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).
The vermentino grape variety was widespread in Italy, Sardinia and Corsica. Today, Vermentino is grown in the regions bordering the Mediterranean, mainly in Provence (Côtes de Provence, Bellet), Corsica (Corse Calvi), Languedoc (Côtes du Roussillon, Costières de Nîmes) and the Rhône Valley (Côtes du Luberon). Because it ripens late, Vermentino requires a warm climate for its development and can only be grown in regions with good sun exposure. Conversely, cold or temperate climates do not allow it to ripen properly. Vermentino is only susceptible to powdery mildew. When vinified on its own, Vermentino produces a single-variety dry white wine that is light and full-bodied with a pale yellow color. It can also be blended with other grape varieties such as Ugni Blanc, Cinsault and Grenache, in which case its low acidity makes it light and fresh. Vermentino belongs to the grape varieties of Ajaccio, Corsica and Corbières. The aromas released by this variety are multiple. One can detect notes of fresh apple, green almond, sweet spices, hawthorn, ripe pear and fresh pineapple.
wines from the region of Central Victoria go well with generally quite well with dishes of beef, lamb or game (deer, venison) such as recipes of korean bibimbap, stuffed zucchini with merguez, beef and spices or chicken waterzooi à la gantoise.
On the nose in the region of Central Victoria often reveals types of flavors of earth, citrus fruit or black fruit and sometimes also flavors of tree fruit, red fruit or tropical fruit. In the mouth in the region of Central Victoria is a powerful with a nice freshness.
