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).
Pinot Gris is a grey grape variety mutated from Pinot Noir. It has its origins in Burgundy, where it is called pinot-beurot in reference to the colour of the grey robes worn by the monks of the region. Established in Alsace since the 17th century, pinot gris was called tokay until 2007. It is made up of bunches of small berries that vary in colour from pink to blue-grey. It is particularly well suited to the continental climate because it is resistant to the cold in winter and to spring frosts. This variety also likes dry limestone soils with plenty of sunshine in the summer. Pinot Gris is well suited to late harvesting or to the selection of noble grapes, depending on the year and the concentration of sugars in the berries. Pinot Gris wines are distinguished by their aromatic complexity of white fruits, mushrooms, honey, vanilla, cinnamon, etc., and their great finesse. In the Loire Valley, pinot gris is used in the Coteaux-d'Ancenis appellations. It gives dry or sweet wines with pear and peach aromas.
wines from the region of Central Victoria go well with generally quite well with dishes of beef, lamb or poultry such as recipes of seven o'clock leg of lamb, leg of lamb with baked potatoes or turkey escalope with cream and shallots.
On the nose in the region of Central Victoria often reveals types of flavors of black currant, melon or minerality and sometimes also flavors of apricot, ginger or lemon. In the mouth in the region of Central Victoria is a powerful with a nice freshness.
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