The Geelong wine region is located south of Melbourne. Influenced by Port Philip Bay and Bass Strait, the region enjoys a maritime climate. The key varieties produced are chardonnay, pinot noir, shiraz and cabernet sauvignon. These wines showcase three regional heroes – a chardonnay from Austin's, a pinot noir from Bellbrae Estate, and a shiraz from Scotchmans Hill.
We spoke to the makers of these flagship wines – Dwayne Cunningham, David Crawford and Robin Brockett – about what makes producing wine in Geelong so special, and the perfect food pairings.
2021 Austin’s Chardonnay
Bright yellow with golden hues. The 2021 has a beautiful toasty bouquet with notes of peach and nectarine that combine with sophisticated and restrained oak use to improve complexity. This is a medium-bodied chardonnay with concentrated aromas of white peach, quince, citrus, vanilla pod and mango skin. The savoury qualities, along with the generous, crisp mouthfeel and rich texture give this a well-rounded, balanced and layered chardonnay.Head winemaker Dwayne Cunningham says: Geelong is a hidden gem in the Australian wine industry. The climate and soils are ideal for producing lovely cooler climate wines. The cool conditions, combined with low average rainfall, result in concentration of flavours within the fruit and consistency in quality year on year. The diversity of plantings we have at Austin’s allows us to experiment with a wide range of techniques to create unique and interesting wines.
Best enjoyed: Serve the 2021 Austin's Chardonnay with a classic roast chicken. It's also perfect with a spaghetti vongole, or try it with a burrata salad.
RRP $48 | Drink to 2028 | austinswines.com.au
2020 Bellbrae Estate Tetaz Pinot Noir
Strong dark cherries and ripe plum define our house style of pinot noir, and this wine has them in spades on aroma and palate. Where it differs from other wines in the portfolio is in the tannin department – the seamless graphite-like texture continues throughout and is ever present on the finish. A wine that will reward 10–15 years cellaring.Winemaker David Crawford says: I love the mildness of the seasons in the Geelong wine region – not too cold and not too hot. It helps us to gain good maturity and flavours in all varieties, quickly and effectively, which allows for ease of picking and processing. Couple this with great sandy loam soils, and I think it is one of the best places I've made wine.
Best enjoyed: This pinot is rich enough for a roast beef and refined enough for duck confit.
RRP $80 | Drink to 2032 | bellbraeestate.com.au
2021 Scotchmans Hill Shiraz
A vibrant and complex wine showing lifted red fruits, leading to dark plums with hints of white pepper and French oak spice. The palate is juicy, medium-bodied, elegant and flowing with dark fruits, spice and fine integrated tannins. A long, balanced finish that is seamlessly rounded out with the very best French oak. This shiraz will provide great drinking now and for many years to come.Winemaker Robin Brockett says: Like all regions, there are challenges growing grapes and making wine, but we have this great consistency from year to year in the quality we can produce. Even the lesser years still make excellent wines.
Best enjoyed: Being a rich yet elegant shiraz, the 2021 pairs best with a steak (cooked rare).
RRP $45 | Drink to 2040 | scotchmans.com.au
