L'appel Wines

11/08/2025

Small-batch wines from Tasmania, crafted with intent, curiosity, and respect for the vineyard. L'appel is the brainchild of former Sydney-sider Bart Johnston and his French-born partner, Jess Nuel. Johnston is an emerging figure in the 'new wave' of Tasmanian winemaking, having transitioned from wine service to hands-on wine producer.

His journey from high-profile sommelier to winemaking newbie came as a result of time spent in Montreal (Canada) among a collective of fellow wine professionals. It inspired his wine 'calling' (Fr: L'Appel).

Travel to Oregon's Willamette Valley and California's Napa Valley added further inspiration.

After working vintages in the Mornington Peninsula (Quealy Winemakers) and Tasmania (Elsewhere and Bream Creek Vineyards), Johnston launched L'Appel Wines in 2021.

L'appel focuses on cool-climate expressions of Pinot Noir, primarily sourcing fruit from Tasmania's Huon Valley, Coal River Valley and East Coast. The label has also recently explored alternative varieties including Fiano, Teroldego and Touriga Nacional from the Murray Darling and Heathcote in Victoria.

In Tasmania, Johnston's work in the Huon Valley (at Elsewhere Vineyard and the former Panorama Vineyard) is an exploration of regional terroir, characterised by alluvial and clay-based loams. Warmer and drier sites in the Coal Valley – featuring Tea Tree's black cracking clay soils – provide opportunities to craft Pinot Noir with distinctive 'depth and drive.'

Vintage 2025 added yet another terroir dimension: bright and fresh Pinot Noir from Cranbrook's gravelly/clayey dermosols and ironstone on the East Coast.

Vintage experience at Mas Coutelou (Languedoc, France) alongside renowned natural wine producer Jean Françoise 'Jeff' Coutelou in 2024 added greater clarity to Johnston's winemaking philosophies and practices. His style is assuredly low-intervention, accepting natural rhythms in viticulture and winemaking over creative interference. 

L'appel releases to date have been both interesting and eclectic, from spritzy Piquette (Fr: 'cheap wine') made from Gewürztraminer grape marc and whole bunch Riesling, to complex and well-structured RDJ Pinot Noir from the Coal River Valley. 

Traditional method sparkling from vintage 2026 looks set to provide another quantum leap in wine quality.

L'Appel is calling. Be sure to respond.

Key details:

  • Bart Johnston: owner/director; winemaker
  • Jessica Nuel: co-founder/collaborator

Vineyard/cellar door address:

  • Mailing address:  TBA
  • No cellar door sales. Wines sales online.

Telephone:

+61 (0) 437 140 998

Email:

bart@lappelwines.com.au

Website:

www.lappelwines.com.au

Image: Supplied
Image: Supplied

Tasmanian viticulture takes place within a diverse mix of soil types and microclimates.

Climate data* for three sites that contribute fruit to L'appel highlight the wide diversity in Tasmania's growing conditions: Elsewhere Vineyard (MJT 16.8°C; 946 GDD); Panorama Vineyard (MJT 16.8°C; 931 GDD); Blackwood House (MJT 17.5°C; 1090 GDD).

Vineyard sites on the Australian mainland are far warmer than those in Tasmania.

South Australia's Piccadilly Valley* (MJT 20.4°C; 1730 GDD) and Victoria's Macedon Ranges* (MJT 19.9°C; 1365 GDD) are regarded as the coolest GIs in their respective states.

Climate data* for Silver Hill Road 1995-2024:

  • Total annual average rainfall: 830mm
  • Growing season average rainfall (Oct 1-Apr 30): 406mm
  • Average autumn rainfall: 177mm
  • Mean January temperature: 16.8°C
  • Growing degree-days: 946 GDD
  • Average no of hot days (35°C or more) per year: 1
  • Average no of cold days (minimum 4°C or less) Sept 1-April 30: 23

Climate data* for Middle Tea Tree Road, 1995-2024:

  • Total annual average rainfall: 542mm
  • Growing season average rainfall (Oct 1-Apr 30): 301mm
  • Average autumn rainfall: 115mm
  • Mean January temperature: 17.2°C
  • Growing degree-days: 1017 GDD
  • Average no of hot days (35°C or more) per year: 1
  • Average no of cold days (minimum 4°C or less) Sept 1-April 30: 20

*Source: My Climate View, utilising past data from the Bureau of Meteorology and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. Funded by the Australian Government.

Last page update: April 2026