Kooyong

The Mornington Peninsula, in southeast Victoria, features an undulating ridge system, which receives considerable rainfall throughout the year. The soils vary from rich red clays, to lighter sandy loams, depending on location. Kooyong lays claim to 52 acres of Pinot Noir and 27 acres of Chardonnay vines, and strives for complexity by exercising 8 different clones of Pinot and 10 clones of Chardonnay. Each clone has its own inherent characteristic. When blended together, they give the wine its many flavors and textures.

Many vineyards on the Mornington Peninsula struggle with the excessive canopy production due to the rich fertile soils. This is often translated in the wine as "green," or lacking in body. The sandy base of Kooyong's terroir helps reduce this vigor. Even so, Kooyong uses a variety of canopy-management techniques to ensure high-quality, concentrated grape production, including shoot-thinning and fruit-dropping. Kooyong is situated on the Moorooduc flats of the Peninsula, which are slightly graded, and face north. Rows are planted from south to north, for maximum sunlight exposure, and planted using the vertical shoot position (VSP) trellising system. They are spaced out to reduce shading and increase exposure to sunlight.

Kooyong is well equipped with an advanced irrigation system. This allows water to be administered to each vine depending on their stress levels. Kooyong's site receives less rainfall than surrounding vineyards on the Mornington ridge system. The use of an irrigation network enables a high degree of control over the development of both the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines.

Kooyong's winemaker, Sandro Moselle, gained experience while making wine at Rochford, Macedon Victoria and the Green Vineyards in the Yarra Valley with Serge Carlei. He holds a degree in Genetics and has also completed a Bachelor of Applied Science (Wine Science).