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Montara Wines
History
The abandoned mineshaft at our vineyard in Ararat will forever commemorate the fortunate discovery of the Canton Lead, one of the largest shallow alluvial goldfields in history. It was serendipitously discovered in 1857 by 700 southern Chinese miners who stopped in the area to replenish their water supplies, and triggered the beginning of the great Ararat Rush.
After the demise of the gold rush in 1858, two Frenchmen, Messrs. Blampied and Trouette, planted vines in the region at Great Western. Shortly after, Joseph and Henry Best also established vineyards there, using ex-miners to dig underground drives to house the wines. In this wine village of Great Western, the sparkling wine industry of Australia was born.
Over the years several wine growers followed in Best’s footsteps and the district continued to flourish. In 1970, the McRae family planted the first Montara vineyards on the eastern slopes of Mount Chalambar, a site chosen for its frost-free location. The inaugural Montara vintages were released in 1977.
Today the Grampians is one of Australia’s most historic wine regions, with 2013 marking 150 years of winemaking across a wide range of varieties and styles.
Vineyard
The elevation and site exposure of Montara's vineyards, between 312 and 360 metres above sea level, is particularly important in avoiding frost and influencing growth of the vines. Our vines grow in well-drained, rich red loam soil over a gravel/shale base. The total area under vine is 19 hectares, and plantings include shiraz, pinot noir, and riesling (all of which are 40+ year vines), as well as chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, cabernet sauvignon, and merlot.
The Grampians has one of the best climates in the world for growing quality grapes, and the average temperatures at Montara are ideal for producing cool climate wines. A January mean temperature of 19ºC, along with mostly clear skies and cool evenings in the growing season allow our fruit to gradually ripen over a long period of time. Average annual rainfall is 500mm.
Leigh Clarnette, Chief Winemaker
2009 Lili St Cyr Pinot Chardonnay
The 2009 Lili contains fruit sourced from the Strathbogie Ranges in Central Victoria. The wine has greatly benefited from ageing on lees for 36 months, enhancing the smoothness and fullness of the pinot noir, whilst the chardonnay cuts through providing a refreshing, acidic backbone. It is pale straw in colour with a complex bouquet of nuts, melon fruits, and honey. Harmonious flavours of bread and biscuits on the palate, which is soft, creamy, and approachable with a nice balance of fruit and subtle acidity. Finishes clean and dry. It is a great aperitif style that lends itself to antipasto and fresh shellfish.
2012 Little Collins Victorian Shiraz
A very approachable style of shiraz, this wine has a lovely nose of spicy plum and subtle oak. The palate shows rich flavours of sweet red cherry and vanilla, finishing with great length.
2013 Montara Grampians Sauvignon Blanc
Our 2013 sauvignon blanc is a vibrant wine, handpicked on the 18th February to retain the full flavours in the fruit and prevent damage to the young vines. True to its Victorian roots, it is clean, crisp and refreshing with bountiful aromas of sweet pea and tropical notes of passionfruit, gooseberry and guava. Slight barrel fermentation provides lovely texture and a lingering finish on the palate. Easy to enjoy as an aperitif or with entrées such as smoked salmon, avocado and mango salsa, or samosas.
2012 Jimmy Central Victoria Chardonnay
This well-balanced wine contains fragrant hints of melon, peach and touch of oak on the nose. On the palate the exotic fruit-intense flavours of nectarine and grapefruit blend well with white peach, while allowing the oak to subtly sit in the background. Pair with barramundi and chips or a freshly baked quiche.
2012 Jimmy Grampians/Pyrenees Cabernet Sauvignon
This vibrant, crimson red wine has aromas red and black currants, mint and a touch of tobacco on the nose. The palate develops around the ripe red currant flavours and is complemented by sweet vanilla and cedar oak spices. Currently a great drink now and will get better over the next two years. Enjoy with a classic BBQ seared steak and roast potatoes.
2013 Jimmy Grampians Pinot Noir
The 2013 Jimmy Pinot displays lovely aromas of red cherry and strawberry fruits on the nose with a hint of light smokiness. A fresh array of cherries, plums and rounded sweetness on the palate, we think this easy drinking wine is a perfect example of what makes pinot noir so attractive. Ideal with a Moroccan spiced warm lamb salad.