By Farr Geelong Viognier 2022

Region and Vineyards

The Geelong wine region lies approximately 80 kilometers southwest of Melbourne, known for its cool maritime climate and diverse soil types. This Viognier is crafted from fruit sourced from two distinct vineyards. The first, the house block planted in 1994, features friable red soil over limestone leading to sandstone, mirroring the soils of the Farr’s Sangreal Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyards. The second vineyard, planted more recently, is rooted in red ironstone soil.

Viognier is a challenging variety, requiring careful attention due to its tendency to grow horizontally rather than vertically, its high water demand, and its vulnerability to sunburn. Despite these challenges, the growing season presented opportunities for great flavor development. After a wet winter and spring, the vineyard team maintained healthy canopies until disease pressure eased. The weather in February turned favorable, enabling the grapes to achieve significant depth of flavor by harvest in March.

Winemaking

The winemaking process for By Farr Viognier is both artisanal and precise. The grapes were foot stomped and left on their skins for over two hours to extract phenols, flavor, and texture. The fruit was then pressed, cooled, and transferred into barrels with solids intact, encouraging a natural fermentation.

As autumn progressed, gentle stirring prompted malolactic fermentation, which softened the wine’s finish while enhancing its complexity. After aging for 11 months in barrels, the wine was racked, fined, filtered, and bottled. This approach captures the essence of the fruit while adding depth and a lush textural element.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale gold with bright highlights.
• Aroma: Subtle yet expressive, with fresh notes of peach, apricot, and a hint of floral lift.
• Palate: Balanced and restrained, offering luscious fruit flavors with a refreshing ginger-spiced finish and a lengthy, vibrant aftertaste.

Did You Know?

Nick Farr, who oversees winemaking at By Farr, was named Winemaker of the Year by Gourmet Traveller Wine in 2020. His approach to Viognier reflects his commitment to detail and his ability to tame a notoriously finicky grape variety to craft wines of remarkable finesse.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Thai green curry with coconut milk and prawns: The wine’s freshness and stone fruit notes complement the aromatic spices and creamy texture of the dish.
• Grilled salmon with ginger and lime glaze: Its ginger-spiced finish harmonizes beautifully with the dish’s zesty flavors.
• Roasted chicken with apricot stuffing: The wine’s apricot aromas enhance the fruity and savory elements of the meal.
• Soft-ripened cheeses: Its luscious texture and aromatic profile pair well with creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert.

History of By Farr Estate

The By Farr estate is situated in the Moorabool Valley between Geelong and Ballarat, approximately 100 km southwest of Melbourne. This region has a rich viticultural history dating back over 200 years, with Swiss settlers planting Victoria’s first vineyards in the early 1800s. The estate’s volcanic soil and continental climate produce premium fruit with distinctive flavor, bouquet, and color unique to the area.

Gary and Robyn Farr purchased the original property in 1994, expanding it in 1998 by acquiring an adjacent section that had been untouched for nearly 40 years. In 2011, Nick and Cassie Farr acquired the final piece of land linking the two blocks, resulting in a total of 130 acres, of which 36 acres are under vine. The remainder is used for grazing and cropping for cattle and horses. The estate cultivates a variety of grapes including Viognier, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Gamay, and Shiraz.

Gary Farr, known for his meticulous winemaking approach, has been a prominent figure in the Moorabool Valley since 1978. His techniques and dedication have inspired a generation of winemakers.

His son, Nick Farr, continues the family legacy with his own distinctive style, combining his experiences from international vineyards with his father’s teachings.

Region and Vineyards

The Moorabool Valley’s microclimate is influenced by winds from the western plains and sea breezes, which regulate temperature and cool the air overnight. This climate is essential for producing naturally balanced, low-yield fruit rich in flavor. The region's cool and harsh environment, characterized by low rainfall and prevailing winds, contributes to the complexity of the wines.

The vineyards are based on ancient river deposits with complex, mineral-rich soils. There are six different soil types across the Farr property, including rich, friable red and black volcanic loam, limestone, quartz gravel through red volcanic soil, ironstone (buckshot) in grey sandy loam, sandstone base, and volcanic lava rock. These soils provide good drainage and low fertility, ensuring small yields of intensely flavored fruit.

Wine Range: By Farr by Gary Farr

Gary Farr's line, By Farr, is a collection of meticulously crafted wines that highlight his extensive experience and dedication to traditional winemaking techniques. These wines are known for their elegance, complexity, and age-worthy potential, each reflecting the unique terroir of the Moorabool Valley.

• Sangreal Pinot Noir is the flagship wine of By Farr, showcasing the oldest vineyard planted in 1994. The north-facing slope with bluestone and limestone soils produces a wine that is consistently seductive, perfumed, and seamlessly balanced. It is known for its seductive bouquet, seamless balance, and long, elegant finish.
• ​Farrside Pinot Noir comes from a vineyard with darker soils and cooler growing conditions, resulting in a more masculine and edgy wine. This wine is known for its structure, savory components, and a balanced array of red and black fruits. It exhibits deep meaty, spicy, and mineral flavors with firm yet delicate tannins and a long-textured finish.
• Tout Pres Pinot Noir is from a densely planted vineyard with three different soil types, adding to its complexity. This wine has the largest flavor profile and intensity among By Farr's Pinots, absorbing 100% new French oak. It is known for its primary and secondary flavors of plums and undergrowth, with an edgy acidity and a tightly packed structure.
• GC Chardonnay (Gary Charles) is a tribute to Gary's extensive knowledge and expertise. The vineyard features a mixture of suitable clones and rootstocks planted on exposed côtes with varied soil types. The wine undergoes natural fermentation in French oak barrels and malolactic fermentation, resulting in a creamy texture, vibrant acidity, and a long, mineral-driven finish.
• By Farr Viognier is crafted from meticulously tended vines, ensuring only the best fruit is harvested. The winemaking process involves whole bunch pressing and fermentation in French oak barrels, enhancing the wine's complexity and subtle oak nuances. It is known for its intense and complex aromas of apricot, peach, and honeysuckle, with a rich and full-bodied palate.
• By Farr Shiraz combines traditional techniques with innovative practices, such as co-fermenting with Viognier. The wine is known for its powerful nose, depth, and complexity, with spiced pepper, mineral elements, and earthy undertones. It has a pleasant sweetness to start, followed by intense fruit and earthy tannins, leading to a delicate structure and overall elegance.

Did you know?

Gary Farr is celebrated for producing what legendary wine connoisseur Len Evans called “Australia’s best Pinot”. Gary’s experience spans prestigious vineyards in Burgundy, Oregon, and California. His commitment to traditional techniques and the expression of terroir has set a benchmark in Australian winemaking.