Here on our Estate in the Murray Darling, we have enjoyed great success in growing Italian grape varieties. As a result, we are able to offer a wonderfully select range of Italian wines. The grapes prosper so well for several reasons, including our climate and the soil in the region.
If you are familiar with the Murray Darling, you will know that our climate is hot and dry with plenty of hours of sunshine. Temperature ranges shift daily, with hot days and cool nights, but spring frosts are rare. Though the region is considerable in size, we experience similar weather from the eastern to western fringes. Our climate, then, is decidedly continental and similar to that which is experienced in the Mediterranean. In other words, perfect for Italian grapes!
The soil, which is known as calcareous earth, is loamy sand, sandy loam, or loam, with a neutral to moderately alkaline surface. Humidity is low, making irrigation essential. Overall, the conditions support vigorous growth and high grape yields.
The Italian varieties we nurture on our Estate grow as well as they do in their native country. Perhaps they even grow more so since they thrive in hot, low-moisture environments. The prime growing conditions apply even to Italian grape varieties which are harder to grow, including Nebbiolo, which can be compared to Pinot Noir.
We are heavily influenced by Italian heritage in our winemaking at every step of the process. We have eight Italian varieties on offer. These include Prosecco, Vermentino, Pinot Grigio, Moscato, Sangiovese Rose, Nero d’Avola, Nebbiolo, and Maestri.
Italian wines tend to be especially food-friendly with beautiful textures and refined flavours that are not too overpowering. If you are looking for a wine to complement your choice of cuisine, you really can’t go wrong with an Italian variety. Reds include the Sangiovese from a grape which is known as the pride of Tuscany, Nero d’Avola, and the noblest of Italy’s varieties, Nebbiolo.
The Murray Darling region enjoys a growing reputation for new-to-Australia grape varieties, particularly of Italian origin. A combination of the perfect weather and growing conditions encourages these grapes to thrive.
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