What’s going on out at Frankland River? Back in the 1980’s, the region was viewed by some as a bit of an outpost. More than 300 clicks south of Perth, and away from WA’s traditional winemaking hero regions, Frankland River was more than off-Broadway.
But fast-forward to today, and people are taking notice.
“The strength of Frankland River is extraordinary. Margaret River has that element of pre-eminence about it. They make great chardonnay, great cabernet, great merlot and blends and so forth. But Frankland is making the finest grenache in the country and doing some wonderful things with syrah shiraz. Some of the grenache from down that way is something else,” says wine writer Ray Jordan.
High praise. In fact, Frankland River fruit is some of the most sought-after in the state. The blokes behind Battles Wine are among a chorus of winemakers to sing its praises.
“There are a few factors that come into play. People are realising how good shiraz and other varieties are from Frankland River. Frankland River shiraz is elegant and refined. Those styles can get lost when you compare them to warmer regions of Australia but I think when you look at these wines with food they transform. They have a complexity that Frankland can only offer,” says Batles wine co-owner Kris Ambrozkiewicz.
If you loved a wine from Frankland River, be sure to include it in your vote in the Top Up Wines Top 100. Your vote could win you our Top Up Instant Cellar! Valued at more than $7000, our major prize includes 100 bottles of WA wine and a top of the range wine fridge to keep it cosy.