A.T.Richardson Hard Hill Road The Field Grampians
The total area planted for that variety determines the proportion of each variety in the fermenter: Shiraz 52%, Riesling 22%, Durif 9%, Nebbiolo 10%, Tannat 5% and Viognier 2%. The Field is a blend of all six grape varieties in the Hard Hill Road Vineyard.
Each variety is harvested as it reached its maturity before being added to the single open-topped fermenter, creating a slow, continuous fermentation lasting the full two-month vintage.
"A complex wine utilising every variety in the estate vineyard, fermented in one large open fermenter, the varieties added as they ripened, a steady nerve required. It is a blend of 52% shiraz, 22% riesling, 10% nebbiolo, 9% durif, 5% tannat and 2% viognier. It has a foundation of small forest berry fruits with a savoury overtone."
94 points, Wine Companion (December 2018)
The Grampians
Located in western Central Victoria, the Grampians was settled during the gold rush of the 1850’s. Indeed the vivid history of the gold rush is inextricably intertwined with the history of viticulture in the region. Seppelt at Great Western, one of the region’s iconic wineries was built at the end of the gold rush when scores of out-of-work prospectors excavated its extensive drives and cellars. The "drives" completed in 1932, stretch for three kilometres and provide perfect conditions for the maturation of sparkling wine, for which the region is well-known. The climate of the Grampians is Mediterranean and essentially cool with vineyards situated at elevations ranging from 240 to 350m. The region experiences long sunshine hours and low rainfall necessitating supplementary irrigation. Soils in the region range from weathered volcanic soils to sandy and red clay loams interspersed with ironstone. The region is suited to a diverse range of varietals including Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon but is best known for its crisp fruity Riesling and distinctive spicy peppery Shiraz.
