Brown Brothers Milawa Vineyard
Encyclopedia
Brown Brothers Milawa Vineyard (often referred to as simply Brown Brothers or Browns) is a family-owned wine company based in Milawa, Victoria
, Australia
. Brown Brothers was founded in 1889 by John Francis Brown and continues to be owned and operated by his descendants on the original property. Brown Brothers makes wine from a wide range of grape varieties and into a range of styles.
Plains by John Graham (1815–1873). A vineyard and orchard was established along with a Canadian style barn to store hay and grain.
George Harry Brown (1835–1913) married John Graham's daughter Rebecca (1845–1915) in 1864 and they moved onto the property after John Graham's death.
John Francis Brown (1867–1943) planted around 10 acres (40,468.6 m²) of mainly Riesling
, Muscat
and Shiraz
in 1885. John F. Brown established the Brown Brothers business and made the first wine in 1889 in the barn. The vineyard was replanted in 1916 & 1917 to combat the spread of phylloxera
and by 1920 totaled 33 acres (133,546.4 m²) including Riesling
, Tokay
, Chasselas
, Shiraz
, Muscat
, Mondeuse, Semillon
, Graciano
and Cabernet Sansay (Franc)
.
John Charles Brown (1915–2004) joined the business in 1933 in time to witness Botrytis cinerea
(Noble Rot) for the first time at Milawa
in 1934. John C. Brown married Patricia Mathews (1915–2004) in 1939 and produced four sons; John, Peter, Ross and Roger. In 1950 a property at Everton
was purchased, cleared and planted.
John Graham Brown joined the business in 1958 and became the winemaker. The other three brothers followed and took their own places in the business; Peter in the vineyards, Ross in Marketing and Roger in vine propagation and harvesting. Peter was instrumental in establishing the Mystic Park vineyard near Kangaroo Lake, Victoria.
They now cultivate the largest selection of grape varieties grown in Australian vineyards and continue to experiment with plantings of varieties not seen in Australia before. The opening of the experimental mini-winery, the “Kindergarten”, in their Centenary year of 1989 enabled the family to give the small parcels of fruit grown on emerging vineyards the care and attention they deserved.
The late 1990s and early 2000 saw Brown Brothers receive many prestigious awards for their wines, reinforcing their position as producers of premium quality wines. In 2001, Ross Brown was appointed Chief Executive Officer, with John Graham Brown retaining the Chairman’s position on the Board.
In 2003, Brown Brothers marked a significant new chapter in their 130 year history with the release of a new flagship range of wines. The new Brown Brothers range was named after Patricia Brown, wife of John Charles Brown. The name was a dedication to Patricia’s hard work and the love she had given her family. 2003 also saw John Charles Brown honoured in Canberra, receiving a Restaurant and Catering Australia Lifetime Achievement Award at Parliament House.
2004 was the end of an era at Brown Brothers with John Charles Brown the patriarch of Brown Brothers passing away in May, and Patricia Brown the much loved matriarch passing away only a few months later. John Charles and Patricia were survived by their three sons, ten grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.
In 2005, following in his father’s footsteps, John Graham Brown was awarded the Officer AO in the General Division in the Queen’s Birthday honours list. John Charles had been awarded the Membership of the Order of Australia for his contributions to the wine industry in 1989.
In 2009, Brown Brothers was asked to join Australian wine alliance Australia’s First Families of Wine
a multi-million-dollar venture to help resurrect the fortunes of the $6 billion industry highlighting the quality and diversity of Australian wine. The 12 member alliance includes Brown Brothers, Campbells, Taylors, DeBortoli
, McWilliam’s, Tahbilk
, Tyrell’s, Yalumba
, D'Arenberg, Howard Park
, Jim Barry and Henschke
. The main criteria is that the family-owned companies need to have a “landmark wine” in their portfolios listed under Langton’s Classification
and/or 75% agreement by group that a wine is considered “iconic”, must have the ability to do at least a 20-year vertical tasting, have a history going back a minimum of two generations, ownership of vineyards more than 50 years old and/or ownership of distinguished sites which exemplify the best of terroir
, commitment to export and environmental best practice, appropriate cellar door experience, and be paid-up members of the Winemakers Federation of Australia.
from a very wide range of grape varieties in a wide range of styles. The Patricia range offers the highest quality, the Varietal range is generally available, and the Cellar Door range includes small batches and experimental wines, only available at Milawa.
, Shiraz)have been made into a number of different styles and Brown Brothers has even successfully pioneered some new varieties (Tarrango
, Cienna
).
Brown Brothers has made wine from the following grape varieties over the years.
, Sweet Sherry, Muscat
& Tokay
.
Table Wine: The table wines have ranged from dry to sweet, usually straight varietals, but occasionally blends such as Shiraz
/Cabernet
, Shiraz
/Mondeuse/Cabernet
(SMC)
Dessert Wine: The dessert wines have included a blend of the Orange Muscat & Flora
varieties and a Botrytis Riesling labeled Noble Riesling.
Sparkling Wine: The Sparkling wines are mostly in the Méthode Champenoise with grapes from the Whitlands vineyard but there has also been other styles such as a Sparkling Shiraz.
Location: (36°27.2′S 146°25.6′E)
Varieties: Merlot
, Riesling
, Cabernet Sauvignon
, Dolcetto
, Graciano
, Mondeuse, Shiraz & White Frontignac.
Location: (36°24.20′S 146°33.31′E)
Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz
Location: (35°36′S 143°45′E)
Varieties: Cienna
, Dolcetto
, Tarrango
, Orange Muscat, Flora
, Crouchen
, Shiraz, Colombard
& Chardonnay
Location: (36°47′S 146°21.65′E)
Varieties: Riesling
, Pinot Noir
, Chardonnay
, Pinot Meunier
, Pinot Gris
& Cabernet Sauvignon
Location: (36°39.6′S 146°18.68′E)
Varieties: Chardonnay
, Cabernet Sauvignon
, Shiraz, Pinot Grigio, Viognier
& Tempranillo
Location: (36°28.3′S 144°47.07′E)
Varieties: Shiraz, Merlot
, Durif
, Malbec
, Sangiovese
, Tempranillo
, Petit Verdot
, Dolcetto
& Pinot Grigio
Milawa, Victoria
Milawa is a town in Victoria, Australia, located on Snow Road, south-east of Wangaratta, in the Rural City of Wangaratta. At the 2006 census, Milawa and the surrounding area had a population of 543....
, Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
. Brown Brothers was founded in 1889 by John Francis Brown and continues to be owned and operated by his descendants on the original property. Brown Brothers makes wine from a wide range of grape varieties and into a range of styles.
History
The property on which Brown Brothers stands (36°27.2′S 146°25.8′E) was bought at the first land auction on the OxleyOxley, Victoria
Oxley is a town in Victoria, Australia, located on Snow Road, south-east of Wangaratta, in the Rural City of Wangaratta. At the 2006 census, Oxley had a population of 289....
Plains by John Graham (1815–1873). A vineyard and orchard was established along with a Canadian style barn to store hay and grain.
George Harry Brown (1835–1913) married John Graham's daughter Rebecca (1845–1915) in 1864 and they moved onto the property after John Graham's death.
John Francis Brown (1867–1943) planted around 10 acres (40,468.6 m²) of mainly Riesling
Riesling
Riesling is a white grape variety which originated in the Rhine region of Germany. Riesling is an aromatic grape variety displaying flowery, almost perfumed, aromas as well as high acidity. It is used to make dry, semi-sweet, sweet and sparkling white wines. Riesling wines are usually varietally...
, Muscat
Muscat (grape and wine)
The Muscat variety of grapes of the species Vitis vinifera is widely grown for wine, raisins and table grapes. Their color ranges from white to near black. Muscat almost always has a pronounced sweet floral aroma. Muscat grapes are grown around the world...
and Shiraz
Shiraz grape
Syrah or Shiraz is a dark-skinned grape grown throughout the world and used primarily to produce powerful red wines. Whether sold as Syrah or Shiraz, these wines enjoy great popularity.Syrah is used as a varietal and is also blended...
in 1885. John F. Brown established the Brown Brothers business and made the first wine in 1889 in the barn. The vineyard was replanted in 1916 & 1917 to combat the spread of phylloxera
Phylloxera
Grape phylloxera ; originally described in France as Phylloxera vastatrix; equated to the previously described Daktulosphaira vitifoliae, Phylloxera vitifoliae; commonly just called phylloxera is a pest of commercial grapevines worldwide, originally native to eastern North America...
and by 1920 totaled 33 acres (133,546.4 m²) including Riesling
Riesling
Riesling is a white grape variety which originated in the Rhine region of Germany. Riesling is an aromatic grape variety displaying flowery, almost perfumed, aromas as well as high acidity. It is used to make dry, semi-sweet, sweet and sparkling white wines. Riesling wines are usually varietally...
, Tokay
Muscadelle
Muscadelle is a white wine grape variety. It has a simple aroma of grape juice and raisins like grapes of the Muscat family of grapes, but it is unrelated....
, Chasselas
Chasselas
Chasselas or Chasselas Blanc is a wine grape variety grown in Switzerland, France, Germany, Portugal, Baja Norte, Mexico, Hungary and New Zealand.Theories of its origin vary. Pierre Galet believes it is a native Swiss variety....
, Shiraz
Shiraz grape
Syrah or Shiraz is a dark-skinned grape grown throughout the world and used primarily to produce powerful red wines. Whether sold as Syrah or Shiraz, these wines enjoy great popularity.Syrah is used as a varietal and is also blended...
, Muscat
Muscat (grape and wine)
The Muscat variety of grapes of the species Vitis vinifera is widely grown for wine, raisins and table grapes. Their color ranges from white to near black. Muscat almost always has a pronounced sweet floral aroma. Muscat grapes are grown around the world...
, Mondeuse, Semillon
Sémillon
Sémillon is a golden-skinned grape used to make dry and sweet white wines, most notably in France and Australia.-History:The origin of the Sémillon grape is hard to determine. It is known that it first arrived in Australia in the early 19th century and by the 1820s the grape covered over 90 percent...
, Graciano
Graciano
Graciano is a Spanish red wine grape that is grown primarily in Rioja. The vine produces a low yield that are normally harvested in late October. The wine produces is characterized by its deep red color, strong aroma and ability to age well...
and Cabernet Sansay (Franc)
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc is one of the major black grape varieties worldwide. It is principally grown for blending with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in the Bordeaux style, but can also be vinified alone - as in the Loire's Chinon...
.
John Charles Brown (1915–2004) joined the business in 1933 in time to witness Botrytis cinerea
Botrytis cinerea
Botrytis cinerea is a necrotrophic fungus that affects many plant species, although its most notable hosts may be wine grapes. In viticulture, it is commonly known as botrytis bunch rot; in horticulture, it is usually called grey mould or gray mold.The fungus gives rise to two different kinds of...
(Noble Rot) for the first time at Milawa
Milawa, Victoria
Milawa is a town in Victoria, Australia, located on Snow Road, south-east of Wangaratta, in the Rural City of Wangaratta. At the 2006 census, Milawa and the surrounding area had a population of 543....
in 1934. John C. Brown married Patricia Mathews (1915–2004) in 1939 and produced four sons; John, Peter, Ross and Roger. In 1950 a property at Everton
Everton, Victoria
Everton is a small town located from Wangaratta in northeast Victoria, along the Great Alpine Road. At the 2006 census, Everton and the surrounding area had a population of 274....
was purchased, cleared and planted.
John Graham Brown joined the business in 1958 and became the winemaker. The other three brothers followed and took their own places in the business; Peter in the vineyards, Ross in Marketing and Roger in vine propagation and harvesting. Peter was instrumental in establishing the Mystic Park vineyard near Kangaroo Lake, Victoria.
They now cultivate the largest selection of grape varieties grown in Australian vineyards and continue to experiment with plantings of varieties not seen in Australia before. The opening of the experimental mini-winery, the “Kindergarten”, in their Centenary year of 1989 enabled the family to give the small parcels of fruit grown on emerging vineyards the care and attention they deserved.
The late 1990s and early 2000 saw Brown Brothers receive many prestigious awards for their wines, reinforcing their position as producers of premium quality wines. In 2001, Ross Brown was appointed Chief Executive Officer, with John Graham Brown retaining the Chairman’s position on the Board.
In 2003, Brown Brothers marked a significant new chapter in their 130 year history with the release of a new flagship range of wines. The new Brown Brothers range was named after Patricia Brown, wife of John Charles Brown. The name was a dedication to Patricia’s hard work and the love she had given her family. 2003 also saw John Charles Brown honoured in Canberra, receiving a Restaurant and Catering Australia Lifetime Achievement Award at Parliament House.
2004 was the end of an era at Brown Brothers with John Charles Brown the patriarch of Brown Brothers passing away in May, and Patricia Brown the much loved matriarch passing away only a few months later. John Charles and Patricia were survived by their three sons, ten grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.
In 2005, following in his father’s footsteps, John Graham Brown was awarded the Officer AO in the General Division in the Queen’s Birthday honours list. John Charles had been awarded the Membership of the Order of Australia for his contributions to the wine industry in 1989.
In 2009, Brown Brothers was asked to join Australian wine alliance Australia’s First Families of Wine
Australia’s First Families of Wine
Australia's First Families of Wine is an Australian wine initiative to raise the profile of Australian wine to the world, showcasing a representative of its landmark wines and to highlight the quality and diversity of Australian wine. Established by a collective of twelve multi-generational...
a multi-million-dollar venture to help resurrect the fortunes of the $6 billion industry highlighting the quality and diversity of Australian wine. The 12 member alliance includes Brown Brothers, Campbells, Taylors, DeBortoli
De Bortoli Wines
De Bortoli Wines is one of the larger privately owned companies in Australia. De Bortoli makes a wide range of wines including the sweet white Noble One...
, McWilliam’s, Tahbilk
Tahbilk
Tahbilk is the oldest family owned winery in Victoria, Australia, established in 1860.Tahbilk is part of Australian wine alliance Australia’s First Families of Wine a multi-million-dollar venture to help resurrect the fortunes of the $6 billion industry highlighting the quality and diversity of...
, Tyrell’s, Yalumba
Yalumba
Yalumba is a winery located near Angaston, South Australia in the Barossa Valley. It was founded by a British brewer, Samuel Smith, who emigrated to Australia with his family from Wareham, Dorset in August 1847 aboard the ship 'China'. Upon arriving in Australia in December, Smith built a small...
, D'Arenberg, Howard Park
Howard Park Wines
Howard Park Wines is Western Australia's largest family-owned winery owned by the Burch family, which is responsible for such brands as Howard Park, MadFish, and Marchand & Burch. With two established Wineries based in both Margaret River, Western Australia and Denmark in the Great Southern...
, Jim Barry and Henschke
Henschke
Henschke is a family-owned, year old Australian winery located in Keyneton, Eden Valley South Australia. It produces the 'Hill of Grace', one of Australia's Cult wines and considered Australia's second best wine by James Halliday in 2009.-History:...
. The main criteria is that the family-owned companies need to have a “landmark wine” in their portfolios listed under Langton’s Classification
Langton’s Classification of Australian Wine
Langton's Classification of Australian Wine is a grouping of high-end Australian wines compiled by the Melbourne- and Sydney-based auction house Langton's, first released in 1991. The Classification is a ranking of the best performing wines based on market demand and vintages made...
and/or 75% agreement by group that a wine is considered “iconic”, must have the ability to do at least a 20-year vertical tasting, have a history going back a minimum of two generations, ownership of vineyards more than 50 years old and/or ownership of distinguished sites which exemplify the best of terroir
Terroir
Terroir comes from the word terre "land". It was originally a French term in wine, coffee and tea used to denote the special characteristics that the geography, geology and climate of a certain place bestowed upon particular varieties...
, commitment to export and environmental best practice, appropriate cellar door experience, and be paid-up members of the Winemakers Federation of Australia.
Wines
Brown Brothers makes wineWine
Wine is an alcoholic beverage, made of fermented fruit juice, usually from grapes. The natural chemical balance of grapes lets them ferment without the addition of sugars, acids, enzymes, or other nutrients. Grape wine is produced by fermenting crushed grapes using various types of yeast. Yeast...
from a very wide range of grape varieties in a wide range of styles. The Patricia range offers the highest quality, the Varietal range is generally available, and the Cellar Door range includes small batches and experimental wines, only available at Milawa.
Patricia Range
The Patricia range of wine are dedicated to Patricia Brown (1915–2004) and include a Sparkling Wine, a Chardonnay, a Cabernet Sauvignon, a Shiraz, a Merlot and a Botrytis Riesling.Grape varieties
Brown Brothers has made a specialty of exploring the characteristics of a huge range of grape varieties. Most of the varieties have been made into single varietal wines, occasionally there have been blends, some (RieslingRiesling
Riesling is a white grape variety which originated in the Rhine region of Germany. Riesling is an aromatic grape variety displaying flowery, almost perfumed, aromas as well as high acidity. It is used to make dry, semi-sweet, sweet and sparkling white wines. Riesling wines are usually varietally...
, Shiraz)have been made into a number of different styles and Brown Brothers has even successfully pioneered some new varieties (Tarrango
Tarrango
Tarrango is a red grape variety used in Australian wine production. This slow-ripening grape was created in 1965 by the CSIRO Horticultural Research Station at Merbein in Victoria, Australia, as a hybrid of Touriga Nacional and Sultana in order to create wines of good acidity, but low in tannin....
, Cienna
Cienna
Cienna is red Australian wine grape variety first bred in 2000. It is a mix between the Spanish wine grape Sumoll and Cabernet Sauvignon grape. This grape was initially created in 1972 by CSIRO. They aim was to produce high quality grapes suited for Australian conditions....
).
Brown Brothers has made wine from the following grape varieties over the years.
- White: ArneisArneisArneis is a white Italian wine grape variety originating from Piedmont, Italy. It is most commonly found in the hills of the Roero, northwest of Alba, where it is part of the white Denominazione di origine controllata wines of Roero. It can also be used to produce DOC wines in Langhe...
, Chenin BlancChenin BlancChenin blanc , is a white wine grape variety from the Loire valley of France. Its high acidity means it can be used to make everything from sparkling wines to well-balanced dessert wines, although it can produce very bland, neutral wines if the vine's natural vigor is not controlled...
, ChardonnayChardonnayChardonnay is a green-skinned grape variety used to make white wine. It is originated from the Burgundy wine region of eastern France but is now grown wherever wine is produced, from England to New Zealand...
, ChasselasChasselasChasselas or Chasselas Blanc is a wine grape variety grown in Switzerland, France, Germany, Portugal, Baja Norte, Mexico, Hungary and New Zealand.Theories of its origin vary. Pierre Galet believes it is a native Swiss variety....
, ColombardColombardColombard is an early fruiting white variety of wine grape, better known as French Colombard in North America. It is possibly the offspring of Gouais Blanc and Chenin Blanc....
, CrouchenCrouchenCrouchen or Crouchen Blanc is a variety of white grape. It has its origins in France, although it is now rarely grown there. Instead, it is more commonly found in Australia, where it is often referred to as "Clare Riesling", and in South Africa, where it is often called "Cape Riesling", "Paarl...
, FloraFloraFlora is the plant life occurring in a particular region or time, generally the naturally occurring or indigenous—native plant life. The corresponding term for animals is fauna.-Etymology:...
, GewürztraminerGewürztraminerGewürztraminer is an aromatic wine grape variety that performs best in cooler climates. It is sometimes referred to colloquially as Gewürz, and in French it is written '...
, Sauvignon BlancSauvignon blancSauvignon Blanc is a green-skinned grape variety which originates from the Bordeaux region of France. The grape most likely gets its name from the French word sauvage and blanc due to its early origins as an indigenous grape in South West France., a possible descendant of savagnin...
, GordoMuscat of AlexandriaMuscat of Alexandria is a white wine grape that is a member of the Muscat family of Vitis vinifera. It is considered an "ancient vine", and wine experts believe it is one of the oldest genetically unmodified vines still in existence...
, Marsanne, MoscatoMuscat (grape and wine)The Muscat variety of grapes of the species Vitis vinifera is widely grown for wine, raisins and table grapes. Their color ranges from white to near black. Muscat almost always has a pronounced sweet floral aroma. Muscat grapes are grown around the world...
, Orange Muscat, Pinot Grigio, Rhine Riesling, RoussanneRoussanneRoussanne is a white wine grape grown originally in the Rhône wine region in France, where it is often blended with Marsanne. It is the only other white variety, besides Marsanne, allowed in the northern Rhône appellations of Crozes-Hermitage AOC, Hermitage AOC and Saint-Joseph AOC...
, SultanaSultana (grape)The sultana is a type of white, seedless grape assumed to originate from the Turkish, Greek, or Iranian area...
, Sylvaner, TrebbianoTrebbianoTrebbiano is the second most widely planted grape in the world. It gives good yields, but makes undistinguished wine at best. It can be fresh and fruity, but does not keep long. Its high acidity makes it important in Cognac production...
, VerdelhoVerdelhoVerdelho is a white wine grape grown throughout Portugal, though most associated with the island of Madeira, and also gives its name to one of the four main types of Madeira wine...
, ViognierViognierViognier is a white wine grape. It is the only permitted grape for the French wine Condrieu in the Rhone valley.-History:The origin of the Viognier grape is unknown. Viognier is presumed to be an ancient grape, possibly originating in Dalmatia and then brought to Rhône by the Romans. One legend...
, Vermintino, White Frontinac - Red: AglianicoAglianicoAglianico is a black grape grown in the Basilicata and Campania regions of Italy. The vine originated in Greece and was brought to the south of Italy by Greek settlers. The name may be a corruption of Vitis hellenica, Latin for "Greek vine"...
, BarberaBarberaBarbera is a red Italian wine grape variety that, as of 2000, was the third most-planted red grape variety in Italy . It produces good yields and is known for deep color, low tannins and high levels of acid...
, Cabernet FrancCabernet FrancCabernet Franc is one of the major black grape varieties worldwide. It is principally grown for blending with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in the Bordeaux style, but can also be vinified alone - as in the Loire's Chinon...
, Cabernet SauvignonCabernet SauvignonCabernet Sauvignon is one of the world's most widely recognized red wine grape varieties. It is grown in nearly every major wine producing country among a diverse spectrum of climates from Canada's Okanagan Valley to Lebanon's Beqaa Valley...
, CiennaCiennaCienna is red Australian wine grape variety first bred in 2000. It is a mix between the Spanish wine grape Sumoll and Cabernet Sauvignon grape. This grape was initially created in 1972 by CSIRO. They aim was to produce high quality grapes suited for Australian conditions....
, DolcettoDolcettoDolcetto is a black wine grape variety widely grown in the Piedmont region of northwest Italy. The Italian word dolcetto means "little sweet one", but it is not certain that the name originally carried any reference to the grape’s sugar levels: it is possible that it derives from the name of the...
, DurifDurifDurif is a variety of red wine grape primarily grown in California, Australia, France, and Israel. Since the end of the 20th century, wineries located in Washington's Yakima River Valley, Maryland, Arizona, West Virginia, Chile, Mexico's Baja Peninsula, and Ontario's Niagara Peninsula have also...
, GracianoGracianoGraciano is a Spanish red wine grape that is grown primarily in Rioja. The vine produces a low yield that are normally harvested in late October. The wine produces is characterized by its deep red color, strong aroma and ability to age well...
, LagreinLagrein- External links :* from lagrein.it...
, MalbecMalbecMalbec is a purple grape variety used in making red wine. The grapes tend to have an inky dark color and robust tannins, and are long known as one of the six grapes allowed in the blend of red Bordeaux wine. The French plantations of Malbec are now found primarily in Cahors in the South West...
, MarzeminoMarzeminoMarzemino is a red Italian wine grape that is primarily grown around Isera, south of Trentino. The wine is most noted for its mention in the opera Don Giovanni of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart . The vine ripens late and is susceptible to many grape diseases including oidium...
, MerlotMerlotMerlot is a darkly blue-coloured wine grape, that is used as both a blending grape and for varietal wines. The name Merlot is thought to derive from the Old French word for young blackbird, merlot, a diminutive of merle, the blackbird , probably from the color of the grape. Merlot-based wines...
, MeunierPinot meunierPinot Meunier, , also known as Meunier or Black Riesling, is a variety of black wine grape most noted for being one of the three main grapes used in the production of champagne...
, Mondeuse, Nebbiolo, Petit VerdotPetit verdotPetit Verdot is a variety of red wine grape, principally used in classic Bordeaux blends. It ripens much later than the other varieties in Bordeaux, often too late, so it fell out of favour in its home region. When it does ripen, it is added in small amounts to add tannin, colour and flavour to the...
, Pinot NoirPinot NoirPinot noir is a black wine grape variety of the species Vitis vinifera. The name may also refer to wines created predominantly from Pinot noir grapes...
, Ruby CabernetRuby CabernetRuby Cabernet is a red Olmo grape variety that is a cross between Cabernet Sauvignon and Carignan, it can produce wines with good colour and a pleasant cherry flavour, but is mostly blended into bulk wines....
, SangioveseSangioveseSangiovese is a red Italian wine grape variety whose name derives from the Latin sanguis Jovis, "the blood of Jove"...
, SchioppettinoSchioppettinoSchiopettino is a red Italian wine grape grown predominately in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of northeast Italy. The grape is believed to have originated between the comune of Prepotto and the Slovenian border where records of the Schiopettino wine being used in marriage ceremonies date to 1282...
, Shiraz, TarrangoTarrangoTarrango is a red grape variety used in Australian wine production. This slow-ripening grape was created in 1965 by the CSIRO Horticultural Research Station at Merbein in Victoria, Australia, as a hybrid of Touriga Nacional and Sultana in order to create wines of good acidity, but low in tannin....
, TempranilloTempranilloTempranillo is a variety of black grape widely grown to make full-bodied red wines in its native Spain. It is the main grape used in Rioja, and is often referred to as Spain's "noble grape". Its name is the diminutive of the Spanish temprano , a reference to the fact that it ripens several weeks...
, ZinfandelZinfandelZinfandel is a variety of red grape planted in over 10 percent of California vineyards. DNA fingerprinting revealed that it is genetically equivalent to the Croatian grape Crljenak Kaštelanski, and also the Primitivo variety traditionally grown in Puglia , where it was introduced in the 18th century...
Wine styles
Fortified: The fortified wine has been in a range of styles including Tawny Port, Ruby Port, Vintage Port, Flor Fino SherryFino
Fino is the driest and palest of the traditional varieties of sherry. They are drunk comparatively young, and unlike the sweeter varieties should be drunk soon after the bottle is opened as exposure to air can cause them to lose their flavour within hours.-Flor:The defining component of Fino...
, Sweet Sherry, Muscat
Muscat (grape and wine)
The Muscat variety of grapes of the species Vitis vinifera is widely grown for wine, raisins and table grapes. Their color ranges from white to near black. Muscat almost always has a pronounced sweet floral aroma. Muscat grapes are grown around the world...
& Tokay
Muscadelle
Muscadelle is a white wine grape variety. It has a simple aroma of grape juice and raisins like grapes of the Muscat family of grapes, but it is unrelated....
.
Table Wine: The table wines have ranged from dry to sweet, usually straight varietals, but occasionally blends such as Shiraz
Shiraz grape
Syrah or Shiraz is a dark-skinned grape grown throughout the world and used primarily to produce powerful red wines. Whether sold as Syrah or Shiraz, these wines enjoy great popularity.Syrah is used as a varietal and is also blended...
/Cabernet
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the world's most widely recognized red wine grape varieties. It is grown in nearly every major wine producing country among a diverse spectrum of climates from Canada's Okanagan Valley to Lebanon's Beqaa Valley...
, Shiraz
Shiraz grape
Syrah or Shiraz is a dark-skinned grape grown throughout the world and used primarily to produce powerful red wines. Whether sold as Syrah or Shiraz, these wines enjoy great popularity.Syrah is used as a varietal and is also blended...
/Mondeuse/Cabernet
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the world's most widely recognized red wine grape varieties. It is grown in nearly every major wine producing country among a diverse spectrum of climates from Canada's Okanagan Valley to Lebanon's Beqaa Valley...
(SMC)
Dessert Wine: The dessert wines have included a blend of the Orange Muscat & Flora
Flora
Flora is the plant life occurring in a particular region or time, generally the naturally occurring or indigenous—native plant life. The corresponding term for animals is fauna.-Etymology:...
varieties and a Botrytis Riesling labeled Noble Riesling.
Sparkling Wine: The Sparkling wines are mostly in the Méthode Champenoise with grapes from the Whitlands vineyard but there has also been other styles such as a Sparkling Shiraz.
Vineyards
All of Brown Brothers vineyards are in Victoria, Australia and cover a variety of climates and soil types.Milawa
Established: 1885Location: (36°27.2′S 146°25.6′E)
Varieties: Merlot
Merlot
Merlot is a darkly blue-coloured wine grape, that is used as both a blending grape and for varietal wines. The name Merlot is thought to derive from the Old French word for young blackbird, merlot, a diminutive of merle, the blackbird , probably from the color of the grape. Merlot-based wines...
, Riesling
Riesling
Riesling is a white grape variety which originated in the Rhine region of Germany. Riesling is an aromatic grape variety displaying flowery, almost perfumed, aromas as well as high acidity. It is used to make dry, semi-sweet, sweet and sparkling white wines. Riesling wines are usually varietally...
, Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the world's most widely recognized red wine grape varieties. It is grown in nearly every major wine producing country among a diverse spectrum of climates from Canada's Okanagan Valley to Lebanon's Beqaa Valley...
, Dolcetto
Dolcetto
Dolcetto is a black wine grape variety widely grown in the Piedmont region of northwest Italy. The Italian word dolcetto means "little sweet one", but it is not certain that the name originally carried any reference to the grape’s sugar levels: it is possible that it derives from the name of the...
, Graciano
Graciano
Graciano is a Spanish red wine grape that is grown primarily in Rioja. The vine produces a low yield that are normally harvested in late October. The wine produces is characterized by its deep red color, strong aroma and ability to age well...
, Mondeuse, Shiraz & White Frontignac.
Everton
Established: 1950 - abt 1976Location: (36°24.20′S 146°33.31′E)
Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz
Mystic Park
Established: 1968Location: (35°36′S 143°45′E)
Varieties: Cienna
Cienna
Cienna is red Australian wine grape variety first bred in 2000. It is a mix between the Spanish wine grape Sumoll and Cabernet Sauvignon grape. This grape was initially created in 1972 by CSIRO. They aim was to produce high quality grapes suited for Australian conditions....
, Dolcetto
Dolcetto
Dolcetto is a black wine grape variety widely grown in the Piedmont region of northwest Italy. The Italian word dolcetto means "little sweet one", but it is not certain that the name originally carried any reference to the grape’s sugar levels: it is possible that it derives from the name of the...
, Tarrango
Tarrango
Tarrango is a red grape variety used in Australian wine production. This slow-ripening grape was created in 1965 by the CSIRO Horticultural Research Station at Merbein in Victoria, Australia, as a hybrid of Touriga Nacional and Sultana in order to create wines of good acidity, but low in tannin....
, Orange Muscat, Flora
Flora
Flora is the plant life occurring in a particular region or time, generally the naturally occurring or indigenous—native plant life. The corresponding term for animals is fauna.-Etymology:...
, Crouchen
Crouchen
Crouchen or Crouchen Blanc is a variety of white grape. It has its origins in France, although it is now rarely grown there. Instead, it is more commonly found in Australia, where it is often referred to as "Clare Riesling", and in South Africa, where it is often called "Cape Riesling", "Paarl...
, Shiraz, Colombard
Colombard
Colombard is an early fruiting white variety of wine grape, better known as French Colombard in North America. It is possibly the offspring of Gouais Blanc and Chenin Blanc....
& Chardonnay
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is a green-skinned grape variety used to make white wine. It is originated from the Burgundy wine region of eastern France but is now grown wherever wine is produced, from England to New Zealand...
Whitlands
Established: 1982Location: (36°47′S 146°21.65′E)
Varieties: Riesling
Riesling
Riesling is a white grape variety which originated in the Rhine region of Germany. Riesling is an aromatic grape variety displaying flowery, almost perfumed, aromas as well as high acidity. It is used to make dry, semi-sweet, sweet and sparkling white wines. Riesling wines are usually varietally...
, Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir
Pinot noir is a black wine grape variety of the species Vitis vinifera. The name may also refer to wines created predominantly from Pinot noir grapes...
, Chardonnay
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is a green-skinned grape variety used to make white wine. It is originated from the Burgundy wine region of eastern France but is now grown wherever wine is produced, from England to New Zealand...
, Pinot Meunier
Pinot meunier
Pinot Meunier, , also known as Meunier or Black Riesling, is a variety of black wine grape most noted for being one of the three main grapes used in the production of champagne...
, Pinot Gris
Pinot Gris
Pinot gris is a white wine grape variety of the species Vitis vinifera. Thought to be a mutant clone of the Pinot noir grape, it normally has a grayish-blue fruit, accounting for its name but the grape can have a brownish pink to black and even white appearance...
& Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the world's most widely recognized red wine grape varieties. It is grown in nearly every major wine producing country among a diverse spectrum of climates from Canada's Okanagan Valley to Lebanon's Beqaa Valley...
Banksdale
Established: 1994Location: (36°39.6′S 146°18.68′E)
Varieties: Chardonnay
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is a green-skinned grape variety used to make white wine. It is originated from the Burgundy wine region of eastern France but is now grown wherever wine is produced, from England to New Zealand...
, Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the world's most widely recognized red wine grape varieties. It is grown in nearly every major wine producing country among a diverse spectrum of climates from Canada's Okanagan Valley to Lebanon's Beqaa Valley...
, Shiraz, Pinot Grigio, Viognier
Viognier
Viognier is a white wine grape. It is the only permitted grape for the French wine Condrieu in the Rhone valley.-History:The origin of the Viognier grape is unknown. Viognier is presumed to be an ancient grape, possibly originating in Dalmatia and then brought to Rhône by the Romans. One legend...
& Tempranillo
Tempranillo
Tempranillo is a variety of black grape widely grown to make full-bodied red wines in its native Spain. It is the main grape used in Rioja, and is often referred to as Spain's "noble grape". Its name is the diminutive of the Spanish temprano , a reference to the fact that it ripens several weeks...
Heathcote
Established: 1999Location: (36°28.3′S 144°47.07′E)
Varieties: Shiraz, Merlot
Merlot
Merlot is a darkly blue-coloured wine grape, that is used as both a blending grape and for varietal wines. The name Merlot is thought to derive from the Old French word for young blackbird, merlot, a diminutive of merle, the blackbird , probably from the color of the grape. Merlot-based wines...
, Durif
Durif
Durif is a variety of red wine grape primarily grown in California, Australia, France, and Israel. Since the end of the 20th century, wineries located in Washington's Yakima River Valley, Maryland, Arizona, West Virginia, Chile, Mexico's Baja Peninsula, and Ontario's Niagara Peninsula have also...
, Malbec
Malbec
Malbec is a purple grape variety used in making red wine. The grapes tend to have an inky dark color and robust tannins, and are long known as one of the six grapes allowed in the blend of red Bordeaux wine. The French plantations of Malbec are now found primarily in Cahors in the South West...
, Sangiovese
Sangiovese
Sangiovese is a red Italian wine grape variety whose name derives from the Latin sanguis Jovis, "the blood of Jove"...
, Tempranillo
Tempranillo
Tempranillo is a variety of black grape widely grown to make full-bodied red wines in its native Spain. It is the main grape used in Rioja, and is often referred to as Spain's "noble grape". Its name is the diminutive of the Spanish temprano , a reference to the fact that it ripens several weeks...
, Petit Verdot
Petit verdot
Petit Verdot is a variety of red wine grape, principally used in classic Bordeaux blends. It ripens much later than the other varieties in Bordeaux, often too late, so it fell out of favour in its home region. When it does ripen, it is added in small amounts to add tannin, colour and flavour to the...
, Dolcetto
Dolcetto
Dolcetto is a black wine grape variety widely grown in the Piedmont region of northwest Italy. The Italian word dolcetto means "little sweet one", but it is not certain that the name originally carried any reference to the grape’s sugar levels: it is possible that it derives from the name of the...
& Pinot Grigio