READ · COMPARE · EXPLAIN
Tyrrell's: Vat number and actual winemaking vessels
This is a family-run producer based in Hunter Valley. They make Vat 1 Semillon, Vat 47 Chardonnay, and other wines. The “Vat” name and number derive from the former winemaking and aging vessels, but the current vessels should be verified in the materials for each wine.
Please clarify, for the two 2026 labels, the name, variety, origin of grapes, and vessel used, and explain which winemaking stage is indicated by 6 weeks and 9 months, respectively.
Questions for this course
Can you assume Semillon and Chardonnay are in the same type of vessel just because they share the 'Vat' name?
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To explanation task notes ↓Tyrrell’s / Learn from the producer
Australia / New South Wales / Hunter Valley
Alias & notation: Tyrrell’s / Tyrrell’s.
Updated: 2026-10-21
The history of containers preserved in the name
Official release materials explain that the Vat names are derived from the vessels formerly used for maturing wine. However, for Vat 1 in 2026, the fermentation vessel is stated to be a stainless steel tank. The historical wine name and the equipment used in any given year are independent pieces of information.
Sémillon in 2026
Vat 1 in 2026 is selected from older Semillon plots, primarily Short Flat. Free-run juice is cold-fermented in stainless steel tanks, then left on fine lees for about 6 weeks before preparing for bottling, according to the description.
Chardonnay in 2026
For that vintage, Vat 47 used Short Flat Chardonnay; the juice was transferred to small French barrels to finish fermentation, then aged for nine months. The two labels differ not only in variety and source parcel, but also in fermentation and aging vessels. The resulting flavor difference cannot be attributed solely to the grape variety.
What to align and what to compare.
Name
- Conditions to standardize
- The Vat series
- Conditions for comparison.
- Numbers and wine names
- Additional points to confirm
- History and current process
Raw material
- Conditions to standardize
- Related to Short Flat.
- Conditions for comparison.
- Varietal and parcel range
- Additional points to confirm
- Not using the same material from the same vineyard
Winemaking
- Conditions to standardize
- Fermenting grape must
- Conditions for comparison.
- Tanks and barriques
- Additional points to confirm
- Period of contact with lees and barrel aging period
Order of reading and key points to consider in each article
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READ · HYPOTHESIZE · RECONSIDER
Tyrrell's document reading: Vat number and actual winemaking vessels
Match comparison tables with cited sources and explain differences in raw materials and vinification process.
Comparison tables are based on the cited sources. Please distinguish between vintage-specific specifications and general descriptions at the time of confirmation.
| Comparison items | Vat 1 Semillon 2026 | Vat 47 Chardonnay 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Raw material | Several old parcels, mainly Short Flat. | Short Flat's Chardonnay |
| Fermentation | Cold fermentation in stainless steel tanks | Fermentation completed in French small barrels |
| Period stated in the documentation | Contact with fine lees for approximately six weeks | Aged in barrel for 9 months |
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Read the explanation for each question
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What is the origin of Vat numbers?
Official release materials explain that the Vat names are derived from the vessels formerly used for maturing wine. However, for Vat 1 in 2026, the fermentation vessel is stated to be a stainless steel tank. The historical wine name and the equipment used in any given year are independent pieces of information.
What fermentation vessel is used for Vat 1 in 2026?
Vat 1 in 2026 is selected from older Semillon plots, primarily Short Flat. Free-run juice is cold-fermented in stainless steel tanks, then left on fine lees for about 6 weeks before preparing for bottling, according to the description.
What does 9 months in Vat 47 in 2026 represent?
For that vintage, Vat 47 used Short Flat Chardonnay; the juice was transferred to small French barrels to finish fermentation, then aged for nine months. The two labels differ not only in variety and source parcel, but also in fermentation and aging vessels. The resulting flavor difference cannot be attributed solely to the grape variety.
Basis and sources for the exercise
Practice exercises in comparison
Match comparison tables with cited sources and explain differences in raw materials and vinification process.
Read examples of organizing comparisons
| Conditions for Comparison | Vat 1 Semillon 2026 | Vat 47 Chardonnay 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Raw material | Several old parcels, mainly Short Flat. | Short Flat's Chardonnay |
| Fermentation | Cold fermentation in stainless steel tanks | Fermentation completed in French small barrels |
| Period stated in the documentation | Contact with fine lees for approximately six weeks | Aged in barrel for 9 months |
Sources of materials used for comparison are listed in the text and exercises.
Explain in your own words
Please clarify, for the two 2026 labels, the name, variety, origin of grapes, and vessel used, and explain which winemaking stage is indicated by 6 weeks and 9 months, respectively.
Check after writing
- Did you associate each label with its region and grape variety?
- Did you separate the shared and differing conditions in your comparison?
- Did you clearly indicate the year(s) the material covers or the date checked?
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