Tournon by M. Chapoutier | Victoria

Members of the Chapoutier family have been working in the Rhône Valley since 1808, but in 1997, Michel Chapoutier expanded his family's legendary estate into the New World, specifically the Australian region of Victoria. Here he recognised that the cool climate and remarkable diversity of soil and exposures in this region, combined with his industry leading biodynamic philosophy, would allow him to make distinctive wines from the Shiraz grape of his homeland.

Initially making wines in conjunction with renowned local wineries such Jasper Hill and Giaconda, in 2009 Chapoutier purchased the Shay’s Flat and Landsborough Valley estates in the Australian Pyrenees, followed later on by the Lady’s Lane vineyard in Heathcote, giving birth to the wholly owned Domaine Tournon. Unsurprisingly the focus is on Shiraz, which under Chapoutier’s skilled hand manages to evoke the minerality and elegance of the Northern Rhône, whilst still expressing the soil and climate of Victoria. The results are best described as Australian wines with a French passport.

Named after the Hermitage commune, Tournon leads the movement in Australia towards elegant, balanced wines. The philosophy centres on respect – respect for the terroir, the fruit, and the consumer. The focus is on maintaining good balance in the vineyard’s natural environment while working where appropriate and necessary to improve soil and vineyard conditions. The same dedication is given to the entry-level wines as is given to the more prestigious ones.

M. Chapoutier Australia Website