Box Stallion Wines
About the Brand:Box Stallion is one of the Mornington Peninsula's most innovative winemakers. From its beginnings in 1997 it was destined to sit apart from the traditional producers of the Mornington Peninsula, by virtue of the wide and exotic range of grape varieties planted.
The name Box Stallion is a blend of contemporary branding and a connotation to the property's immediate past history as a premium thoroughbred nursery and racing stable. Our equine connection is still evident in the form of our 'Red Barn' Cellar Door, the 'Sandroll' Rotunda, and fine bloodstock that grace the pastures of our neighbour, leading thoroughbred trainer Lee Freedman.
Box Stallion is a joint venture combining the skills and resources of two families; The Wharton's and The Zerbe's. The first vines were planted in 1996, however in the interest of gaining some vineyard maturity, 2001 was the year of first wine production. In that short time, Box Stallion has already gained recognition for its wines and winemaking in state and national wine shows and through favourable reviews.
The Vineyards:
The Box Stallion vineyards have been established on two distinct locations in differing micro-climates, to add complexity to the wines, improve consistency year after year and to support the most suitable growing conditions for particular varieties.
Our vineyard on the corner of Bittern-Dromana and Hastings-Flinders Road comprises approx 7.5 hectares planted of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Arneis, Moscato and Dolcetto. On Tubbarubba Road at Merricks North our property has been progressively planted and now boasts 8hectares of vine. These varieties include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Gewurztraminer and Tempranillo.
Both sites are considered to be warmer areas of the peninsula, whilst still enjoying the benefits of cool climate maritime influence.
We subscribe to the belief that great wines are made in the vineyard.
Our Viticultural manager, Jarrod Price implements environmentally sound practices, such a mulching, combined with modern technology and innovative canopy management. The disease protection strategy utilises minimum chemical input and a minimal irrigation program, utilizing grey water, supports the deep rooted vines through their growing season. Our vineyards currently yield about 70 tonnes of raw fruit per year, however production is increasing as our vineyards gain greater maturity and new plantings come on stream. We constrain yields to fewer than eight tonne per hectare to ensure premium fruit of intense flavour and optimum ripeness is achieved.
The Wines:
Since our first vintage in 2001 and entering these wines into wine shows, this young local winery has collected many medals and trophies over years. Winemaker Alex White has created a range of up front flavour, intense wines, which have been priced competitively. The line up, including some unusual varieties from the peninsula consists of:
Sauvignon Blanc
Chardonnay
Arneis
Moscato
Gewurztraminer
Rosé
Pinot Noir
Shiraz
Dolcetto
Tempranillo
All fruit for Box Stallion wines is grown on the groups own properties at Bittern and Merricks North.
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