The Taltarni Vineyards & Winery is located near Avoca in the Pyrenees winegrowing region in the Australian state of Victoria. The name, which comes from the Aboriginal language, means "red earth" and refers to the clay soil (Terra Rossa), which is rich in silicon and iron and thus red in colour. The winery was founded in 1969 and was one of the founders of the winegrowing sector at that time. The current owner John Goelet acquired it in 1972 with the vision of producing first-class wines in a rather cool Mediterranean climate. The cellarmaster/oenologist in charge is Robert Heywood.
The first wines were then marketed five years later. The total estate comprises about 700 hectares of land, of which 132 hectares are planted with vines. The vineyards are located at around 400 metres above sea level. Cool nights and warm days create excellent climatic conditions for the production of top wines. Among others, the red wine varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz (Syrah) and Malbec (Cot), as well as the white wine varieties Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling are cultivated.
In 1986, the Clover Hillvineyard was acquired in north-eastern Tasmania in the Piper's River region, which has a climate similar to that of the French Champagne region. Around 21 hectares were planted exclusively with the three classic Champagne varieties Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier and sparkling wine was produced according to the Méthode traditionnelle. In isolated years with exceptionally good climatic conditions, a blanc de blancs is also produced.
In 1998, the Lalla Gully vineyard in north-eastern Tasmania, founded in 1992, was purchased. The vineyards cover almost 18 hectares. The picturesque estate is embedded in a natural amphitheatre and creates excellent conditions for white wines. The wines from all three vineyards are produced under the supervision of French-born winemaker Loïc Le Calvez. The particular aim is to maintain the characteristics and fine fruit notes typical of the region.
In the same ownership are also the winery Clos Du Val Winery in California 's Napa Valley and the Domaine de Nizas (with Roussanne, Vermentino and Viognier varieties, among others) in France's Languedoc.
