From the heights of the Upper Yarra Valley to the mild climate of Tarraford Vineyard and the steep slopes of the Warramate Range, the Giant Steps Australian estate magnifies an exceptional mosaic of terroirs.
Location and vineyard area
Giant Steps Winery is a 47-hectare estate nestling in the heart of Australia's Yarra Valley.
What is the history of the estate?
A former brewer turned winemaker, Phil Sexton left Margaret River in 1996 to settle some 3,000 km to the east, in the Yarra Valley, Australia's leading wine-growing region. He planted his first vines there, bought some superbly exposed plots and, as a passionate jazz fan, named his estate Giant Steps, in homage to saxophonist John Coltrane. As the vintages went by, Phil Sexton gradually came to the fore, and from 2003 onwards, he collected a string of awards. Since 2013, the consistency and quality of his small production have earned him a recurring place among the top 100 producers in the world according to Wine & Spirits magazine.
All you need to know about this Australian estate
Location and exposure
From the heights of the Upper Yarra Valley to the temperate Tarraford Vineyard to the steep slopes of the Warramate Range, Phil Sexton magnifies an exceptional mosaic of terroirs. The Giant Steps Winery vineyard is situated at an altitude of between 150 and 400 metres, on the gentle slopes of the Yarra Valley hills. This location gives the vines ideal exposure to the sun, as well as good ventilation, so that the grapes ripen to perfection.
Geology
The estate's soils are mainly clay and schist, providing excellent drainage and a wide variety of terroirs. This variety of soils makes for exceptional complexity and aromatic richness.
Climate
The climate of the Yarra Valley is oceanic, with hot summers and cool winters. Rainfall is well distributed throughout the year, ensuring a regular supply of water that meets the needs of the vines.
Growing practices
Giant Steps Winery attaches great importance to respecting the environment and preserving biodiversity. The estate uses sustainable growing practices, such as integrated pest management, natural grassing and the use of organic compost. These methods help to maintain a natural balance in the vines and preserve the quality of the soil and the grapes.
Winemaking
Taking a hands-off approach, Phil Sexton has handed over the keys to the cellar to the talented Steve Flamsteed, named Winemaker of the Year 2016 by the Australian magazine Gourmet Traveller Wine. Phil Sexton and Steve Flamsteed work together to bring out all the unique characteristics of their exceptional terroir. The grapes are harvested by hand at optimum ripeness, then carefully sorted and de-stemmed. Alcoholic and malolactic fermentations are carried out at controlled temperatures to preserve the wines' aromas and finesse. The wine is then matured in French oak barrels for varying lengths of time, depending on the cuvée, to add structure and complexity.
The style of the estate's wines
Giant Steps Winery wines are distinguished by their elegance, finesse and authentic expression of the Yarra Valley terroir. Produced in very small quantities (sometimes as few as 200 cases for some vineyards), the wines have a strong personality, with full-bodied, lively and elegant Chardonnays and structured, delicate and intense Pinot Noirs.
