The region | Tamar Valley, Tasmania
With a focus on local produce and sustainable resource management, Tasmania has rapidly become the darling of Australia's food-and-wine scene, and all we can say is it's about time. Actually, we can say a little more than that. Like, did you know that in 2012, Tasmania was named as one of the top two wine investment locations in the world by a big-shot European wine publication? And given the way that the decade that followed has panned out, it looks like they were right on the money.
Putting your eggs in one basket may be frowned upon, but if we had to, we'd be confident backing Tasmania's Tamar Valley region. Located just north of Launceston, the Tamar is best known for its pinot noir, chardonnay and sparkling, though there's been plenty of success with all kinds of aromatic whites as well as syrah, cabernet sauvignon and merlot. It's also considered one of the world's best wine routes to travel thanks to its jaw-dropping scenery, minimal traffic and, of course, the world-class wines.
The Tamar Valley has proven to be the perfect spot for growing grapes because of its cool climate and long, dry autumns. These conditions allow for a long and steady ripening period, with the River Tamar helping to regulate temperatures by reflecting sunlight and releasing stored heat during those cold Tasmanian nights. The result? Grapes with full fruit flavours and near-magical levels of acidity, which means world-class wines for people like us – how good.
August
August has been a little warmer and brighter here in Melbourne at OneWine HQ, so we’ve followed suit with the choice of wine. Not far from home, this month we’ve headed to the Yarra Valley for the ‘23 Mayer Sangiovese.
The wine
Mayer is the project of Timo, wife Rhonda, and son Rivar Mayer. They have a small farm in the Yarra Valley producing hand crafted, single vineyard wines. They believe that wines are made in the vineyard and therefore try to interfere as little as possible in the natural winemaking process. All of their wines are unfined and unfiltered to show the true expression of the land. Their aim is to make wines with a point of difference and to really showcase region and varietal to their best ability.
Timo Mayer
This Sangiovese is sourced from a Dixon Creek vineyard not far from Mayer headquarters. It showcases notes of cherry and savoury herb notes on the nose. Bright sweet cherry fruit on the palate, juicy and warm mouthfeel, a bit of tannin grip on the savoury/dried herb finish. The whole bunch adds another dimension of freshness to this evolving variety in Victoria.
All care but no tasting notes, no back labels and no barcodes. Mayer wines are made with low levels of new oak, minimal additions and his signature winemaking technique - his penchant for whole-bunch ferment (most wines in the portfolio are made with 100% whole bunches).
Enjoy!