Pyrenees Region

Location
 Zone - Western Victoria
State - Victoria

Map Reference
 Latitude 37 degrees and 05 minutes South
Longitude 143 degrees and 29 minutes East

Elevation
 250 - 600 metres above sea level

Subregions
 Nil

Introduction
 It is a quiet region off the main highways.

The Mackereth family planted the first vines in 1848 and the winery came to be quite substantial. In 1963, the Chateau Remy now Blue Pyrenees Estate vineyards the area was selected by Remy as suitable for the production of quality brandy and the vineyard was planted with Trebbiano. When the brandy market collapsed production switched to another type of wine that the Remy Martin Group knew as sparkling wine.

Other wineries arrived in the 1970's. As with other Central Victoria regions it is primarily a red wine region, producing full-blooded and richly textured styles. Chardonnay also does well, producing wines of considerable complexity.
Primary Grape Varieties
White
 Chardonnay 115 ha
Sauvignon Blanc 60 ha
Semillon 10 ha
Marsanne 10 ha
Riesling 10 ha
Chenin Blanc 5 ha
Other 10 ha
Total White 220 ha
Red
 Shiraz 170 ha
Cabernet Sauvignon 85 ha
Merlot 40 ha
Pinot Noir 35 ha
Cabernet Franc 15 ha
Malbec 10 ha
Pinot Meunier 10 ha
Other 10 ha
Total Red 375 ha
Primary Wine Styles

Sparkling
Blue Pyrenees Estate continues to be a significant producer of sparkling wine, having developed new specific sites in co-operation with its parent houses - Charles Heidsieck and Piper Heidsieck.

Sauvignon Blanc
Produced by a number of makers in the cooler years showing pleasant varietal character, ranging from flinty mineral to gooseberry.

Chardonnay
Since 1990 has been heavily planted, most goes to make sparkling wine.

Shiraz
Again Shiraz reveals how suited it is to the climate and terrain of Western Victoria. Superbly sweet and rich fruit flavours, also pepper and spice appear, however more frequently red cherry, black cherry and dark chocolate flavours and aromas are dominating.

Cabernet Sauvignon
Produces a wine that is never less than ample and is at times of awesome proportions. Spectacularly rich with flavours running from eucalypt, mint, through to blackcurrant and earthy characters that develop during maturation.