Mudgee Region

Location
 Zone - Central Ranges
State - New South Wales

Map Reference
 Latitude 32 degrees and 35 minutes South
Longitude 149 degrees and 35 minutes East

Elevation
 500 - 1000 metres above sea level

Subregions
 Nil

Introduction
 Three German families Roth, Kurtz and Buchholz - were involved in establishing vines from 1858, with the descendants of Roth and Kurtz carrying on viticulture for a century.

The discovery of gold in 1872 lead to a gold rush, bringing people and prosperity to the district.

In July 1997 the region gained its importance when Orlando Wyndham closed down its Hunter Valley winemaking operations and moved them to its large new winery at Montrose.

The popularity of Mudgee and its wines grows stronger with each new season and new wine releases.
Primary Grape Varieties
White
 Chardonnay 40 ha
Semillon 20 ha
Sauvignon Blanc 10 ha
Riesling 15 ha
Verdelho 20 ha
Gewurztraminer 10 ha
Other 5 ha
Total White 120 ha
Red
 Shiraz 850 ha
Cabernet Sauvignon 600 ha
Merlot 165 ha
Pinot Noir 50 ha
Other 50 ha
Total Red 1715 ha
Primary Wine Styles

Semillon
Similar to young Hunter Valley Semillon and matures slowly.

Chardonnay
This is the best white wine from the region, consistently producing first-rate wine. The flavours are usually in the peach, melon and fig range, with citrus fruit characters sometimes emerging. The wines develop into rich, regional honeyed styles over time.

Cabernet Sauvignon
This is Mudgee's best wine variety, usually as a 100 percent varietal, but occasionally blended with Merlot or with Shiraz. The wines have incredible depth of colour and hold their purple-red hues that turn brick red after seven years. The liberal flavours reflect the warm climate - a blend of tastes of red berry, dark chocolate and occasionally eucalypt or peppermint with the tannins evident, but not astringent. Well made wines require a minimum five years cellaring.

Shiraz
Some are with strong earthy, tarry and leather characters, other wines are much cleaner and similar to Cabernet Sauvignon, with lush red berry fruits and hints of chocolate.