Monday, 20 November 2006

Cape Mentell - Australia

Cape Mentelle Vineyards, established by David and Mark Hohnen and now part of the Moët Hennessy Wine Estates, is a specialist producer of premium wines in Margaret River in the south west corner of Western Australia. One of the country's finest wine regions, Margaret River enjoys a maritime location, with the added advantage of a long dry growing season.


Cape Mentelle was one of the first vineyards established in the Margaret River region. First planted in 1970, there are today over 180 hectares under vine and the winery, constructed in 1977, crushes about 1,500 tonnes of fruit from estate vineyards and contract grown fruit sourced from within the region. Primary plantings are of cabernet sauvignon, semillon and sauvignon blanc with smaller amounts of shiraz, zinfandel, merlot and chardonnay. The winery and original vineyard lie between the town of Margaret River and the Cape from which it takes its name. The original Mentelles were Frenchmen, geographer Edmunde and his cartographer brother Francois-Simon, who lived in Paris in the early 1700's.

Cape Mentelle Vineyards, is committed to the concept of true regional styles and will continue to expand its operations to produce quality wines. The company believes that the role of specialist wineries lies in the production of premium wines from varieties best suited to specific regions. Emphasis is placed on individual fruit character and the development of a recognisable estate wine style.
ideally located for visitors to the region. Its spacious, rammed earth Tasting Cellar offers a comprehensive range of wines for sampling and sale, including special Cellar Door releases normally unavailable through retail outlets. The Cellar looks through to the winery's barrel hall, home to oall aspects of wine production. The winery is surrounded by landscaped native gardens, in which visitors are welcome to picnic or to just relax and enjoy the busy local birdlife. Private tasting facilities are available for special interest groups at negotiated rates, and light meals can be catered on request.

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