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Sunbury is a wine region within the Port Phillip zone in the state of Victoria in Australia. A small region, it is located south of the Macedon Ranges, close to the north-western outskirts of the state capital, Melbourne.
Grape growing in the region dates back to the 1860s, making it one of the oldest wine regions in the state. However, the economic downturn of the 1890s, as well as a change in consumer attitudes towards wine and alcohol, meant that further development of the local wine industry came to a standstill. It was not until the 1980s that many old vineyards were re-established. Sunbury has now emerged as one of the leading producers of quality wines in the area. The region earned its own identity as a GI (Geographical Indication) in 1998.
Sunbury's topography is a mix of steep hillside slopes, volcanic plains and deep valleys. The Macedon mountain range in the north is vital to its cool climate, along with the Antarctic-influenced winds which come off the Bass Strait and Port Phillip Bay in the south. These factors affect the entire region, as cool winds sweep across the plains and valley floors during the growing season. The cool climate means that judicious site selection of is extremely important to ensure successful ripening of the grapes. Typically the best vineyards are located on steep slopes with the right amount of sunlight exposure; this, along with a long ripening season, is the reason for Sunbury's ability to produce some premium wines.
Shiraz produces the most-acclaimed wines of the region. They are known for their vibrant ripe black fruits, peppery spice, and soft and fine tannins, although alcohol levels never go too high, making them medium bodied. Chardonnay is the main white grape, producing wines with good natural acidity and an elegant fruit structure. Other important varieties include Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon.
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