New wine group for independent growers

A new wine group called Independent Fine Wine Growers of Australia has been created to support a group of small wineries with low yields and production under 20,000 cases a year.

Founding chairperson of the group, Tom Portet, told TheShout at ProWein in Germany that there are currently three wineries included at this time – Dominique Portet, Mount Mary and Castagna.

"The group has been developed based on four principles. The wineries are independently owned and operated; they have low yields of below two tonnes an acre or 30 hl per hectare; production under 20,000 cases per year as well as sustainable and hand managed vineyard practices," Portet said.

"We have come together to test the fine wine market in the emerging markets of Europe and to gauge the expectations of wine buyers.

Watch the video to hear more from Tom Portet at ProWein.

"We have had a very exciting response to the style and texture of the wines proving that niches like ours will contribute to find buyers in both good times and in bad.

"European buyers are specifically seeking low production, premium quality Australian wines and that is exciting for the future of our family-orientated group," he said.

At ProWein, the wines on show were the Mount Mary Quintet 2008 and 2010, Castagna 2010 Genesis Syrah and Dominique Portet Andre 2006.

Source: The Shout, 28 March 2013