Our Vines
We planted a 4 acre vineyard at the property in 2004 with the first commercial crop harvested in early 2008.
The vineyard has been established using all modern equipment. Several soil pits were dug prior to establishment to undertake significant soil analysis. These studies revealed that soil structure could be maintained with a minimal level of nitrogen additions. The vineyard is irrigated by a pressure compensating drip system feed from a bore via a holding tank.
A permanent sod of natural grasses is maintained between each vine row to reduce the potential of any erosion, reduce soil compaction, assist
natural competition of pest numbers and to assist with water overflow and uptake. The actual vine planting strip is kept weed free to minimise competition of applied water and to assist with water infiltration. The vineyard has to date been developed using predominately organic viticulture principles.
Two grape varieties are grown at Cooby, Shiraz and Viognier. Several different vine clones and different root stocks were used throughout the vineyard. This was done to maximise vine varietal flavors and overall wine complexity.
The vineyard has been established using all modern equipment. Several soil pits were dug prior to establishment to undertake significant soil analysis. These studies revealed that soil structure could be maintained with a minimal level of nitrogen additions. The vineyard is irrigated by a pressure compensating drip system feed from a bore via a holding tank.
A permanent sod of natural grasses is maintained between each vine row to reduce the potential of any erosion, reduce soil compaction, assist
natural competition of pest numbers and to assist with water overflow and uptake. The actual vine planting strip is kept weed free to minimise competition of applied water and to assist with water infiltration. The vineyard has to date been developed using predominately organic viticulture principles.
Two grape varieties are grown at Cooby, Shiraz and Viognier. Several different vine clones and different root stocks were used throughout the vineyard. This was done to maximise vine varietal flavors and overall wine complexity.
Shiraz
The grape variety "Shiraz" originates hundreds of years ago from the Hermitage area of the Rhone Valley in France where it is often called "Syrah". in Australia it is called Shiraz and it is planted widely making some of our countries favorite wines.
Shiraz is well suited to the growing at Cooby and often has ripe small fruit, good vigour and loose bunches. Shiraz is a very flexible variety capable of being used in heavy, medium and light style reds as well as fortified and sparkling wines.
Shiraz and a small volume of Viognier are often blended together in the Cote Cotie Appellation in the Northern Rhone region of France to produce fabulous medium bodied red wines.
Shiraz is well suited to the growing at Cooby and often has ripe small fruit, good vigour and loose bunches. Shiraz is a very flexible variety capable of being used in heavy, medium and light style reds as well as fortified and sparkling wines.
Shiraz and a small volume of Viognier are often blended together in the Cote Cotie Appellation in the Northern Rhone region of France to produce fabulous medium bodied red wines.
Viognier
In France, Viognier is the single permitted grape variety in the appellations of Condrieu and Château Grillet, which are located on the west bank of the Rhône River, about 40 km south of Lyon.
The grape prefers warmer environments and a long growing season, which makes it ideal for growing at Cooby.
Viognier can however be a difficult grape to grow as it has low and unpredictable yields. When picked too early, wines fails to develop the full extent of its aromas and tastes. When picked too late, the grape produces wine that is oily and lacks perfume. When fully ripe the grapes have a deep yellow colour and produce wines with soft mouth feel and elegant perfume.
The aromatic style of Viognier makes it a perfect match with Asian foods such as Thai.
The grape prefers warmer environments and a long growing season, which makes it ideal for growing at Cooby.
Viognier can however be a difficult grape to grow as it has low and unpredictable yields. When picked too early, wines fails to develop the full extent of its aromas and tastes. When picked too late, the grape produces wine that is oily and lacks perfume. When fully ripe the grapes have a deep yellow colour and produce wines with soft mouth feel and elegant perfume.
The aromatic style of Viognier makes it a perfect match with Asian foods such as Thai.
Preparation and planting
An enormous amount of work goes into planning and preparing for a vineyard. Vines were ordered 18 months prior to planting and were grafted to order.
The site was cleared, soil tests were undertaken, soil was ripped and additions were applied, post positions were marked and then installed, irrigation and foliage wires were installed and irrigation systems were set up. once this was all ready vines were planted, vine guards attached and then watering and fertilizing was conducted regularly.
It would not have been possible without the support of family and close friends.
The site was cleared, soil tests were undertaken, soil was ripped and additions were applied, post positions were marked and then installed, irrigation and foliage wires were installed and irrigation systems were set up. once this was all ready vines were planted, vine guards attached and then watering and fertilizing was conducted regularly.
It would not have been possible without the support of family and close friends.
Pruning
This occurs towards the end of winter. Pruning is essential for the production and quality of grapes. There are numerous methods used to prune and train grape vines. I use the spur prune method with a high cordon. I find this method of pruning allows me to ensure the right balance of foliage and grapes is produced. my vines and vine rows are well spaced that allows for maximum exposure to sunlight, air circulation and is easy to maintain. These factors create an atmosphere less likely to harbor diseases or pests.
I believe that a well pruned Vine will dramatically increase both your productivity as well as the quality of the crop.
I believe that a well pruned Vine will dramatically increase both your productivity as well as the quality of the crop.
Picking
This occurs during the months of January, February and March depending on the variety, wine style and weather conditions. All grapes are picked by hand and harvested when the desired flavours are reached for the wine style being made.
A quote ...."Wine ...the intellectual part of the meal" .... Alexandre Dumas.