The Yarra Valley wine region was the birthplace of Victoria’s wine industry. History has given it substance, but it hasn’t weighed it down: it’s home to a progressive community of winemakers rewriting the rules. Such a complicated region (think altitude, exposure, variety) makes organization difficult.
One of the main factors that draw top wine-producing to the Yarra Valley is its climate. The region, one of the southernmost appellations of the Australian mainland, sees plenty of Southern Ocean-originating weather. The Yarra Valley is influenced by altitude and terroir. This means that their vineyard area, which is around 2,500 hectares, benefits from the various unique microclimates in the region. These give life to an elegant array of varied wines.
In Yarra Valley, there are top grape varieties: chardonnay, pinot noir, shiraz and cabernet sauvignon. The Yarra Valley is known for producing many different styles of chardonnay. It’s usually a lighter, more elegant wine with citrusy acidity and the flavors of stone fruit and fig. When aged, the high-quality wines can be kept for five years or more. Pinot noir- Rivers of rich, ripe berry flavors wend their way through the Yarra Valley. You may not be surprised that this is where many of Australia’s most well-known pinot noir wines come from. Shiraz- There are two main styles: bold and rich or lighter with a savory flavor, like olive.
Tasting the Fantastic Giant Step Applejack Vinyard Wines.
Established in 1997 in the Yarra Valley, Giant Steps has built a reputation based on expressive wines with purity and finesse. The Giant Steps wines are a direct reflection of their individual vineyard sites, located across the Yarra Valley from Tarrawarra to Gladysdale.For more than 20 years, Giant Steps has been advancing Australia’s reputation for cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Applejack Vineyard is a special site, located on a dramatic slope in the upper Yarra Valley and is closely planted and fastidiously managed. It was planted by respected viticulturist Ray Guerin in 1997. The basalt based underlying volcanic soil and rock produce a characteristically fine yet extended, spicy and firm palate.The higher altitude results in a cooler and extended growing season, ideally suited to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Giant Steps 'Applejack Vineyard' Pinot Noir 2022
The wine has a deep, crimson color, and aromas of red cherry, plum, spice, and earth. on the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with firm tannins and a long, lingering finish with flavors of red fruits, spices, and earth, with a hint of savory umami.
Giant Steps 'Applejack Vineyard' Chardonnay 2022
The wine has a pale straw color with green tints, the nose is elegant and complex, with aromas of white peach, nectarine, honeysuckle, and a hint of spice while the palate is rich and flavourful, with a refreshing acidity and a long, lingering finish.
