Strong Potential for Tasmanian Sparkling Wine in UK

The future for Tasmanian wine in the UK looks bright, trade representatives have said following a Tasmanian wine tasting in London.

Wine Tasmania, supported by Wine Australia, hosted a trade and press master class for more than 50 guests at Australia House on Thursday.

Presented by Michael Hill-Smith MW, co-owner of Tasmania’s Tolpuddle Vineyard, the two-hour master class featured 12 premium wines from the cool-climate island state that is making headlines around the world.

Tasmania is an exceptional producer of sparkling wines, which reflect the island’s cool climate conditions through striking acidity.  Sparkling wine was represented at the master class with three wines, Pirie NV, Jansz Tasmania Vintage Cuvée 2010 and House of Arras Blanc de Blancs 2006.

With 160 licenced wine producers in Tasmania, the region contributes to just 0.5% of total Australian wine production, but is one of the highest valued regions in the country, in terms of pricing for both its wine grapes and bottled wine. Of this, 50% remains in Australia – including 40% consumed in Tasmania itself – and just 10% is exported.