It's Harvest Time at Margan Wines!
Grape harvest in the Hunter Valley usually kicks off at some stage in January, one of the first for Australian wine regions. In the Broke Fordwich area, tucked away in the corner of the Hunter and home to Margan Wines, the first grapes for Vintage 2023 were picked in mid- January.
Following a cool Spring defined by mild weather, cool evenings and a wet soil profile, a legacy from the July floods, the grapes have taken their time to ripen. Viticulturalists and winemakers watched their vines, eagerly looking for signs of increased sugar and flavour ripeness in the grapes, indicating they could start picking. Vintage 2023 has been a game of watching and waiting.
Every winemaker and vigneron across the Valley will have their own story and reference points about how the harvest is shaping up for them. Some are enjoying an easy harvest, while others have experienced cruel hail hits or a reduced crop due to disease from a wet spring. Overall, the region has experienced a sunny, dry ripening season largely devoid of
dramatic ‘weather events’ including drought, bushfires, East Coast lows and floods.
Recent Hunter Valley Winemaker of the Year Andrew Margan is excited about the 2023 Vintage, commenting that the warm and dry weather conditions combined with cool evenings have been perfect for ripening the 100 hectares of vines that Margan own. He believes that the longer ‘hang time’ for some of the grapes has allowed for slow and even flavour development in the fruit, which contributes to better flavour in the finished wine.
Margan Wines is a multi-generational grape-growing and winemaking business with an acclaimed wine and food tourism operation. Andrew and Lisa Margan established the business in 1996 in the historic village of Broke, which now, more than 25 years later, includes two of the second generation.
Alessa and Ollie, as viticulturist and winemaker, respectively, are back home and join the Margan Team after experience interstate and abroad, bringing with them a fresh perspective to the brand’s evolution. Andrew is still across all vineyard and winemaking, and Lisa continues to oversee the Restaurant and wine tourism operations.
The estate now farms 100 hectares of vines following regenerative agricultural principles and is certified Sustainably Farmed (SWA). These vineyards are all in the Broke Fordwich GI and are mostly planted on the Fordwich Sill, a unique volcanic soil formation dating back 200 million years. The vineyards are a combination of old vines planted to traditional
varieties such as Semillon, Chardonnay and Shiraz, as well as pioneering varieties including Albarino, Barbera and field blends of Shiraz/Mouvedre and Tempranillo/Graciano/Shiraz.
Margan wines are proudly 100% Broke Fordwich and all Estate Grown- Estate Made. A gentle approach in the winery aims to produce outstanding wines of regional definition and varietal typicity. They are modern wines yet give a respectful nod to their Hunter heritage and are unique expressions of their terroir, playing to the strengths of each specific vineyard site.
And where there is wine, there should be food! The acclaimed Margan Restaurant offers outstanding agri-dining with a large kitchen garden and orchard supplying much of the menu. The Cellar Door offers a range of tasting, dining and ‘hands-on’ experiences, including behind-the-scenes tours and tastings. Margan is a must-do for any serious wine and food lover.
