The heat wave conditions throughout early March meant that the vines had higher water requirements.  Fortunately water was in plentiful supply, unlike 2006/7 when irrigation entitlements were reduced to zero. 

Yields

Yields were above average in white varieties and slightly above average in reds but ripening progressed well due to a good leaf area to fruit weight ratio. 

Harvest commenced early February for sparkling whites, quickly followed by table whites.  All whites were harvested prior to the heat wave in early March.  The harvest of reds overlapped with whites causing some difficulties in grape intake scheduling.  Despite above average yields, fruit quality was excellent and wine makers are very pleased with the quality of the wines.

Summary

 The flavours of the white wines are mature, rounded and strongly varietal.  It is particularly pleasing to be able to put some outstanding quality whites on the shelves this year after making none last year.  Reds wine in general are developing well and are of a very good quality.  A great vintage all round.

Report courtesy King Valley Vignerons Inc.

Sites with more information:

• King Valley Vignerons
• Wines of the King Valley
• North East Valleys, Victoria