Victoria

Wine-growing region (GI) in the federal state of Victoria in Australia, part of the North East Victoria zone. There is a sub-district called Wahgunyah. Wine production began here at the time of the gold rush in about 1850. The neighbouring region of Glenrowan is regarded as a twin region. The vineyards and wineries are located on the left bank of the Murray River, between Lake Mulwala and Albury. The right bank of the river is also used for viticulture, but the vineyards there are part of the federal state of New South Wales, which borders Victoria to the north. The soils are varied, ranging from basalt to clay. The continental climate is very warm, with no maritime influences, frost occurs frequently in spring. The total vineyard area is around 1.000 hectares. The main white varieties planted are Chardonnay, Sémillon, Gewürztraminer, Chenin Blanc, Muscat Blanc and Muscadelle, the most important red varieties are Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Durif and Carignan. Rutherglen is the leading region in Australia for fortified wines, known here as Muscat and Tokay (made from Muscadelle). During maturation, they are exposed to heat in corrugated iron huts, giving them a typical caramelised note similar to that of Madeira. Well known producers include All Saints, Buller, Campbells Winery, Chambers, Cofield, Morris Wines, Mount Prior Vineyard and Stanton & Killeen.