Tasmanian Wines: Cool Climate Pinot Noir, Sparkling, Chardonnay and Riesling
Crisp southern air, long sunny autumns and vineyards by rivers and the sea: Tasmania, or Tassie as Australians call it, makes some of the most exciting cool climate wines in the country. Its Pinot Noir and sparkling wine in particular have put the island on the world's wine map.
What Makes Tasmanian Wine So Special?
Tasmania is Australia's coolest wine growing state. Grapes ripen slowly over a long, mild season, which keeps natural acidity high and builds fine, pure flavours. The island grows only a tiny share of the country's grapes, yet its wines are among the most sought after.
Tasmanian white wine and sparkling make up more than two thirds of our range, and Pinot Noir is by far the leading Tasmanian red wine. To learn more about Tas wine, its history and regions, read our beginner's guide to Tasmanian wine.
Tasmanian Pinot Noir
Tasmanian Pinot Noir is the island's calling card and its most widely grown grape. Expect red cherry, raspberry and forest floor, with bright acidity and fine, silky tannins. Some mainland icons use Tasmanian fruit too, such as the Penfolds Bin 23 Pinot Noir.
Single site wines show how much place matters, like the Coal River Valley and Pipers River Pinots from Dalrymple. Explore Pinot from other regions in our Pinot Noir collection.
Tasmanian Sparkling Wine
Cool temperatures give Chardonnay and Pinot Noir the fine acidity that great sparkling wine needs. Tasmania's premium sparkling wines are made in the traditional method, with the second fermentation in the bottle, and many spend extended time on lees for extra creaminess and depth.
No wonder Tasmanian sparkling is often compared with Champagne, and some even call it Tasmanian Champagne. Try the Jansz Tasmania Premium Cuvée and Premium Rosé, or the Clover Hill Tasmanian Cuvée Rosé, both from Pipers River.
For something special, look for the long aged Jansz Late Disgorged Vintage Cuvée or a vintage release from Delamere, or browse our Australian sparkling wine collection.
Chardonnay, Riesling and Pinot Gris
Tasmanian Chardonnay is taut and elegant, with citrus, white peach and a mineral edge. Compare it with other regions in our Chardonnay collection.
The cool climate also suits aromatic whites. Tasmanian Riesling is racy and lime scented, and Pressing Matters even names its Rieslings after their residual sugar, from bone dry R0 to luscious R69.
Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio, crisp Tasmanian Sauvignon Blanc and fresh rosé, both still and sparkling, round out the range.
North, South or East Coast?
Each part of the island has its own strengths. In the north, the Tamar Valley and Pipers River near Launceston are home to Josef Chromy, Jansz and Clover Hill, and much of the island's sparkling. In the south, the dry Coal River Valley near Hobart gives concentrated Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling.
On the sheltered East Coast, warmer vineyards such as Freycinet and Spring Vale make richer Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Tasmanian Wine Brands in Our Range
Josef Chromy is our largest Tasmanian producer, joined by Delamere, Spring Vale, Frogmore Creek, Jansz Tasmania and 42 Degrees South. Smaller labels include Dr Edge, Pressing Matters, Bay of Fires, Eddystone Point and Storm Bay.
Serving and Food Pairing
Serve sparkling well chilled at 6 to 8 degrees, whites at 8 to 12 degrees and Pinot Noir slightly cool at 14 to 16 degrees. Tasmanian sparkling loves fresh oysters, Riesling suits Asian dishes, and Pinot Noir is a classic match for salmon or duck.
Why Is Tasmanian Wine So Expensive? Your Questions, Answered
Why is Tasmanian wine so expensive?
The crop is small, Tasmanian grapes fetch far more per tonne than the national average, and demand keeps outstripping supply, including from mainland wineries that buy Tasmanian fruit. Many premium sparkling wines also spend extended time on lees before release.
Is Tasmanian sparkling as good as Champagne?
Tasmania uses the same grapes and the same traditional method as Champagne, and its finest cuvées regularly win major awards. The style is often a little fresher and more fruit driven, and only wine from Champagne in France may carry the Champagne name.
Tasmania or Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir?
Both are cool and maritime. Tasmanian Pinot Noir is often a little more taut and acid driven, while Mornington Peninsula Pinot tends to be softer and more fragrant. Tasting one beside the other is a great way to find your style.
Why Buy Tasmanian Wine at YourWines?
From a celebratory vintage sparkling to a silky Pinot Noir for dinner, you can buy Tasmanian wine online and bring the island's cellar doors to your table.
Every wine is chosen by our team, available by the dozen or as a six-pack, and shipping is free Australia wide with a surcharge for WA, TAS and remote areas.