2016 Chalmers Vermentino

Chalmers

Australia / Heathcote / Chalmers

VERMENTINO BACKGROUND
Vermentino is traditionally grown in Sardinia and on the Ligurian and Tuscan coasts in Italy, also in Corsica and parts of Provence where it is called Rolle. Vermentino wines are an important part of the Mediterranean coastal lifestyle in these areas. The classic descriptors of the variety include sea-spray, hard herbs and chalkiness, all reflections of the Sardinian vineyard conditions including mistral winds off the Mediterranean and abundant wild thyme and rosemary.
WINEMAKING
This wine is made from the Chalmers' Heathcote Vineyard, which is planted on the rich red Cambrian earth of the famous Mt Camel Range. The 2016 Vermentino was hand harvested then whole bunch pressed 24 hours later and wild fermented on full solids in stainless steel tanks. The temperature of fermentation is limited to 14 degrees. It is bottled after about 6 months.
TASTING NOTES
Textured and savoury, this medium weight vermentino shows aromas of hard Mediterranean herbs and golden fruits. The palate has fresh stonefruit and briny notes with a chalky mouthfeel and a lingering, pleasantly grippy finish of fresh acidity.

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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.