This cool climate zone in the foothills of the Victorian Alpine region produces more different varieties than any other region in the country. It’s known in particular for cooler climate versions of Prosecco and other wines with bright acidity and fresh flavours.
Settled by many Italian nationals post WWII, there are many grape varieties from the home country, including Prosecco, Sangiovese and Pinot Grigio. However the diverse terroir in this region allows a wider range of grapes well suited to a cool climates, for example Chardonnay, Riesling and Pinot Noir.
Although generally classified as cool continental, warm days in the King Valley in the ripening season are balanced by cool nights. The microclimates in the region vary from the valley floor where it is moderate, through to the upper slopes which can be an almost marginal temperature. The soils are mostly a deep red clay loam, which helps provide generosity of flavour. The region is quite large, but most of the vineyard are on gentle slopes, facing north and northeast, exposed to long sunshine hours bumping up complexity and ripening capabilities even in cooler years.
Wine was grown at Milawa by Brown Brothers in the 1880s, but the influx of Italian migrants to the wider region after World War II have provided the King Valley with its current defining traits. Originally drawn to the tobacco farming industry, as the tobacco demands decreased, farmers followed the lead of the highly successful Brown Brothers, but introduced varieties from the home country. From its first plantings in the 1990s, Prosecco has become synonymous with the King Valley, as have the many other Italian grapes grown there. Vineyards have opened cellar doors and established restaurants (again, very much with an Italian vibe), imaking it part of the gourmet trail for travellers, known as a hub for vibrant food culture and community activity.
A bold and pear-filled nose with King Valley’s trademark notes of acacia and quince are backed with a gentle nuttiness. The palate is full of ripe fruit flavour but is also beautifully crisp and dry, making this an adaptable Prosecco that can fly solo or also lend solid flavour to a spritz.
The grapes are harvested when just flavour-ripe, to produce a Venetian-style Pinot Grigio, with a balance of citrus, pear and tropical flavours with vibrant acidity and just the right amount of palate weight. Dancing between crisp and creamy, savoury top-notes keep this wine interesting and refreshing for every sip.
The 2024 vintage in the King Valley was low yielding but dry, providing some lovely Sauvignon Blanc fruit with filigree citrus and passion fruit characters over a fresh savoury core. It finishes lean, ultry-dry and long.
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