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Nestled within a cocoon of mixed vegetation and rolling hills, Dalrymple Estate enjoys a unique and seductive aspect shared by only a few boutique vineyards littering Tasmania’s Pipers River region
Dalrymple Estate is located in the Tamar Valley at Pipers River, about one hour from Launceston. This celebrated vineyard of just 12.3 hectares rises up an easterly facing slope from 100m to 160m above sea level. Discovered by Dr Bertel Sundstrup in 1987 after a long search for the perfect site, this small mature family owned vineyard produces some of Australia’s most distinctive cool climate wines.
Tea trees, eucalypts and ferns protect the terroir on all sides, whilst sea breezes from nearby Bass Strait moderate day and night temperatures, thereby encouraging the grapes to ripen evenly. On the western border of the property lies the extinct volcanic crater which created the vineyard’s rich basalt soils. These soils are of a moderate depth and so provide excellent drainage to avoid spring water logging, thereby keeping the vines in relatively good balance.
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The majority of vines exceed 20 years of age and derive from clones sourced from Yalumba’s Vine Nursery. Featuring typical early ripening characteristics which assist in advancing grape maturity, these clones make an important contribution to the vineyard’s consistent cropping pattern. The trellis is mainly Scot Henry which is used to increase exposure to sunlight.
During summer, Tasmania offers the longest sunlight hours in Australia, with the days remaining cool, rarely exceeding 30 degrees Celsius. These unique conditions mean very few blocks require irrigation but where a vigour supplement is needed we are using natural mulches to assist with vine performance. These features all combine to deliver perfect conditions for growing the most intensely flavoured and aromatic wine grapes.
With a latitude of 41°, Dalrymple shares similar conditions to those found in Champagne. The vineyard specializes in Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, but the terroir and microclimate are so idyllic, that most any rootstock would take to the soil and yield winegrapes of exceptional quality. Dalrymple's fruit was planned from the word go to exhibit sensational varietal qualities and to be vinified by the nation's best winemakers.
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The luscious Sauvignon Blanc is from Dalrymple's elite little vineyard and other important sites within Tasmania’s Tamar Valley. The fruit is ripened on the vine until flavours of passionfruit and spice developed. Various fermentation techniques, including some barrel fermentation are used to add complexity and layers to this vibrant Tasmanian Sauvignon Blanc. The succulent and fresh Pinot Noir is from the estate superlative Pipers River vines. Select parcels of fruit are chosen for their flavours of red berries and plum. Hand harvested and sorted, a natural ferment is encouraged, the various parcels are managed through a range of techniques to emphasise fresh berry flavours and supple texture. The J29 Block Pinot Noir has a supple and juicy palate with balanced bright fruits and savouryness. The fine tannins, spiciness and intensity are truly representative of the small J29 Block.
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At Dalrymple Estate Cellar Door you will have the opportunity to learn about Tasmanian history, talk to the winemaker, learn about how the grapes are grown and how the vineyards are managed by the viticultural team. The friendly and personable staff can guide you through a tasting of Dalrymple Estate wines as you take a leisurely stroll around the vineyards.
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