Orange’s Stockman’s Ridge is championing Grüner Veltliner with the release of their 2022 Stockman’s Ridge ‘Signature’ Grüner Veltliner and 2022 Stockman’s Ridge ‘Rider’ Grüner Veltliner.
Grüner Veltliner is intrinsically linked to Austria with it accounting for around 30 per cent of their national plantings. In Australia plantings are small, albeit increasing, with over 60 winemakers currently making a Grüner. The variety performs particularly well in the cooler climates, making the Orange Region a natural bedfellow.
The Stockman’s Ridge Grüner Veltliner was planted on the north-western slopes of Mount Canobolas at 800 metres elevation in 2012. With the vineyard maturing, vigneron and owner Jonathan Hambrook is confident in the variety and actively pioneering it in the region.
“Orange’s long cool ripening and high sunshine hours is perfect for this variety,” says Jonathan. “It’s an exciting new variety for the region and one that has a great history growing in the colder, high elevation climates.
“After we planted the vines, we had years of drought. As a result, the vines sent their roots deep in search of moisture. Over the past few vintages, we have experienced good vintages and the deep-rooted vines are now producing excellent quality and yields. This has allowed us to experiment with different styles.”
The 2022 Stockman’s Ridge ‘Rider’ Grüner Veltliner was made to show its pristine varietal character. It was handpicked and fermented in stainless steel, stabilised and bottled in order to capture the crisp natural acidity and flavour.
The 2022 Stockman’s Ridge ‘Signature’ Grüner Veltliner was harvested slightly riper to make a fuller style. It was matured in seasoned French oak with regular lees stirring for three months to create texture to complement the fruit. A small component of the blend underwent malolocatic fermentation, softening the palate and adding further complexity.
“We are gaining valuable experience with this variety and foresee a great future for it. Riesling and Chardonnay are excelling in the region, and it was logical that Grüner Veltliner would also succeed. Time will be the judge, but all the indicators so far are positive.”
The Stockman’s Ridge vineyard is also home to Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Primitivo, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The vines have been grown in a unilateral/single cordon system. They are planted close together at only one metre spacings with the cordon only 80cm from the ground in a similar fashion to the old growth vineyards of Bordeaux.
Pricing & distribution: The Stockman’s Ridge wines are distributed nationally by the winery and are available at www.stockmansridge.com.au
- 2022 Stockman’s Ridge ‘Signature’ Grüner Veltliner $40
- 2022 Stockman’s Ridge ‘Rider’ Grüner Veltliner $35
For further information, interviews and images please contact:
David Cumming at Define Wine Marketing & Communications: 0414 736 342 or david@definewine.com.au
Stockman’s Ridge was established in 2002 when Jonathan Hambrook purchased land 20 km north of Bathurst and planted Shiraz, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and Savagnin. In 2012 the business expanded with the purchase of land and the planting of Pinot Noir, Grüner Veltliner, Shiraz, Primitivo, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay on Boree Lane in Orange. The wines are made by Will Rikard-Bell.