Vignerons Schmolzer & Brown
Vignerons Schmolzer & Brown
Self-confessed nomad winemaker Tessa Brown finally found her home, together with husband Jeremy Schmolzer in the famed region of Beechworth. A property at the highest point just south of Beechworth came on the market in 2012 which they promptly snapped up. This untouched site came complete with 18 hectares of prime land, a lake and an abandoned gold mine. So far they’ve planted 2 ha of vines at medium density dominated by Chardonnay, Syrah and Pinot Noir, with small parcels of Riesling and Nebbiolo. Sustainability and organic viticulture is key here - Tessa has plans to integrate a mix of crops, trees and plants to optimise carbon sequestration and soil microbiology, as well as developing the ecoystem and biodiversity on the farm.
These wines are in high demand and we are excpetionally fortunate to represent them in the UK. Whilst they are waiting for their own vines to mature, they have been producing wine from their neighbour’s sites, as well as in the King Valley and Alpine Valleys. We can’t wait to see what they produce from their own vines.
Beechworth, Victoria
Very earthy and delicately savoury, cherries and kirsch, a hint of smoke and sap. Plush palate with dried orange, autumn leaves, sous bois and squashy tiny wild strawberries. Immense length and focus on the finish with the finest tannins. Drink 2021-2026
Heralded as “one of Beechworth’s rising stars,” husband and wife team Tessa and Jeremy Schmölzer Brown purchased a 20ha block of prime cleared land just south of Beechworth, complete with lake and abandoned goldmine back in 2013. Whilst Jeremy had previously worked as an architect, Tessa comes with a wealth of cellar experience, having clocked up years working as a winemaker at Kooyong estate, and closer by at Sorrenberg. They’ve so far planted 10,000 vines at the highest point of their property, with the plan to farm it organically. In Tessa’s words, “Winery operations are a shadow dance to the vineyard's growing season and although the work happens indoors, it can’t be separated from the vineyard.” Whilst waiting for these vines to mature, they’ve been producing wine from several vineyards close by in Beechworth, as well as the King Valley and the Alpine Valleys, all farmed with the same principles as they follow.
Region: Beechworth & Alpine Valleys
Grapes: Shiraz & Pinot Noir
Pret A Rouge - ready to go, ready to drink! If you are on the hunt for delightful, intriguing reds that balance savoury and fruit - you’re in the right place! “Spicy, with perfume, dried herb, cranberry and raspberry. Medium-bodied, wonderful crunch and energy, a pomegranate/cranberry juice acidity and flavour, playful scratch of tannin, and a cool spicy finish. Beautiful thing to drink." - Gary Walsh (The Wine Front)
A 60:40 blend of Alpine Valleys Shiraz and Beechworth Pinot Noir (the Pinot from their own vineyards) this wine still carries the juiciness and immediate drinkability of previous vintages, with a little more spice and a lighter frame.
Heralded as “one of Beechworth’s rising stars,” husband and wife team Tessa and Jeremy Schmölzer Brown purchased a 20ha block of prime cleared land just south of Beechworth, complete with lake and abandoned goldmine back in 2013. Whilst Jeremy had previously worked as an architect, Tessa comes with a wealth of cellar experience, having clocked up years working as a winemaker at Kooyong estate, and closer by at Sorrenberg. They’ve so far planted 10,000 vines at the highest point of their property, with the plan to farm it organically. In Tessa’s words, “Winery operations are a shadow dance to the vineyard's growing season and although the work happens indoors, it can’t be separated from the vineyard.” Whilst waiting for these vines to mature, they’ve been producing wine from several vineyards close by in Beechworth, as well as the King Valley and the Alpine Valleys, all farmed with the same principles as they follow. 2018 will see the first vintage from their own plantings, and we couldn’t be more excited!
Beechworth, Australia
“Flinty from barrel, white peach and grapefruit with apple-skin powdery licks and and a spicy hint of fine French oak in a corset of mineral acidity. It's stunning. Long and laser focused but with the depth and power the Beechworth is known for. It's composed, not a showy bone in its body, but there's electricity in the air. Wow.” Different Drop
The Brunnen vineyard is located just across the road from their own farm just south in Beechworth, in Stanley. Farmed organically and without irrigation, this high elevation site producers Pinot and Chardonnay of serious distinction. 5 barrels produced, 1 barrel new French oak.
Heralded as “one of Beechworth’s rising stars,” husband and wife team Tessa and Jeremy Schmölzer Brown purchased a 20ha block of prime cleared land just south of Beechworth, complete with lake and abandoned goldmine back in 2013. Whilst Jeremy had previously worked as an architect, Tessa comes with a wealth of cellar experience, having clocked up years working as a winemaker at Kooyong estate, and closer by at Sorrenberg. They’ve so far planted 10,000 vines at the highest point of their property, with the plan to farm it organically. In Tessa’s words, “Winery operations are a shadow dance to the vineyard's growing season and although the work happens indoors, it can’t be separated from the vineyard.” Whilst waiting for these vines to mature, they’ve been producing wine from several vineyards close by in Beechworth, as well as the King Valley and the Alpine Valleys, all farmed with the same principles as they follow.