Marco Lubiana: Crafting a legacy of his own
Marco Lubiana is rapidly emerging as one of Tasmania’s most exciting young winemakers. As the son of Steve Lubiana of Stefano Lubiana Wines, a renowned name in Australian winemaking, Marco grew up surrounded by the vines. However, while his roots are firmly planted in a family legacy, Marco is forging a path that is distinctly his own. Recently named the Australian Young Gun of Wine 2024, Marco’s passion for organic and biodynamic practices sets him apart, focusing on a harmonious balance between nature and innovation.
Philosophy: Respect for Tradition, Eyes on the Future
Though modern science plays a huge role in contemporary winemaking, Marco believes that a lot of valuable knowledge from the past has been lost over time. As quoted on his website, "I believe a lot of knowledge from the past vine growers of ancient times who spent countless hours in the vineyard noticing small changes in the vines with our cosmos have been lost and replaced today with science and chemicals. Like my father and many other notable vignerons around the world have said, 90% of the wine quality is from the vineyard, and the remaining 10% is from the winemaking. My winemaking techniques are therefore simple, pumps are used for ferments and after that, gravity takes preference."
This philosophy underpins his commitment to minimal intervention, allowing the natural environment to guide the wine’s development. Marco’s biodynamic farming approach is more than just a label—it’s a dedication to nurturing the vineyard as an ecosystem. By focusing on the health of the soil and plants, he ensures that each bottle reflects the purity and complexity of Tasmania’s cool-climate terroir.
Biodynamics and a Hands-On Approach
It’s no surprise that Marco’s winemaking is deeply influenced by the idea that great wine begins in the vineyard. His focus is on sustainable viticulture, where biodynamic practices play a pivotal role in maintaining a balanced ecosystem. Marco’s methods in the winery are deliberately minimalistic, allowing the fruit to shine without unnecessary manipulation.
By stripping back winemaking processes to their essentials, Marco is able to craft wines that speak directly to the land from which they are born. His Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, in particular, have gained widespread acclaim, standing out for their vibrant, complex character and the meticulous attention to detail they embody.
Forging His Own Path
Marco’s wines have quickly gained a loyal following, with his small-batch Pinot Noir and Chardonnay standing out for their distinctive character. His ability to balance the old-world techniques learned in Burgundy with Tasmania’s unique conditions has resulted in wines that are both bold and nuanced. Each vintage is an exploration of the region’s terroir, pushing the boundaries of what Tasmanian wines can achieve.
As Marco’s brand continues to grow, so too does his reputation as a trailblazer in Tasmania’s wine scene. Keep an eye on this rising star as he continues to craft exceptional wines that embody the future of Tasmanian winemaking.
Marco’s wines are currently available in our Exceptional Red and Magnificent Mix boxes. While stocks last.