Tasmania

The surrounding Southern Ocean is central to Tasmania’s wine identity. Cool conditions and an extended growing season suit Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with both still and sparkling wines important. The island is a single broad geographical indication, while vineyard districts in the north and south have distinct growing conditions.

For a first bottle, decide between sparkling wine and a still expression of Pinot Noir or Chardonnay. Tamar Valley and Pipers River are northern names to recognise; Coal River, Derwent and Huon appear in the south. Tasmania signals a cool-climate direction, rather than one uniform wine style or a single soil.