2015 Chalmers Rosato

Chalmers

Australia / Heathcote / Chalmers

In 2015 we have sourced the grapes for our rosato from the highest altitude, most prized block at our Heathcote site. This vintage see Chalmers release for the first time, a rosato blended from two savoury and tannic varieties; Sagrantino (60%) and Aglianico (40%). Both parcels of fruit were hand-picked, whole-bunch pressed, and vinified separately with the Sagrantino parcel fermented in stainless steel tank, and the Aglianico parcel fermented in old French barriques. Both parcels were fermented with no yeast additions, and blended together once dry. The 2015 Chalmers Rosato has a vibrant, pomegranate hue, with pretty aromas of red fruit. The palate is generous yet dry and textural with notes of spice and candied peel. The two blended parcels of Sagrantino and Aglianico make for a balanced and complete wine; a perfect summer drink.

December, 2015

Gary Walsh

The Wine Front

94 points

Tank fermented Sagrantino and barrel fermented Aglianico.
Not your usual run of the mill ‘strawberries and cream’ rosé, that’s for sure. There’s interesting smells here that are at once earthy, herbal and perfumed. Redcurrant and white cherries, light grip and powdery texture, fleshy feel with mild acidity, and dry but gently fruity finish of excellent length. Winner.

March, 2016

Winsor Dobbin

Wine of the Week http://wdwineoftheweek.blogspot.com.au/

No one does innovation better in the wine industry than the Chalmers family - and this new-release rosato, thoroughly European in style and swagger - is a prime example. When the first Chalmers rosato was released in 2009 it was made from negroamaro grapes. In 2010 it was made from sagrantino; and the decision was made that future releases would be made from whichever varieties looked best in that vintage. In 2015, the decision was made to blend sagrantino and aglianico - and that blend is a real winner, producing a dry rosé that offers plenty of fresh strawberry and zingy dark berry refreshment. There is lovely bright acid on the palate here, and plenty of promise when matched with food. Downright delicious.

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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.