CentralVictoria">Victoria, as the name suggests, occupies the middle portion of the state's wine map. It is the most diverse of all Victorian wine zones in terms of the number of wine styles it is capable of producing.
Geographically speaking, Central Victoria is a relatively small zone in comparison to its neighbours, in Particular Big Rivers to the North. However the variable landscapes ranging from vast plains to moderately elevated terrains, Dense forests and the slopes of mountain ranges are attributed to the versatility of wine found here.
Unsurprisingly, some of the most recognizable names of the Australian wine industry have their vineyards in Central Victoria.
The zone is comprised of several regions and subregions. The large expanse of Goulburn Valley and Bendigo in the flatter northern part of the zone (on the border of NewSouthWales) have a warmer, drier Climate that is conducive to Rich, Heavy styles of wine. Here, Shiraz is king, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay providing other options for winegrowers.
The Strathbogie Ranges and Upper Goulburn areas are cooler due to their position among the mountains of the Great Dividing Range, and excel in more aromatic varieties like Riesling and Pinot Noir. Heathcote, on the western edge of the zone, is cooler thanks to the influence of the Mount Camel Range. These topographical variations mean particular grape varieties are suited to specific locations, as suggested by their GIs (Geographical Indications).
Marsanne is a white grape variety that originated in Montélimar in the Drôme, several centuries ago. Marsanne is also found in Cassis, Savoie, Languedoc-Roussillon and Saint-Péray in the Ardèche, where it produces remarkable sparkling wines. The warm, sunny climate of the Rhone Valley, Languedoc-Roussillon and Provence, as well as the dry, stony soil, are ideal conditions for its development. Its bunches are quite large and provide small, juicy berries that are sensitive to grey rot and strong winds. These two grape varieties complement each other perfectly: together they give light wines with little acidity, aromas of yellow fruit, white fruit and flowers with notes of honey and liquorice. This is for example what the appellations Saint-Péray, Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Saint-Joseph, Côtes-du-Vallée du Rhône, Corbières, or Cassis express... which represent about 700 hectares.
white wines from the region of Central Victoria go well with generally quite well with dishes of pork, rich fish (salmon, tuna etc) or vegetarian such as recipes of beef stew, tahitian style raw fish or tuna, pepper and tomato quiche.
On the nose in the region of Central Victoria often reveals types of flavors of tropical, butter or pineapple and sometimes also flavors of grapefruit, apples or ginger. In the mouth in the region of Central Victoria is a powerful with a nice freshness.
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