The Australian grape and wine community is well known for its experimental and innovative attitudes towards growing and producing wine. A growing number of Australian vignerons and winemakers are expanding beyond the traditional varieties and including a wide range of alternative varieties in their portfolios. This includes numerous Italian varieties that are now emerging in Australia.
The Chalmers family’s commitment to innovation and excellence has made them a pivotal force in the Australian wine scene for almost 30 years. Bruce and Jenni Chalmers began growing grapes in the 1980s in their vineyard in Murray Darling, on the border of Victoria and New South Wales. This diverse and thriving vineyard spawned their nursery business, which is responsible for importing close to 70 new clones and varieties. These varieties were released to Australia in 2000 and have since been a major factor in the improvements in sustainability and quality seen in the Australian wine industry in the last 20 years.
The family has always had a focus on Italian varieties, which has been amplified under the next generation with daughters Kim and Tennille, who have been the custodians of the family business for 20 years. Under their care, Chalmers purchased an 80-hectare plot in the northern portion of Heathcote, where they have been able to find the greatest Australian terroirs for the Italian grapes they’ve been importing and championing for decades. Their success has been largely dependent on their ability to match Italian grapes to Australian climates, focusing on thick-skinned grapes that are drought tolerant, resistant to sunburn, and have plenty of natural acidity. We will sample:
Chalmers Vermentino 2021 — Vermentino has been in Australia since it was introduced in 1974. Chalmers imported Vermentino in 2001, and its performance has been excellent across many regions in Australia. This white is crisp and lean, yet expressive and complex. Straight out of the bottle, there are distinctive notes of Meyer lemon, finger lime, blanched almonds, sea spray and chalk. Long and refreshing. 12.1% ABV. $34.99/11.50
Chalmers Nero d'Avola 2021 — Rapidly becoming a key red variety for Australian viticulture and wine production, Nero d’Avola is finding success in warmer growing regions of Australia, namely the inland irrigated regions, McLaren Vale and northern Heathcote, because of its high natural acid, drought tolerance and juicy wine style. This wine is vibrant and juicy, but with a pleasant freshness that adds sternness and complexity. Flavors of dusty black raspberry, strawberry jam, Davidson plum (a sour native plum), and graphite. Fine tannins and silky mouthfeel. 13% ABV. $34.99/11.50
See you Friday!