About Banrock Station
Banrock Station is the fifth largest Australian wine brand in the UK, and holds the number 13 position in terms of overall brands from across the world. Unlike many of its fellow Australian branded counterparts, it does not have a long history, having been created only 20 years. However, it has created waves in just a short time, not just for its easy drinking, approachable styles of wine, but because of its pioneering stance on the environment, its focus on producing wines in a sustainable way, and most noticeably, its support for wetlands and conservation projects. Part of the proceeds of every single bottle of Banrock Station sold, is contributed to conservation projects around the world.
Banrock Station was set up in 1994, when the company purchased 1800 hectares of land in South Australia’s Riverland area. The land had a wide area of river frontage and extensive wetlands. Since that purchase a massive project has been undertaken to restore the wetlands, and encourage the return of native Australian fish and birds, together with native, local flora.
At that time 24 hectares of the land were planted with vines; today the vineyard area covers 220 hectares, with a wide range of grape varieties being planted. The first 2 wines were launched in 1995, and the brand has become one of the most recognised and popular Australian wines, with a rapid rise in popularity, having been launched in the UK, after the initial wave of Australia wine mania! The Banrock brand now includes several ranges of red, white, rose and sparkling wines.
Banrock Station’s contribution to the environment was initially focussed on Australia, but now supports projects all over the world, including return salmon to the rivers of Canada and saving bees in the UK.
It is also one of the most innovative and forward thinking brands in terms of environmental issues, and conservation. In 1996 Banrock Station was the first winery to offer its wines, at the same quality level, in either bottle, or soft 2 litre pouches. It was also the first winery to use the more eco-friendly, lightweight wine bottles, which have now become standard for Australian wines.
In 1999 Banrock Station opened its own wetlands centre on the land it had purchased, feature the latest in environmental preservation, management and building developments; as part of its conservation and water management programme, in a 2 year cycle, the equivalent of 1150 olympic swimming pools’ worth of water has been saved.
Styles of Banrock Station
Banrock Station produces a range of soft, fruit-driven wines across a number of styles, with the focus on enjoyment, with the wines ready to drink young. The range includes:
Banrock Station – the core range includes 4 different dry whites, all based on Chardonnay blends, but using some different and interesting varietals, as a change from the ubiquitous Chardonnay/Semillon blend. As well as a pure Chardonnay, there is a zippy Chardonnay Verdehlo, a citrus fruit-packed Colombard Chardonnay and a smooth, apricot-scented Chardonnay Viognier.
There are also 4 reds, a straight Shiraz, a plummy, velvety Cabernet Merlot, a warm, spicy Cabernet Shiraz, and unusually a blend of Shiraz Mataro, which gives a softer, slightly lighter, fruit driven style of red.
Banrock Station Reserve – still keeping to the ripe, smooth, fruit-driven style of wines, but with greater concentration of fruit and flavours, there are 2 wines in the reserve range, a fresh, zesty Reserve Chardonnay Verdehho, and a smooth, rounded, velvety Cabernet Shiraz.
Banrock Station Light – the brand has recently added two lower alcohol wines to the range, to appeal to those who want a lighter style of wine, or want to cut down on their alcohol intake. There’s a crisp, refreshing Chardonnay Sauvignon Blanc, and a strawberry fruit-filled Rose.