Ballandean Estate future-proofs harvest by planting 5000 Shiraz vines
Wednesday, 16 September 2020
Queensland’s oldest family-owned and operated winery future-proofed its reputation for word-class Shiraz by planting 5000 Shiraz plants next to the Opera Block vineyard at Ballandean Estate last week.
Photo: Leeanne Puglisi-Gangemi planting new Shiraz vines
Fourth-generation vigneron Leeanne Puglisi-Gangemi says,
“Ballandean Estate’s award-winning single vineyard premium Shiraz is sourced from the Opera Block’s oldest vines, planted in 1968, some of the oldest in Australia.
“Fifty years on, these vines are bearing incredible fruit. However, the yield is considerably reduced, down to one tonne an acre. Optimal yield for production is two tonnes an acre.
“Dad (father of Queensland wine Angelo Puglisi) was itching to try out a new Shiraz clone on a block that we had lying fallow for the last five years, once home to cabernet vines.
“Shiraz is our signature varietal, and we wanted to ensure our ability to meet the market in years to come.
“The new vines will be bearing fruit next season, however, we will be knocking the first few yields off the vine to establish a stronger root system. By 2025, we should be seeing the first harvest.
“Such a brilliant week in the vineyard, with bud burst underway and all hands on deck! We’ve had Dad, myself, my sister Robyn, vineyard manager Robyn Robertson, Tash Banbury, Peter Wade, plus Jason Costanzo and his vineyard team from Golden Grove Estate getting their hands dirty with the planting, which took five days,” says Ms Puglisi-Gangemi.
Photo: Robyn Puglisi-Henderson planting Shiraz vines
In the next few months Ballandean Estate will be releasing its much-anticipated 50th vintage of Shiraz.
“Our cool climate Shiraz is a vinicultural jewel. 2018 was an exceptionally low-yielding year—we have produced only 150 dozen of the Opera Block Shiraz for this vintage. The long ripening season and cold nights have delivered a delicate cool climate Shiraz, intense purple with concentrated berry fruits. We bottled this beauty back in 2019.”
For all media enquiries please contact:
Robyn Puglisi-Henderson or Leeanne Puglisi-Gangemi
Ph: (07) 4684 1226