Picolit, the little known and extremely rare grape variety of European extraction, originates in northern Italy’s ‘Colli Orientali del Friuli’ (eastern hills of the Friuli region). As its name suggests, the stalks of the fruit are very small and due to a genetic disorder known as floral abortion, the variety’s flowering buds don't develop properly, resulting in poor pollination rates and a subsequently exceptionally small crop. The grapes that do develop and ripen fully are packed with flavours, which contribute to the variety’s notoriety as Italy’s most precious and prized dessert wine. While the variety was first officially documented in 1682, it is understood the Romans cultivated the grape and brought it into Italy around 1500 AD. It...
Primary producers are subject to the uncontrollable elements of nature and viticulture is no exception. The dormancy of vines through the cooler months of the year affords some protection against winter chills and further allows hard pruning of canes and spurs with minimal impact on the plants’ metabolism. With the arrival of spring…. longer daylight and steadily increasing warmth, the plants ‘wake up’ and begin a new cycle of growth. The climatic change stimulates leaf bud burst producing soft, tender foliage tissue, highly susceptible to the prevalent frosty conditions at night at this time of year. To assist the Turners Crossing vineyard team in managing such conditions, an online weather station has been created with direct links to...
The Turners Crossing vineyard consists of four grape varieties used to make the range of wines bearing the well-recognised label of this Central Victorian product. The varieties have been carefully selected to reflect compatibility with the climate and soils of the vineyard site. The vigour of the vines and fruit productivity is testament to that suitability. Cabernet Sauvignon One of the world’s most widely recognised and grown red wine grape varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon produces wine that is typically medium-to full-bodied with high tannins and noticeable acidity, which in turn contributes to the ageing potential of the wine. In more moderate to warm climates such as that found at Serpentine, the Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits blackcurrant notes with a hint...
It seems appropriate at this time of year to talk about weather. As inclement and cold and bitter as it may feel in a Central Victorian winter, it is generally a much safer time of the year for vines that are dormant and not vigorously active in terms of growth and development. While winters are often dry and cold, summers can be dry and hot for extended periods. Access to reliable water is therefore essential and the proximity to the Loddon River flowing along the north-western boundary of the Turners Crossing vineyard is of significant value in that sense. To compliment the water entitlement from the river, a back-up bore on the property has the capacity to supply water...
Driving northwest from Bendigo, the landscape begins to flatten out and open up through pastoral country divided by serpent-like bands of River Red gum trees that line sporadic river courses meandering slowly to the mighty Murray River. Not far from the tiny settlement of Serpentine, some 200 kilometres northwest of Melbourne, Turners Crossing vineyard rests on the banks of the Loddon River on the Old Bridgewater- Serpentine road. It is here where Paul Jenkins and Phil Bennett found property available to establish their vision for a productive and viable vineyard. The initial assessments involved intensive soil testing and irrigation planning before site preparation began followed by the extensive planting and trellising of the vines. The entire property is just...
