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From Heathcote
Galli Estate Selections
Heathcote Shiraz
TGM - Red Blend
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Heathcote Wine Region
Overview:
Both the climate and soils of this region are strongly influenced by the Mt Camel Range which runs from Corop in the north to
Tooborac in the south, providing natural tunneling for the prevailing cool south to south-east winds that blow throughout the growing period from October to
March. The result is summer temperatures that are two to three degrees lower than the peaks for nearby Bendigo, and a cooler mean January temperature. Rainfall
is surprisingly evenly spread during the year and, thanks to the hillside location of most of the vineyards, spring frost is seldom a problem.
Soils: While there is,
as usual, significant soil variation in the region, the slopes of the Mt Camel Range comprise a superb red soil with fine structure overlying uniformly textured
red calcareous sodic clay soils. Confusingly for laymen, these soils are known as Cambrian Greenstones and in their local manifestation as the Heathcote
Greenstone Belt.
Shiraz - Major Varietal Grown in Heathcote: The
sheer dominance of the plantings tells part, but not all, of the story. The style of Shiraz varies significantly across the length and breadth of Australia, and
it would be foolish to suggest that any one style is better than all others. However, few would argue with the proposition that the conjunction of climate and
soil here produces world-class Shiraz with a unique character. It is deep, rich and velvety with cascades of dark cherry plum and sweetly spicy fruit, with ripe
but fine tannins giving texture and sustaining length. It is hardly necessary to add that such wines age superbly. Indeed, the end point is yet to be
determined, given that most of the wineries date from the mid 1970s, and many of the Shiraz plantings are less than 20 years old.
Statistics:
Altitude 160-300 m (525 - 984 feet)
Sunshine hours, Oct-Apr 1802
Annual rainfall 578 mm (23 inches)
Growing season rainfall 279 mm (11 inches)
Mean January temperature 21°C (70°F)
Relative humidity, Oct-Mar, 3 pm Average 43.5%
Harvest Mid MarLate May
Wine Regions Represented by MDM
            
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