Cape Mentelle
A young Australian winery whose wines are trending in both Australia and abroad.
Three brothers, David, Mark and Giles Hohnen, established Cape Mentelle Vineyards in 1970. Their estate is located in Cape Mentelle in the most famous wine region of Southwest Australia, Margaret River.
While in most of Australia, excessive heat makes it difficult to grow wine grapes, in Cape Mentelle, the influence of the Indian Ocean ensures even temperatures. Dr. John Gladstones, an expert in his field, recognised the viticultural potential of the area in the late 1960s when he saw undulating, well-drained ironstone gravel soils carrying healthy marri trees (Eucalyptus calophylla) and his gut feeling told him that Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and other classics would grow well here. He was not mistaken – in both 1983 and 1984, Cape Mentelle’s Cabernet Sauvignon won the Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy, the most prestigious and highly sought after wine award in Australia. This paved the way for the young winery’s recognition at an international level.
In addition to the iconic Cabernet Sauvignon, they expanded their product range with white wines in the 1980s and developed the stylish Sauvignon Blanc Semillon blend.
In the 1990s they completely modernised all their technical equipment. Cape Mentelle was founded in 1970 with just 16 hectares of vines, but today, they have over 150 hectares of vineyards.
The team of the winery has international experience and an innovative mindset – after all, they are not controlled by the strict rules of local tradition. The aim is to produce high-quality wines characterised by a strong sense of place. The climatic conditions of the region give the wines bright vibrant berry flavours which are sure to tickle the tastebuds of European and local consumers alike.
Margaret River is one of the most remote wine regions in the world – the closest town Perth is roughly 300 kilometres away.
WHY CAPE MENTELLE?
Surprising
Their wines might make blind testers exclaim in shock: “This cannot be Australian wine! It is delicious!”
Young and recognised
This young winery received Australia’s most coveted wine award after only thirteen years of activity. International recognition followed.
Innovative
The team is not restricted by a ‘this is how it has always been done’ mentality and draws inspiration from the global experiences of winemaking.
Influence of the ocean
The mild and humid climate allows the grapes to ripen slowly and evenly.
