Mount Majura Vineyard

Canberra District wine pioneer Dr. Edgar Riek discovered Mount Majura Vineyard's east facing patch of limestone and volcanic rock in the late 80s. Dr Riek helped establish the original vineyard in 1988 with initial plantings of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. In the late 90s the vineyard was expanded to its current 9.3Ha size and now also grows Canberra District specialties, Riesling and Shiraz along with their flagship variety Tempranillo. From one pioneer to the next, current winemaker Frank van de Loo now makes one of the best Tempranillo wines in Australia. It’s the Tempranillo that has really put this vineyard on the map. Remarkably similar to Spain’s Ribera del Duero, the two region’s continental climates are marked by warm to hot days over vintage with dramatic drops in overnight temperatures giving the vines a rest which is thought to play a part in helping to maintain aromatics and natural acidity in the fruit. Van de Loo also produces the unique and well loved blend, TSG. This blend of Tempranillo, Shiraz and Graciano brings together the best varietals from the site, taking the emphasis away from single varietals to better showcase the vineyard The wines from Mount Majura Vineyard are all sourced from the site. The philosophy is based on authenticity and expression of place. The vineyard strives to find varieties that best express the site so that quality comes naturally. It’s this philosophy that has led to a number of alternative varieties being planted including Graciano, Touriga Nacional and Mondeuse. Mount Majura Vineyard is rated as a Five Red star winery in The James Halliday Wine Companion and winemaker Frank Van de Loo was a finalist in the Gourmet Traveller Winemaker of the Year Awards in 2018.