The Geographical Indication Committee (G.I.C.) has recently declared the boundaries of the Heathcote region - these are quite extensive, and have created much debate. The declaration now clearly defines wines that may be labelled as originating from Heathcote.

Heathcote is located in Central Victoria and is bounded by the township of Rochester to the North, the community of Tooborac to the South, Lake Eppalock to the West and Graytown to the East. Within the region there are many subregions and consequently differing terroirs and microclimates. No one has claimed that the district is homogenous and it is this variation of terroir that gives the wines of the region their richness and diversity.

Historically, while the oldest vineyards have been planted closest to the township of Heathcote, this does not necessarily mean that they necessarily have the most ideal terroir for growing exceptional grapes. The truth is that it is too early to know, and it will possibly take a couple of hundred years to determine which sites produce the best wines. In the meantime, the variation of style of Heathcote vines remains a question of preference and market forces.

The size of the district means that the climate geology and topography will vary greatly. The main variations are apparent as one travels from Tooborac towards Rochester. The North is drier than the South and likely to receive on average 5-10mm less rain per month during the vines’ growing season (April to October).
Southern vineyards also experience cooler temperatures during the growing season. These can vary between 1.8 and 1.4 degrees Celsius lower, resulting in an extended growing season. This variation in temperature during the grape ripening period results in a spread of picking dates, and subsequently the development of a range of different flavour profiles. Chardonnay, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon for example may ripen from 12 to 14 days later in Southern vineyards than they would in the Northern areas of the region.

Much work has to still be done to exploit the differences in ripening times and it could take years before the most optimal matrix of flavour combinations can be found, indeed if they can ever be found.

The below tables indicate the temperature variations and ripening dates for various parts of the district. The charts were prepared by Davidson Viticultural Services.

TABLE ONE: TEMPERATURE SUMMATIONS

TABLE TWO: ESTIMATED HARVEST DATES

TABLE 3:
MEAN DAILY TEMPERATURE DURING RIPENING

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Leigh and Joanne Hunt of Huntleigh Vineyards produce wines which are assured and complex. As a result they have attracted a very loyal following of cellar door and mail order customers.

This family owned and and operated vineyard situated north of Heathcote at Tunnecliff's Lane (just off the Northern Highway) was established in 1975 with the first small vintage in 1979. Today there are 5.5 hectares under vine, including Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc & Riesling.

In December 1989 the vineyard was ravaged by fire! Recovery has been slow, however Huntleigh are now back to normal production. Leigh Hunt makes all the wines on premises.

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