Small-batch boutique wines
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For over 15 years, Settlers Rise has been producing small-batch, boutique wines that are a clear expression of their terroir. Hand-harvested, hand-selected and expertly crafted by Peter Scudamore Smith MW, the wines reflect the winemaking ethos of protecting wine quality throughout the journey from vine to wine.
The current release of the Terroirs of the Granite Belt by Settlers Rise includes a 2010 Aged Chardonnay and a 2008 Aged Shiraz. The wines have been cellared professionally since their production, in order to release them at the start of their optimum drinking window. Both can be enjoyed now or cellared for further bottle ageing. You can learn more about these wines on our Terroirs of the Granite Belt page.
These wines represent a rare chance for wine bars and restaurants to access aged, reserve wines from the Granite Belt in commercial quantities as a point of interest and differentiation on wine lists.
Download 2008 Aged Reserve Shiraz tasting note
Download 2010 Aged Chardonnay tasting note
Wines expertly crafted by Peter Scudamore-Smith, Master of Wine
Peter Scudamore-Smith (Australia’s second Master of Wine) has shared his 30-plus years of winemaking skills to the grape selection and winemaking for Settlers Rise since inception.
Peter Scudamore-Smith MW is the founder and director of Uncorked and Cultivated. He holds the prestigious Master of Wine award—recognised as the highest achievement in the global wine community—and is the second person in Australia to be awarded this honour. Globally, there are only 416 Masters of Wine (as at November 2023). The title reflects a lifelong dedication to upholding and promoting the highest educational and professional standards in the wine industry.
Throughout his career, Peter has been recognised in the wine industry both domestically and internationally for his expertise as a winemaker, advisor, educator, mentor, assessor, show judge, journalist, travel guide and more.
Peter’s respectful and light-touch approach to winemaking ensures the wines are a clear expression of their terroir. All grapes are hand-harvested and hand-selected ensuring only healthy, ripe bunches are gently transferred to the winery. Peter then applies the winemaking ethos of protecting wine quality throughout the journey from vine to wine.
Cool climate wines from Queensland’s Granite Belt
The Granite Belt wine region is located 200km south-west of Brisbane in Queensland. The Granite Belt is officially recognised as a wine producing region under its own GI (Geographical Indicator) and has a long history of viticulture and winemaking.
With its core vineyards around 1000 metres above sea level, the Granite Belt is one of the highest wine regions in Australia. It enjoys a climate similar to Priorat in Spain, Orange in NSW or Canberra in the ACT. It has similar continental elevated regions to the south. The high altitude combined with cool nights year round and low humidity means a longer growing season in the vineyards. This enables Granite Belt producers to craft elegant cool climate wines that are fresh and refined while retaining natural acidity and intensity of flavour.
True to its name, the soils are made up of decomposed granite that is generally well drained and naturally acidic. These characteristics make the soils particularly well suited to grape growing and wine production.
The 305 hectares of vineyards are planted predominantly to Chardonnay, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Verdelho and Viognier. The region is also becoming increasingly known for alternative (or emerging) wine varieties locally referred to as ‘Strange Bird’ varieties.
For more information about the Granite Belt Wine Region visit here.
Like to try these expertly crafted wines?
You can find our wines at a growing number of wine bars, restaurants and wine stores, listed below.
If you’d like to make a wholesale enquiry, please reach out to Peter Scudamore-Smith MW directly.
