Granite BeltLocationZone - n/a State - Queensland Map Reference Latitude 28 degrees and 37 minutes South Longitude 151 degrees and 57 minutes East Elevation 700 - 1000 metres above sea level Subregions Nil |
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Introduction In 1965 the first wine grapes - one hectare of Shiraz, were planted in the Granite Belt. The Granite Belt is as 'natural' a grape-growing region as is the Hunter Valley - the principal drawbacks are spring frosts and vintage-time rainfall. Wine tourism is and will continue to be of critical importance to the best part of the Granite Belt wineries, most of which lack the volume to be able or capable of servicing retail channels. Primary Grape Varieties White Chardonnay Sauvignon Blanc Riesling Semillon Muscat Gordo Blanco Chenin Blanc Total White 185 ha Red Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon Pinot Noir Merlot Total Red 240 ha Primary Wine Styles Semillon Young Semillon can exhibit arresting tropical fruit characters, however with age, classic honeyed and toasty characters emerge. Shiraz Persistently characteristic wine style for this region - dark in colour, strong in body, flavour and tannins, develops soft, sweet velvety fruit with age, similar to Shiraz from the Hunter Valley. Cabernet Sauvignon Similarly to Shiraz the wine is full bodied, dark and rich in flavour - cassis, red berry and sweet fruit flavours prevail, attesting to the very warm climate.
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