Australia — wine

King Valley GI

Alpine Victoria in the Upper King River valley; Italian immigrant settlers from the 1960s planted Italian varieties — Prosecco, Sangiovese, Barbera, Nebbiolo, Pinot Grigio, and Arneis. Now Australia's leading Italian-variety region. Elevation 150–900m; volcanic basalt and red granitic clay soils. Brown Brothers pioneered the region; Dal Zotto and Pizzini define Italian-Australian identity.

Year Rating Notes
2022 Good alpine Victorian vintage; Prosecco (Glera) achieved excellent aromatic freshness; Sangiovese showing cherry depth
2021 Outstanding King Valley vintage; Dal Zotto Pucino Prosecco lauded at Australian Sparkling Wine Trophy; Sangiovese refined
2020 Good conditions; Italian varieties adapting well to alpine Victoria; Dal Zotto range showing consistent quality improvement
2019 Classic King Valley vintage; Glera fresh and aromatic; Sangiovese achieving Italian-level complexity from Australian soil
2018 Variable alpine conditions; altitude sites fared better; Prosecco freshness preserved; Sangiovese typically structured
2017 Good vintage; volcanic basalt delivering characteristic mineral depth; Italian varieties thriving in alpine Victoria
2016 Superb King Valley vintage; Dal Zotto Prosecco received national recognition; Sangiovese complex and age-worthy