Sunbury Region Australia

Situated just to the north west of Melbourne, the region offers a generally cool climate with a relatively cool and dry growing season. Vintage takes place from late March through April to early May.

The Galli Estate at Rockbank features rich red volcanic soil over clay loam, interspersed with rocky outcrops. The vineyard is on a north-south axis and the vine trellising uses vertical shoot positioning to increase exposure to sunlight. Planting commenced in 1997 and the vineyard is predominantly planted to Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. There are smaller blocks of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Merlot and the exciting Italian varieties Pinot Grigio and Sangiovese.

To date the region is best known for its red wines, particularly Shiraz, and Galli Estate is well placed to develop this reputation. Shiraz wines from the Estate show delightful restrained characters with earthy notes and a finely structured palate of some elegance. Excellent results have also been achieved with Cabernet Sauvignon and with an elegant, delicate Chardonnay. Pinot Grigio has also demonstrated an affinity with the site, in 2002 producing a wine which won medals at recent Australian wine shows.