Learn More About Mount Trio Vineyard

Mount Trio Vineyard is located in Western Australia’s Porongurup and Stirling range region. Mount Trio Winery is known for their Pinot Noir and remains one of the Great Southern Wine Regions best produces.

The Mount Trio vineyard was established in 1989 by winemaker Gavin Berry and his wife Gill Graham and is situated in the elevated Porongurups sub-region of the Great Southern in Western Australia. Gavin’s long-held love for the land and agriculture, developed as a child growing up on a northern NSW wheat farm, was the driving force behind the venture and today, Mount Trio represents a very personal expression of the Berry family’s life.

Named after one of the peaks in the stunning Stirling Ranges, the vineyard is a winemaker’s dream site, one of only a handful that borders the tiny Porongurup National Park. With an absolute northerly aspect, cooling breezes and gravelly loam soils, the gentle slopes also allow for good air movement and drainage. With typically warm dry summers and cool wet winters, these conditions have proven ideal for viticulture and this sub region is especially highly regarded for its suitability for Riesling & Pinot Noir.

Gavin and Gill run the vineyard on a regime of ‘low intervention’. The soils are low in fertility so there is not excessive vigour. The vines have a natural balance so the vineyard is not prone to disease risk and there is very little requirement for shoot thinning or reducing crop levels. The vines are low yielding (generally less than 3T/acre) with the fruit having great colour and flavour.

Today, Mount Trio Wines has ~8 hectares/20 acres of vines, managed by Gavin & Gill along with some contract labour. The vineyard is now entirely planted to Pinot Noir, Riesling and Chardonnay; these varieties having proven to be the best suited to this site. The grapes for the other wines in the range are generally all from Mt Barker & Frankland River (the vineyards in these slightly warmer areas being more suitable for Cabernet & Malbec for example).

Gavin has been making wine in the Great Southern region for over 30 years; first as chief winemaker at Plantagenet Wines (1988 – 2004) and then at West Cape Howe Wines (2004 – current). With his wealth of knowledge and considerable experience, he has made a major contribution to the Great Southern’s reputation for the production of premium quality wines.

The first Mount Trio wines were released in 1995 and the range includes Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Sangiovese Rose, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Malbec and Shiraz.

We can order in anything from their range. Contact us at info@partnersinwine.com.au

Why Merlot Thrives in the Porongurup Wine Region

The Porongurup wine region, situated in the cool, elevated heart of Western Australia, offers an exceptional environment for growing Merlot. Its unique climate and diverse terroir work in harmony to produce wines that are vibrant, juicy, and full of character, setting them apart from many offerings from the nearby Margaret River region.

One of the defining features of Porongurup is its cool climate, significantly influenced by its elevation and proximity to the Stirling Ranges. The combination of warm days and cool nights creates a diurnal temperature variation that is ideal for grape cultivation. During the day, the warmth promotes the full ripening of the grapes, allowing for the development of rich, concentrated fruit flavours such as raspberry, mulberry, and plum. At night, the cooler temperatures help preserve the grapes’ natural acidity, ensuring the wines retain their freshness and vibrancy. This balance is crucial for crafting Merlots that are not only expressive but also well-structured.

In contrast, the hotter climate of other Western Australian wine regions like Margaret River or Frankland River, can lead to overripe fruit, resulting in wines that may lack the freshness and complexity that define high-quality Merlot. Many Merlots from this region can come across as heavy or one-dimensional, often lacking the lively acidity that makes a wine truly enjoyable.

The terroir of Porongurup further enhances the growing conditions for Merlot. The region’s diverse soils, including well-draining gravelly loams, contribute to healthy vine growth and optimal fruit development. This variety in soil composition allows for the expression of unique characteristics in the grapes, adding depth and complexity to the wines.

Winemakers in Porongurup, such as those at Mount Trio Vineyard, leverage these ideal conditions to produce Merlots that are not just juicy but also elegantly textured. The careful management of the vineyard, along with a focus on sustainable practices, ensures that each bottle reflects the unique essence of the region.

Ultimately, the combination of a cool climate, diverse terroir, and dedicated winemaking makes Porongurup a standout location for crafting exceptional Merlot. The result is a wine that embodies vibrancy and finesse, offering a delightful experience that showcases the true potential of this beloved varietal.