A Taste Of The South, East And West
If you are Scottish you would be forgiven for mistaking Caledonia-Australia winery as a whiskey producer. Indeed, "Caledonia" means "Scotland" in Latin, a place where blended whiskeys and single malts widely downed in grey weather. Caledonia-Australia, however, is a vineyard in Gippsland, Australia - evidence that the country can produce more than the usual suspects of Cabernet, Shiraz and Chardonnay.
In 1839, a Scottish explorer called Angus Mcmillan was so inspired by his first view of Gippsland that he called the place Caledonia as reminded him of home' Gippsland extend from the New South Wales-Victorian border, along the coast, to Wonthaggi border just below Melbourne and then sweeps to the edge of the great Diving Range. It comprises three distinct geographic regions - South, West and East, each with varying topography, soil and climate, thereby influencing the wine styles. Southern Gippsland, where Caldonia-Australia is located, is wetter and colder than the other parts of Gippsland. This unique weather has drawn many producers who aspire to make wines in the style of Burgundy, using mainly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. It was this desire to craft Burgundian style wines that led to the inception of Caledonia-Australia in the 1990s.
A master of Wine since 1999,worked with Burgundian producers and uses Burgundian wine making methods, such as letting wines age on their lees for more texture and complexity. The Chardonnays, in particular, show leanness and texture. Pinots,have also a unique savory element to them. Should any Scot have a taste, it could well convert them from whiskey to wine.
Taste Test
An entry-level wine that promises quality. There is unmistakable ripeness of white fruit, a hint of mineral and a citrus-like acidity. It is of medium weight, with just a bit of flesh. You pair with Seafood dishes such as Hokkaido scallops or shrimp. Also try a cheese platter.
A Taste Of The South, East And West
