With any grape variety, the style of wine will vary between winemakers based on their philosophy, technology and skill, but a region’s climate and soil (also known as ‘terroir’) has by far the greatest influence in determining the final result, or, as winemaking folklore says, “great wines are made in the vineyard”.

This section is an overall observation, based on past vintages, of wine styles being made in the Mount Benson Region.

WHITE WINES

Sauvignon Blanc
Our maritime climate suits Sauvignon Blanc, with the variety being recognised and highly complimented by wine critics and writers. It has caught the eye (and nose and palate) of a number of international wine identities who have visited the area recently. Freshness, fullness of palate that can only be achieved in a cool climate, gooseberry, passionfruit, red capsicum and lemon aromas. Stunning!

Chardonnay
Classic cool climate chardonnay – peaches and cream, soft floral aromas and a full palate.

Semillon
This variety has found a place in Mt Benson, producing a fresh wine with flavours of apple and pears with a clean citrus finish. The variety is also a classic pairing when blended with Sauvignon Blanc.

Viognier
Grown in limited quantities and finding its place, with a balance of exotic aromas – honeysuckle, lychees and light citrus, balanced by a full rich palate and clean acid finish.

RED WINES

Shiraz
Shiraz from the region displays an abundance of colour and perfume. The vibrant purple/red hues are backed up with an abundance of plum, berryfruit, cloves, pepper, spice and gamey characters. The flavours are above medium to full, with length and soft tannins. Shiraz is destined to become an icon of the Mount Benson Region.

Cabernet Sauvignon
This popular cool climate variety does well on our coastal slopes. The wines are distinctive with hints of violets, chocolate, leather and cedar box. The flavours are strong with berryfruit and other ripe fruit flavours and attractive dusty tannins.

Merlot
Merlot is an ideal variety to cultivate in a cool climate, although the strong winds of our maritime region tend to produce low yields. Early, limited releases of straight Merlot have shown earthy characters with a hint of rhubarb and violets. It could well become a classic, with an exciting future, but still too early to tell.

Other varieties which have been planted in the region recently, and which may emerge as Mt Benson Classics in the future include Pinot Gris, Cygne Blanc, Verdelho, Riesling, Petit Verdot and Grenache. Only time will tell – watch this space!