Mornighton Peninsula

Question 1

Where is located?

Answer 1

South east of Melbourne

Question 2

What are the climatic conditions and growing environment?

Answer 2

cool to moderate maritime.
It is often windy and, whilst sunshine hours can be high, the cooling effect of the wind means summer afternoon temperatures remain relatively low. The moderating effect of the water also gives mild autumn conditions, extending the growing season.
Wind also reduces disease pressure and frost are uncommon.
Rainfall is relatively low in the growing season but it can affect flowering and harvest.

Question 3

Topography, soils and vineyard management

Answer 3

The region is relatively flat, although Red Hill, a ridge running along the centre of the
peninsula, provides a variety of microclimates, with altitudes up to 250 m. It is named after its
red basalt soils which retain the winter rainwater throughout the growing season, meaning there is no need to irrigate. However, in these fertile soils, vigour can be a problem and careful
vineyard management is required: some producers use the Lyre system instead of VSP to manage vigour

Question 4

What grapes are grown?

Answer 4

whites: Chardonnay and Pinot Gris

reds: Pinot Noir and Shiraz

Question 5

Describe the style, quality and price of Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir with reference to winemaking

Answer 5

Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir comes in a range of styles from light bodied with perfumed red fruits and medium (+) acidity (particularly those from Red Hill) to more intense and ripe with higher tannins (usually from the lower vineyards). Cold soaking is often used to extract more colour from the skins. Depending on the desired style, whole bunch fermentation or stem inclusion may be used to add complexity and tannins. Many wines are aged in French oak, a portion of which may be new. The wines tend to be good to outstanding in quality and are usually premium priced

Question 6

Describe the style, quality and price of Mornington Chardonnay

Answer 6

It tends to be medium bodied with high acidity, medium alcohol and
fruit flavours ranging between citrus, peach and melon. Many wines undergo some lees
ageing and oak ageing (although only a small portion is likely to be in new oak) to add
complexity. Some use malolactic conversion for a rounder style. The wines are usually good to
outstanding in quality and often premium priced

Question 7

Are there any large wineries in Mornington Peninsula?
What problems do they face in terms of vineyard land and investment?

Answer 7

Although there were attempts at viticulture in the region in the 19th century, it was not until
the 1970s that wine production began to take off when a small number of individual producers
recognised the region’s potential. Land prices are particularly high due to intense competition
from tourism activities, such as golf courses, and holiday homes. This means that the region
Vineyards near the coast in Mornington Peninsula.
doesn’t have any very large producers and instead is dominated by small wineries and
vineyards. Many of these have cellar doors, restaurants and cafes on site in order to capitalise
on direct-to-consumer sales.