Printhie Wines

Over the duration of an entire growing season, a cool climate is one where the variety is on the margins of consistently being ripe in most years. The fascinating aspect of the Orange region is the range of elevations and variations in climate.

Therefore, there is essentially, a cool climate for most varieties, from the earliest ripening (chardonnay, pinot noir – best at higher elevations) as well as for the latest ripening varieties (cabernet sauvignon – best at lower elevations). This is why Printhie has avoided the “fruit salad” approach to viticulture where every variety is planted in the one location.

We attempt to source particular grape varieties from vineyards where the variety/vineyard site match is considered to be optimal and each variety is grown in its appropriate cool climate. Printhie is able to take full advantage of the natural variations that occur within the region by having vineyards in three separate locations and this is crucial to producing high quality, distinctive wines.

Ultimately, cool climate growing conditions are expressed in the style of wine produced from the vineyard site. Aromas and flavours will be expressed with complexity and intensity, the acidity will be natural, bright and fresh. Chardonnay grown at 600 metres will be quite different from chardonnay grown at 1,000 metres not only in aroma and flavour but in palate structure as well.