In many respects Tasmania represents the leading edge of Australian cool climate viticulture and winemaking.  After all it is Australia’s ‘true’ cool climate region.  As a leading producer within the Tasmanian industry, Tamar Ridge Estates is taking a lead role within the research effort.

This research program is built around one of the few industry-based micro-vinification research  facilities in the Australian wine industry.  The establishment of this pilot winery was jointly funded by the Tasmanian Department of Economic Development and Tamar Ridge Estates. The micro-winery is designed to support the extensive vineyard experimental program that is now underway. The research program operates in conjunction with the University of Tasmania and the Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research (TIAR).  Micro wineries are especially useful in determining the effects of vineyard trials on wine quality.

The three-year research program was developed by Tamar Ridge Estates consultant viticulturist Dr Richard Smart in conjunction with the University of Tasmania and TIAR, and is focused on quality improvements of Tasmania’s flagship red  -  pinot noir.

As part of the program Tamar Ridge Estates assisted in the provision of two PhD scholarships.  The beneficiaries of these awards use the TRE micro-winery as a focus for their research project.  The research program undertaken by the PhD students is jointly supervised by Dr Smart and Dr Steve Wilson, Lecturer in Horticulture at TIAR.

Fieldwork is well underway in the Tamar Ridge vineyards.  In the 2006 season the students conducted 350 individual small-scale ferments from experimental plots.  The trials have focused on sugar accumulation in the grape berries, the impact of leaf area to fruit weight, of leaf removal and shoot trimming, and of late season leaf health.  In subsequent seasons the research effort has continued with some 450 individual ferments made in 2007 and 2008 and a further 300 in the 2009 season.

In 2008 Tasmanian pinot noir research was given a significant boost with the awarding of a $1.8 m AusIndustry research grant to a consortium of local wine industry participants including Tamar Ridge Estates.  The awarding of this grant was undoubtedly influenced by the level of research already being undertaken.

The three-year grant will allow studies into the production of premium pinot noir and sparkling wines on behalf of the cool climate regions of Australia.  The Tamar Ridge pilot winery and vineyards will play a pivotal role in this new work.

The research programs underway have allowed the Tamar Ridge PhD students join with other involved in vineyard research at the University of Tasmania.  This group has established linkages with the Australian Wine Research Institute and overseas research institutes in France, the USA and New Zealand by forming an international Pinot Noir study group.

Benefits for the Tasmanian Wine Industry

Like all research programs it will take time for the full benefits to be realised.  However, initial results already signpost industry benefits.

• Increased knowledge of the best use and mode of fertilisers, particularly nitrogen.
• Acquisition of local Tasmanian data about management inputs for pinot noir, understanding effects on wine colour.
• Greater understanding of the ripening of pinot noir and the contribution of leaf area and leaf health.
• Data will assist growers in making more economical and viticulturally sound decisions.
• An improvement in grape and wine quality will result from the application of this viticultural knowledge.
• Knowledge of performance of the latest clones of pinot noir with obvious benefits for new vineyard plantings.