Mount Trio

Mount Trio Winery

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.

The Mount Trio label is a contemporary interpretation of the views from the vineyard.

The Porongurup Wine Region: A Terroir for Exceptional Varietals

Nestled in the heart of Western Australia, the Porongurup wine region is celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and unique terroir, which create the perfect conditions for producing exceptional wines. Mount Trio Winery, located on the edge of the tiny Porongurup National Park, benefits immensely from the region’s distinctive climate and soil characteristics. This master copy explores why key varietals—Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Merlot—thrive in this remarkable area.

Pinot Noir

The cool climate of the Porongurup wine region is particularly well-suited for Pinot Noir. Influenced by its elevation and proximity to the Stirling Ranges, the area enjoys a longer growing season that allows grapes to ripen slowly. This extended ripening period is crucial for developing the complex flavours and vibrant acidity that define high-quality Pinot Noir.

Mount Trio Winery’s Pinot Noir exhibits a delicacy and finesse characteristic of the region. The moderate conditions enable the fruit to retain its natural acidity, producing wines that are medium-bodied with vibrant red fruit flavours and elegant tannins. The unique terroir, with its diverse soils and microclimates, also contributes to the purity and expression of the grapes, resulting in wines that reflect the true essence of Porongurup.

Chardonnay

Chardonnay from Mount Trio Vineyard is a prime example of the region’s capability to produce elegant, aromatic whites. The combination of cool, moist winters and warm, dry summers provides ideal conditions for Chardonnay grapes to flourish. The extended ripening period allows the fruit to develop rich stone fruit flavours while maintaining the necessary acidity.

The gravelly loam soils at Mount Trio enhance drainage and aeration, contributing to healthy vine growth. This results in a Chardonnay that showcases vibrant fruit profiles, balanced acidity, and subtle oak influences. The delicate integration of these elements makes Mount Trio’s Chardonnay a standout representation of the Porongurup terroir.

Sauvignon Blanc

Mount Trio’s Sauvignon Blanc benefits from the region’s distinctive climate, which strikes a perfect balance between warmth and cool breezes. This dynamic environment creates ideal conditions for producing fresh, zesty Sauvignon Blanc that is aromatic and vibrant.

The cool nights help retain the natural acidity of the grapes, while the sunny days encourage optimal fruit maturation. The result is a Sauvignon Blanc that bursts with tropical fruit flavours, such as passionfruit and green melon, along with subtle herbaceous notes. The careful management of riper fruit components adds depth and approachability, making it a delightful choice for immediate enjoyment.

Riesling

Porongurup is renowned for its exceptional Riesling, and Mount Trio Vineyard exemplifies this with its vibrant offerings. The cool climate, characterised by elevated terrains and ample rainfall, provides the perfect environment for Riesling to thrive. The longer growing season allows grapes to achieve optimal ripeness while preserving their acidity, a hallmark of quality Riesling.

Mount Trio’s Rieslings are celebrated for their crisp acidity, floral aromas, and enticing notes of citrus and stone fruit. The diverse soils, including granite and sandy loams, add a mineral edge to the wines, enhancing their complexity and depth. This unique terroir allows the Rieslings from Mount Trio to shine, appealing to both casual drinkers and connoisseurs alike.

Merlot

Merlot finds a natural home in the Porongurup region, where the cooler climate and diverse soils foster the production of juicy, vibrant wines. Unlike some other regions, where Merlot may come across as bland or lifeless, the conditions at Mount Trio Winery allow for a rich expression of this varietal.

The combination of warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters creates an ideal growing environment for Merlot grapes. The moderate climate promotes slow ripening, enabling the development of rich fruit flavours and a fine tannin structure. Mount Trio’s Merlot is characterised by its abundant nose of juicy fruits, such as raspberry and mulberry, complemented by the complexity added through oak aging.

Conclusion

The Porongurup wine region is truly a haven for exceptional varietals, each flourishing in the unique climate and terroir. Mount Trio Winery stands as a testament to the potential of this remarkable area, producing wines that capture the essence of their surroundings. Through a commitment to sustainable practices and innovative viticulture, Mount Trio continues to craft wines that reflect the purity and character of the Porongurup region, inviting wine lovers to explore its diverse offerings.