From 1 acre of Savagnin grapes planted in our red clay soils at Red Hill. Originally planted as Albariño, it was eventually identified, via DNA testing, to be Savagnin – seemingly, a clerical error had caused the initial confusion upon its importation into Australia. Savagnin is today best known as the signature grape of Jura in eastern France. It appears that our version of the variety is sourced from Spanish cuttings. In any event, we have taken the fruit and developed a style that we think best suits its new home in Red Hill.

Simon Black, Winemaker

In October 2017, Montalto owners, John, and Wendy Mitchell acquired the neighbouring vineyard, cellar door and label Tuck’s Ridge. The historic single vineyard was established in 1985 and is planted to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. In 2004, one acre of Savagnin was added to complete the vineyard. Tucks Ridge has long been recognised as a top-quality Mornington Peninsula producer with the core focus on producing exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, together with the single vineyard Buckle wines.

The parent material of this vineyard is tertiary basalt from 20-40 million years ago, which gives rise to a red/brown ferrosol soil high in iron and magnesium. Fragmented weathered rocks rich in iron, appear at the surface on sections of the vineyard. These red volcanic clay soils are from where Red Hill derives its name. This unique site, with its north-facing aspect, captures the sun’s full rays and is protected from the prevailing southerly winds of our elevated, coastal climate.

38°24’25”S 145°1’25”°E at 120m elevation.