2017 Chalmers Rosato

Chalmers

Australia / Heathcote / Chalmers

In 2017 the Chalmers family once again sourced the grapes for their rosato from the highest altitude, most prized block at their Heathcote site. For the first time, though, all three of the varieties planted there made it into this unique blend. Aglianico (63%), Sagrantino (33%) and Nero d'Avola (4%) were hand-picked, whole bunch-pressed, and vinified separately. The Nero and Sagrantino parcels were fermented in stainless steel tank, and the Aglianico parcel was fermented in old French barriques. All parcels were wild fermented with no acid additions, and blended together once dry. The wine has a delightful pale pink hue, with pretty aromas of cassia, cranberry and pomegranate. The palate is dry and textural, with balanced acidity carrying the ripe pink grapefruit, red berries and spice to a sleek and satisfying finish.

January, 2018

James Halliday

Halliday Wine Companion

93 points

Whole-bunch pressed (no saignee), wild yeast, 63% aglianico fermented in barrel, 33% sagrantino and 4% nero d'Avola co-fermented in stainless steel. The whole bunch pressing is reflected by the very pale pink colour, the barrel fermentation by the spicy overtones to the bouquet. The palate is dry, but juicily fruity, with an even flow of small red fruits from start to finish. One for the nerds, but also for those who know just how high Australian standards are by world comparison, thanks to our winery technology.

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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.