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Flag Tasmania Wines of Tasmania

History / Background

Tasmania is really a new wine region but it dates back to 1823 when the first vines got planted. This was at Prospect Farm by Bartholomew Broughton. He was a convict got pardoned and owned a potential amount of property. Very quickly they got recognised on the mainland Australia for producing good quality.

By around 1865 after Captain Charles Swanston had taken over around 45 different grape varieties were already planted. By the end of the century everything had disappeared and resurfaced around the 1950’s with the efforts of Jean Miguet. Miguet fell ill and went back to France but another European arrived with the name of Claudio Alcorso.

The Tasmanian wine industry is still relatively small but has undergone a rapid and exciting transformation over the past 10 years the quality improves year by year. It is an Island who is producing the best Australian sparkling wines.

It is producing intensive flavoured Chardonnay and Riesling and as far as red wine is concerned, Pinot Noir offers the greatest potential.

Grape varieties

  • Barbera
  • Cabernet Franc
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Carignan
  • Chardonnay
  • Cinsault
  • Cortese
  • Gamay
  • Gewuerztraminer
  • Grenache
  • Malbec
  • Marsanne
  • Merlot
  • Muscadelle
  • Nebbiolo
  • Petit Verdot
  • Pinot Gris
  • Pinot Noir
  • Riesling
  • Rousanne
  • Sangiovese
  • Sauvignon Blanc
  • Semillon
  • Shiraz
  • Tempranillo
  • Viognier

Vineyards

  • Clover Hill - Pipers River
  • Doamaine A - Coal River Valley
  • Stoney Vineyards
  • Lalla Gulley - Pipers River
  • Apsley Gorge - East Coast
  • Rosevear Estate
  • Tamar Ridge

Tamar Ridge Winery

Great wines are made in the vineyard and it is the exceptional fruit grown at the Kayena Vineyard that forms the cornerstone of the Tamar Ridge and the Devill’s corner range of wines.

Located of the left banks of the Tamar River, 40ty kilometres north of Launceston, the Kenya vineyard is planted to a range of cool climate varieties including Sauvignon Blanc, pinot Gris, Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

The vision for Tamar Ridge is to produce premium quality wines highlighting the flavour, structure and elegance that are the hallmarks of the true Tasmanian cool climate winemaking. Their outstanding wines were recognised by James Halliday in last years Australian Wine Companion 2008 were the winery received a maximum 5 Star and ten of their wines were awarded 90 points and more.

Tamar Ridge Winery web site: http://www.tamarridge.com.au

Kayena Vineyard Kayena Vineyard Pinot Noir Tamar River
Kayena Vineyard Kayena Vineyard
Pinot Noir
Tamar River

Some photos of Tasmania

Alan Horton, one of my friends and neighbours has recently visited the famous Island of Tasmania. As he is a very keen photographer and I like his pictures which he took whilst touring the island, I thought I could show them to the friends and people which are visiting the RI - Wine website.
Any more information required, please let me know.

Wine Glass Bay East Coast Wine Region Freycinet National Park
Wine Glass Bay East Coast Wine Region Freycinet National Park