Cobaw ridge

Cobaw Ridge is a pioneering winery in the Macedon Ranges of Victoria, Australia, founded by Nelly and Alan Cooper in 1985. The winery is celebrated for its deep-seated commitment to biodynamic farming and a highly respected, minimal intervention winemaking style. Situated at a high altitude on granitic soils, the estate's wines are known for their distinct minerality, elegance, and incredible longevity.

Winemaking Philosophy & Methods

The core philosophy at Cobaw Ridge is a hands-off, "grower-first" approach. The Coopers believe that great wine is made in the vineyard and that their role as winemakers is to simply guide the fruit's natural expression.

• Biodynamic Farming: The vineyard has been certified biodynamic since 2011, having been farmed organically for years prior. This holistic approach focuses on creating a balanced, self-sustaining ecosystem. They use minimal to no irrigation, which forces the vines' roots to dig deep into the granitic soil, enhancing the wines' mineral character and resilience.

• Harvest: All grapes are hand-picked to ensure pristine fruit quality. The timing of the harvest is crucial, aiming for a balance of ripeness and acidity that is a hallmark of cool-climate winemaking.

• Fermentation: Fermentation is driven by indigenous (wild) yeasts with no cultured yeasts added. The process is slow and natural, allowing for the full expression of the site's unique microflora.

• Additives & Filtration: A strict no-fining, no-filtration policy is followed. Sulfur is used sparingly, if at all, and only when necessary for the wine's stability at bottling.

• Aging: Wines are matured in a combination of new and old French oak barrels, with the percentage of new oak carefully managed to support the wine's structure without masking the terroir. They have also begun to experiment with inert vessels like Qvevri.

Grapes & Wines

Cobaw Ridge focuses on a small portfolio of cool-climate varieties that thrive in their specific environment, producing wines of great character and detail.

• Chardonnay: A flagship white, the Chardonnay is known for its intense minerality, nervy acidity, and textural complexity. It often displays notes of citrus, stone fruit, and a distinctive flinty character from the granitic soils.

• Syrah: Their Syrah is a cool-climate expression of the grape, often referred to as "Syrah" to distinguish it from warmer climate Shiraz styles. The wines are elegant and peppery, with notes of red fruit and a savory, earthy complexity.

• Pinot Noir: The Pinot Noir from their high-altitude site is known for its bright red fruit, refined tannins, and a persistent, mineral finish. They have both an "Original Block" and a "High Density" planting, each offering a unique expression.

• Lagrein: A true point of difference, Cobaw Ridge was a pioneer in commercially planting this Italian variety in Australia. Their Lagrein is often considered the benchmark for the grape in the country, producing a dark, brooding, and savory red wine with firm tannins and a compelling mineral core.

• Il Pinko Rosé: A celebrated rosé made from Syrah, often with a delicate onion-skin color. It's a textured and savory rosé with vibrant acidity and a unique aromatic profile.