Chalmers Wines 'Mother Block' White Blend 2022
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.
Kim and Tennille have been instrumental in the amplification of the Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show, and in 2015 they also spearheaded 21st Century Vino, an initiative to increase awareness and expertise in Italian varieties grown across Australia. Bruce and Jenni are still ever-involved in the company, “always looking for the next big thing,” as Kim says.
The cooler 2022 vintage has showcased the bright fresh and crunchy elements of all these varieties. Tangy lemon sorbet, zesty passionfruit, zingy pineapple and flourless almond cake. It tantalizes the taste buds with the same mix of fruits on the nose, coupled with cool stream cress, a nettle texture and a super cool feel to finish.
Aptly named ‘Mother Block’, these wines come from the red sand and limestone soils of the Chalmers Vineyard in Merbein. As well as it being the location of the family home and business, this unique and diverse vineyard is the adopted home to each variety they have imported to Australia over the last 20+ years. It is also the source block for supplying millions of vines planted across Australia through our vine nursery, hence the name Mother Block. All wines are sustainably farmed, estate grown, ethically tended, co-fermented and vegan friendly with the use of lightweight glass and labels made from 100% recycled materials.
Mother Block White Blend is a co-fermented blend pulling the best qualities from 7 white Italian varieties, Vermentino and Fiano with touches of Gechetto, Geco, Glera, Pinot Bianco and Pinot Gris. The grapes are pressed and co-fermented on full solids. Wild ferment takes place and once dry, sees maturation in stainless steel with 6 months on fine lees.
