Queensland continues trials on alternative varietals to discover
Queensland’s small but burgeonoing grape growing industry is set to get a boost thanks to the research being conducted at Wine Australia’s Regional Program in the state. This aims to find new varieties that are best suited to the diverse climatic conditions throughut the state’s south eastern corner, where the vast majority – 99% of Queensland’s wine grapes are grown.
“Within the next couple of years our goal is to confidently recommend varieties that are suited to particular climatic extremes in Queensland and are commercially viable and accepted by consumers’, said Mike Hayes, Director of Viticulture and Winery Operations at Sirromet Wines, and 2017 ASVO Winemaker of the Year.
"In previous years we have had issues with growing thin skinned varieties in warm humid climates," he said. "This trial will establish the possibility of planting hybrid varieties that can handle higher rainfall and humidity."
Some sub regions in the state receive more than 2000mm of rainall a year and humidity is frequently recorded at over 70% in the growing stage. “It is these climatic conditions that make alternative varieties an interesting propostion and an environmental necessity.”
In a joint venture with the CSIRO, the Regional Program will soon begin trials with hybrid varieties to assess their suitability for propogation, winemaking and consumer acceptance.
“This is exciting as it will eventually extend our growing regions to produce quality wine in Queensland,” said Hayes. Much of the research centres around alternative varieties and sharing knowledge with local producers.
This year the Regional Programe made wine from 13 of the varietals planted in the Vineyard of the Future project. Some of the varietals to be planted include Aglianico and Viosinho which will b planted with small batch winemaking to follow from the trials over the next three years.
In addition, 13 schools in Queensland have become ‘gateway schools’ to the wine tourism sector, to help educate and motivate future young winemakers and tourism operators.