2020 Chalmers Dott. Ribolla Gialla

Chalmers

Australia / Heathcote / Chalmers

From the most recent importation of new clones and varieties to Australia via the Chalmers family. Ribolla Gialla is brand new to Australia, a native white grape from Friuli. Commonly known for being made into skin contact wines, the 2020 Dott. Ribolla Gialla is pressed off skins and fermented as juice.
The fine, fragrant nose shows apple blossom, chamomile tea, lemon peel, white-flesh apple and melon. It’s almost waxy with a pithy bite to the finish. No skin contact in the making, but it sports a skinsy feel. Builds quietly, with savoury sophistication. This wine gets you thinking, and leaves you wanting more.

Jeni Port

Halliday Wine Companion 2022

92 points.

The Dott. series of alternative grapes brought into Australia by Chalmers is dedicated to the late Dr. Rod. Bonfiglioli, who encouraged the family in their pursuit of the new and unusual to this country. The grape grows in Friuli, Italy and Slovenia. Light straw hue. Delicate aromas of snow pea, apple, citrus and jasmine. It stretches out on the palate, extending its flavour reach to include muscat, nougat and dried pear, brought into line nicely by firm acidity. Makes a striking impression. 500ml.

Half litre Bottle In Stock

About Chalmers

The Chalmers family was justly named 2014 Viticulturist of the Year by Gourmet Traveller WINE. Their commitment to innovation and excellence has made them a pivotal force in the Australian wine scene for more than 20 years. Bruce and Jenni began growing grapes in the 1980s, with their vineyard at Euston developing into one 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, henceforth responsible for all Chalmers wines, and one at Merbein where the family will continue to experiment with new varieties and clones. Very much a family concern, daughters Kim and Tennille are now driving this exciting business forward.

About

Kim studied at the University of Adelaide before joining the family business. She has been director at Chalmers Wines since 2005, managing operations from the vine to the wine list. In 2011 she was awarded an AgriFoods Skills Australia Overseas Fellowship, for which she wrote a paper entitled “Hot climate wine growing, making and marketing in Southern Italy and its application in Australia”. Kim's husband, winemaker Bart van Olphen completed the family team in 2011, a year after sister Tennille joined the business full time following a 10-year career in hospitality, most recently as a sommelier. The Chalmers sisters have been pivotal in turning the Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show into a major event on the wine awards calendar. In 2015 they also spearheaded 21st Century Vino, an initiative to increase awareness and expertise in Italian vine varieties grown in Australia.