Tyrrells Vat 1 Semillon, Hunter Valley

Tyrrells Vat 1 Semillon was first produced in 1963 and is made from 100% Semillon grapes sourced entirely from the best old vine, dry-grown vineyards. It is widely considered Australia’s best Semillons, certainly the most awarded and arguably one of the best in the world.

Tyrrells Vat 1 Semillon is a unique and true expression of Hunter terroir and, according to Jancis Robinson, Semillon is Australia’s “unique gift to the world”.  Available to buy now at Fareham Wine Cellar.

Tyrrells Wines, Founded in 1858

Tyrrells Wines was founded by Edward Tyrrell in 1858 and, since then, it has grown into one of Australia’s largest and most prestigious wine companies. From a base of 60 acres of vines in the Hunter Valley, the estate has grown to 900 acres of premium vineyards in the Limestone Coast, McLaren Vale in South Australia and the Heathcote region in Victoria. Today, Tyrrell’s Wines are in the hands of 4th generation owner Bruce Tyrrell and his family who continue to produce top quality wines and build on the success of their forebears.

Dry-Grown Old Vineyards

The grapes for the Tyrrells Vat 1 Semillon are normally sourced from Tyrrell’s Short Flat, the oldest block planted here was in 1923. Some vintages include grapes from Johnno’s vineyard, which sits just below the winery itself. These are dry-grown vineyards, dating back to 1908, and the vines are on their own roots. The vineyards have light, sandy, well-drained soils (alluvial sandy loam over limestone).

Tyrrells Vat 1 Semillon Vinification

• 100% Semillon grapes are hand-harvested and sorted in the vineyard during the cool, early morning
• The grapes are lightly crushed and pressed upon arrival at the winery
• The wine undergoes a relatively cool fermentation
• Short time on gross lees post-fermentation
• Racked into stainless steel vats for 5 months
• Bottled early to maintain freshness
• No oak fermentation or maturation

Why is it called Tyrrell’s VAT 1 Semillon?

The name Vat 1 derives from the still present large oak maturation vessels (vats) which were used by Tyrrell’s many years ago. The number represents the cask in which that style of wine was originally fermented or matured.