New varieties the key for wineries

Tempranillo, vermentino and pinot grigio are just a few new varieties WA wineries have planted to spark a renewed interest in local wine.

The move to develop new varieties has followed an influx of sauvignon blanc from New Zealand, retailers stocking a wider range of imported wines and the impact of climate change.

West Cape Howe assistant winemaker Caitlin Gazey said the local industry was rethinking its listings to find varieties that increased consumer interest in its labels and product range.

"West Cape Howe recently planted new blocks of two white varieties, vermentino and pinot grigio, which will be ready to harvest and produce in a few years' time," Ms Gazey said.

"As with any industry, there needs to be an amount of development to keep consumers interested in your product."

West Cape Howe's first vintage of tempranillo was released in 2005 with an experimental batch of 500 dozen, which has grown to 1500 dozen for the 2012 release.

While still relatively new, tempranillo has been gaining in popularity among producers in the Perth Hills, Great Southern and Margaret River.

Ms Gazey said consumer interest in tempranillo had initially stem- med from the fact that it had a different flavour profile to mainstream reds, such as cabernet sauvignon and shiraz.

"It is a very versatile wine, matching with a variety of foods from Mediterranean cuisine through to barbecued meats. It can also be enjoyed by itself," she said.

"It is a popular choice in our cellar door as it is a unique wine and the positive reaction from our customers has encouraged our increase in production."

Head winemaker Andrew Siddell said the winery was trying to create a wine that had balanced fruit and savoury characters.

"It is a mid-weight wine and so we use minimal oak influence to enhance the characters of the fruit," he said.