Author Archives: Cheryl

Luscious new blanc de noir from red grape variety

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With a perfect crop on the Graciano this year, we have decided to make a crisp, fruity and fresh white wine from the variety’s beautiful purple grapes. Known as a blanc de noir we are optimistic that the result will be extraordinary. If all goes well, the Graciano Blanc de Noir will be available for this summer.

We’ll still make a red wine from the 2024 Graciano as well but having tasted quite a few blanc de noir wines over these past few months, we think it will be fun and fascinating to do something a little different with some of the gorgeously spicy Graciano.

So, how do you make a white wine from red grapes? The answer is carefully! Some red wine grapes such as Graciano, Tempranillo, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvigon and Pinor Noir have white flesh. The free-run or lightly pressed juice will emerge as a palest blush if treated gently. As we hand harvest all our grapes, we can minimise damage to fruit and hopefully, avoid colour being extracted from the skins prematurely. We are hoping the Graciano blanc de noir will be beautifully balanced between the velvety mouthfeel of a medium-bodied red wine with aromas of strawberries and raspberries, as well as the spices usually associated with a Graciano. It should also display the crisp freshness of a white variety with white flowers and white peach aromas with great weight and beautiful texture. It will pair well with fish, sushi and dishes with light cheese sauces.

All the colour in the red wine comes from leaving red wine grapes to ferment on their skins. If they are carefully pressed immediately after harvest without any maceration on skins, a blanc de noir (literally “white from black’) can be produced.

Making a still white wine from a red grape variety (Pinor Noir is an example), has been happening for some time in California, Argentina and Germany as an alternative to rosé-style wines. In Champagne and many other wine regions, it has been made as a sparkling wine for many years. The blanc de noir we will make will be a dry, still wine and, we hope, a lovely addition to your selection of summer wines to pair with lighter summer dishes.

A Taste of Place: Exploring the Terroir Wines of Stanthorpe

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Nestled in the heart of Queensland’s Granite Belt region, Stanthorpe boasts a rich tapestry of rolling hills, fertile valleys, and a climate perfectly suited for winemaking. Here, amidst the scenic beauty of the Australian countryside, lies a hidden gem waiting to be discovered: the terroir wines of Stanthorpe.

Terroir: The Essence of Place

Terroir, a term deeply ingrained in the lexicon of winemaking, encapsulates the notion that a wine’s character is shaped by the unique combination of soil, climate, topography, and human intervention found in a specific geographic location. In Stanthorpe, the terroir tells a story of ancient granite soils, cool climate conditions, and passionate winemakers dedicated to their craft.

Granite Belt Wines: A Symphony of Flavors

At the heart of Stanthorpe’s winemaking scene lies the Granite Belt Wine Country, home to a diverse array of vineyards and wineries renowned for their terroir-driven wines. Here, visitors are treated to a sensory journey unlike any other, where each sip of wine offers a glimpse into the essence of the land.

From the crisp minerality of Chardonnay to the bold intensity of Shiraz, the wines of Stanthorpe reflect the unique terroir of the Granite Belt, imbued with flavors that speak of the region’s granite-rich soils and cool climate influences. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or a curious novice, there’s something for everyone to discover in the wines of Stanthorpe.

Exploring Stanthorpe’s Wine Trail

Embark on a journey of exploration along Stanthorpe’s wine trail, where vineyards and cellar doors beckon with the promise of discovery and delight. From family-owned boutique wineries to larger estates, each stop along the way offers a glimpse into the diversity of terroir wines that define the region.

Indulge in guided tastings, where passionate winemakers share the stories behind their creations and offer insights into the intricacies of terroir-driven winemaking. Take a leisurely stroll through the vineyards, basking in the beauty of the landscape and gaining a deeper appreciation for the connection between land and wine.

Plan Your Visit to Stanthorpe

Ready to experience the terroir wines of Stanthorpe firsthand? Plan your visit today and immerse yourself in the essence of this unique wine region. Whether you’re seeking a romantic weekend getaway or a leisurely day trip, Stanthorpe offers an unforgettable experience for wine lovers and adventurers alike.

Discover the magic of terroir wines in Stanthorpe, where every bottle tells a story of place, passion, and the pursuit of perfection.

Another champion wine trophy for our Fiano

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For the second time in two years our gorgeous Fiano has been honoured with a Champion White Wine award. Last year it was the 2015 that won Champion Queensland White Wine at the Australian Small Winemakers’ Show, this time the Fiano 2016 won gold at the Queensland Wine Awards, as well as Champion Alternative Variety White Wine. Brad has struggled to rehabilitate this vineyard and we are both rejoicing in the beautiful wines resulting from our hard work to produce premium wine grapes. You might say all our hard work is now bearing fruit!

Two more Trophies at National Wine Show

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Once again the coveted Dick de Luca Memorial Trophy for Best Queensland Shiraz is taking pride of place in our cellar door – the second time in three years. Our 2012 Old Vine Shiraz won the Trophy  in 2014 and in now we have won again in 2016 for the 2014 Millenium Shiraz (to be released around April 2017).

No sooner had Brad taken his seat at the Awards Presentation, than he was called out again to receive the Trophy for Champion Queensland White Wine for our 2015 Fiano Classico (also to be released around April 2015). What a wonderful surprise, especially when both our other entries also won Bronze medals. This means that every wine we make has medalled. It’s quite an honour and gratifying as we put so much effort into producing superb fruit that has all the flavours and qualities necessary to make outstanding wines. A big thanks to Mike Hayes, our winemaker, and his team.

Another Gold Medal in National Show

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Savina Lane Wines has added yet another gold medal to its tally. This makes four golds and two trophies shared between our five varieties. The only one that hasn’t won gold (yet) is our Tempranillo, which has had to be content with two Bronzes. To our absolute delight, the 2014 Barrel Ferment Wild Yeast Viognier was awarded Gold at the 2015 Australian Small Winemakers’ Show. This prestigious event attracts entries from all around Australia and New Zealand. Our lovely wine is due for release mid 2014 but as we made only around 980 bottles our Inner Circle will receive first option on this wine and may reserve stock which will be set aside and stored in our underground wine cellar until ready for release, at no charge to members.