About

Dott. is handmade by Chalmers from estate-grown fruit. Inspired by the late Dr. Rod Bonfiglioli a passionate, eccentric scientist whose dogged determination and visionary foresight brought so much colour, interest and integrity to Australian wine. He sought out these rare grapes for our collection, seeing their promise long before we did, and for that we are grateful. The choice of grape varieties in the Dott. range challenges the concept of homoclimes as the most beneficial place to establish grape varieties in new locations. Through years of open-minded experimentation, the Chalmers family have discovered that sometimes translating a grapevine to a new environment can give surprising and beautiful results, often producing a wine which is truly distinct from its ancestors in Europe yet still achieving quality and authenticity. A new expression, a truly Australian wine which speaks of its own place and time. The Dott. range encapsulates this idea, taking grape varieties that originate in the humid and oceanic northeast of Italy and growing them in the inland dry climate and red, mineral rich soils of northern Heathcote. Dr. Rod would have said if you do the research diligently and analyse the results objectively you can ignore the rule book and forge new ground.

About

Bruce and Jenni Chalmers started growing grapes in the 1980s, with their vineyard at Euston developing into one of the largest and most diverse privately owned vineyards in the country. Their nursery business was responsible for importing a selection of around 70 new clones and varieties, many of which are now used in the production of Chalmers’ Italian variety wines. Since selling the original vineyard in 2008, the family has established two new sites: one in Heathcote, and an experimental vineyard in Merbein. Named Viticulturalist of the Year by Gourmet Traveller wine, their commitment and innovation and excellence has made them a pivotal force in the wine industry for decades. Daughters Kim and Tennille are paving the way, driving the business forward and experimenting with new varieties and clones.