Moondarra winery

Moondarra is a small, family-owned winery in the Gippsland region of Victoria, founded by Neil and Wendy Prentice. The winery is celebrated for its highly individualistic, hands-on approach to winemaking and viticulture, focusing on producing expressive, cool-climate wines with a strong sense of place. Their philosophy is rooted in a deep respect for the environment and a belief that minimal intervention in the cellar is the key to making authentic, character-filled wines.

Winemaking Philosophy & Methods

Neil Prentice's winemaking is a blend of traditional methods and a personal, intuitive touch. He views himself as a steward of the land, aiming to guide the fruit to the bottle with as little interference as possible.

• Vineyard Management: Moondarra's home vineyard is situated on granite and red loam soil, with an emphasis on organic and sustainable farming practices. They manage their vineyards to be low-yielding and healthy, believing that this is the most critical step in producing high-quality wine.

• Harvest & Fermentation: Grapes are hand-picked, often with a focus on retaining some whole bunches in the ferment. All fermentations are spontaneous, relying on indigenous yeasts from the vineyard to begin the process.

• Additives & Filtration: Moondarra wines are known for a very low-intervention approach. They are typically unfined and unfiltered, and sulfur is used sparingly, if at all. This commitment to purity allows the wines to showcase a raw and authentic expression of the terroir.

• Aging & Vessels: The wines are aged in a combination of new and old French oak barrels, with the specific percentage of new oak varying by wine and vintage. The aging process is a patient one, allowing the wines to develop complexity and character over time.

Grapes & Wines

Moondarra specializes in cool-climate varieties, particularly Pinot Noir, and has also gained a reputation for its unique and compelling take on other grapes.

• Pinot Noir: This is their flagship grape. Moondarra's Pinot Noir is renowned for its elegance, fragrance, and savory, earthy character. The wines often have a distinct herbal and spicy note from the use of whole bunches.

• Nebbiolo: Neil Prentice is a pioneer of this Italian variety in Australia. Moondarra's Nebbiolo is a cool-climate expression, known for its firm tannins, bright acidity, and classic notes of tar, roses, and cherry.

• Syrah: Moondarra produces a unique, cool-climate Syrah that is a stark contrast to a typical Australian Shiraz. The wines are elegant and peppery, with a focus on savory notes and a refined structure.

• Pinot Grigio: This is often made with skin contact to produce a textural, savory white wine with a unique aromatic profile.