Here at Pooley Wines in the stunning landscapes of Tasmania, we believe that every bottle tells a story – a story of our unique terroir, our passionate winemaking, and, importantly, the very vines from which our grapes are born. Today, we'd like to pull back the curtain a little on a fascinating aspect of viticulture that significantly impacts the wines you enjoy: grape clones.

You might often hear us talk about classic grape varieties like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, or Riesling. But did you know that within each of these varieties, there exists a diverse world of "clones"?

What Exactly Are Grape Clones?

Think of it this way: a clone is essentially a genetic copy of a single, superior vine. When a vine grower identifies a particular vine that consistently produces grapes with desirable characteristics – perhaps a specific flavour profile, better disease resistance, a certain berry size, or optimal ripening – they can take a cutting from that vine. This cutting is then propagated, and every new vine grown from it will be genetically identical to the original "mother" vine.

This isn't genetic engineering; it's a natural process of asexual reproduction. Over centuries, these naturally occurring mutations or selections have been observed and propagated by vignerons to enhance specific qualities in their vineyards.

Why Do Clones Matter?

The beauty of clones lies in the subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) differences they bring to the same grape variety. Imagine painting with different shades of the same colour!

• Flavour & Aroma: Different clones of Pinot Noir, for instance, might yield wines with varying notes of red fruit (cherry, raspberry) versus darker fruit (plum, blackberry), or express more savoury, earthy characters. Some Chardonnay clones are known for their crisp acidity and citrus notes, while others might lean towards richer, more textural wines with notes of stone fruit or butter.
• Yield & Vigour: Some clones are naturally more vigorous growers, while others produce smaller, more concentrated berries, leading to lower yields but often higher quality.
• Disease Resistance: Certain clones may exhibit greater resilience to common vine diseases, which is crucial for sustainable viticulture.
• Adaptation to Terroir: A clone that thrives in one part of a vineyard, or one region, might not perform as well in another. Winemakers carefully select clones that are best suited to their specific site's climate, soil, and aspect.

A Few Examples from Our Vineyard:

In our vineyards, we carefully select clones that express the best of our cool-climate terroir. For some of our Heritage Range we use a single or selection of 2 clones to focus flavours and style in tribute of their namesake.

For our Pinot Noir, we might plant a mix of clones like:

• Abel: This clone is renowned for its elegance, fine structure, and aromatic complexity, often contributing bright red fruit and floral notes.
• Cooinda Vale 'Oronsay'
• MV6 (Maison Vougeot 6): An Australian heritage clone, known for its structure, depth, and ability to produce wines with darker fruit characteristics, offering excellent aging potential.
• Butcher's Hill 'Oronsay'

For our Chardonnay, we might include:

• Penfolds 56: An Australian selection valued for its ability to produce rich, full-bodied wines with a creamy texture and complex nutty or stone fruit characteristics.
• I-clone (often I10V5): Recognized for contributing a lively acidity, citrus notes, and a leaner profile, adding freshness and structure to the wine.
• Both for Elizabeth Anne

And for our Riesling, you'll find:

• GM198: A highly regarded clone, particularly in cooler climates, known for consistently producing wines with vibrant acidity, intense citrus (lime, lemon) and floral aromatics, and excellent aging potential. It often contributes a beautiful purity of fruit.
• Margaret Pooley Tribute

By thoughtfully blending grapes from different clones within the same variety, we can craft wines of greater complexity, balance, and depth, adding layers of nuance to every sip. It's like building a symphony with different instruments playing the same note in slightly different ways – the result is much more harmonious and interesting!

Next time you open a bottle of Pooley wine, take a moment to consider the fascinating diversity that lies within each grape variety, thanks to the careful selection and cultivation of clones.

We invite you to visit us at the cellar door to learn more about our vines and taste the results of our dedication first-hand.