Chalmers - Vermentino 2018
Pairing Suggestions
Chalmers – Vermentino 2018 (88 TSW)
A Dutch winemaker in Australia?
The Chalmers family’s commitment to innovation and excellence has made them a pivotal force in the Australian wine scene for almost 30 years. Through their nursery, vineyards and wine brands, Chalmers encourages viticultural diversity and smart site to variety matching as they work to sustainably grow and authentically craft the regional Australian wines of the future.
The range of wines bearing the Chalmers name are grown in the Northern part of the Heathcote region in central Victoria. The geology there is unique with volcanic origins dating back 500 million years giving a complex, mineral rich, deep red and rocky terrrain that adds graphite and savoury qualities to the reds and chalky minerality to the whites grown there.
These wines are made very simply with minimal intervention by Dutch Winemaker Bart van Olphen, husband of Kim Chalmers who together with her sister Tennille now own and run the family wine business that was started by their parents, visionary viticulturists Bruce and Jenni Chalmers in the 1980s.
Why Italian varieties? A common question to Chalmers. Bruce would say because he fell in love with Chianti when he travelled to Europe for the first time. Kim and Tennille would say that the varieties make more sense in many parts of Australia. But in reality it was through the work of the late Dr Rod Bonfiglioli and his industry connections with Italy.
My tasting notes:
In the glass a bright (almost transparent) yellow color.
On the nose medium aromas of green apples and white peach with hints of white blossom and lemon zest.
On the palate dry, medium+ bodied with nice crisp acidity and freshness. A very nice summer sipper with flavours of stone fruit, grapefruit and a light almond bitterness.