Mother Block Skin Contact Field Blend

Blend: Vermentino and Fiano with touches of Falanghina, Pecorino, Moscato, Gialla, and Ansonica

ABV: 13.2%

Soils: limestone & red sand

The Story:  Bruce and Jenni Chalmers began growing grapes in the 1980s, with their vineyard in Murray Darling, on the border of Victoria and New South Wales. This diverse and thriving vineyard spawned their nursery business, which is responsible for importing close to 70 new clones and varieties. These varieties were released to Australia in 2000 and have since been a major factor in the improvements in sustainability and quality seen in the Australian wine industry in the last 20 years.

There has always been a focus on Italian varieties, which has been amplified under the next generation; Bruce and Jenni’s daughters Kim and Tennille have been the custodians of the family business since 2005 and 2011, respectively. Under their care, Chalmers purchased an 80- hectare plot in the northern portion Heathcote, where they have been able to find the greatest Australian terroirs for the Italian grapes they’ve been importing and championing for decades. Their success has been largely dependent on their ability to match Italian grapes to Australian climates, focusing on thick-skinned grapes that are drought tolerant, resistant to sunburn, and have plenty of natural acidity.

Personality: Zesty and floral aromas of lemon balm, mandarin rind, honeysuckle, rock melon, black fig, deli meats and soft cow milk cheeses. Lively and textural with fennel seed, mango pip, hazelnut biscotti, star anise, cardamon, cantaloupe, radicchio, and a grippy cool cress finish.

Harmony: Something fragrant like Indian Korma or Thai take-out. Dim sum would do nicely as well.