Red Italian Field Blend from Heathcote, Australia.

Back in the 1980’s the visionary Chalmers family began to import drought resistant and heat tolerant obscure grape varietals from throughout Italy. Anticipating climate change and being savvy to the terroir of Australia they built a nursery over the last 25 years in Heathcote, Victoria, and began sourcing out their rootstocks to hundreds of vineyards throughout the country. They decided to try their hand in winemaking, recruiting the entire family, and embarking on some head spinning wine blend experiments!

This is a blend that is truly the sum of it’s parts- Pavana, Lagrein, Sagrantino, Lambrusco Maestri, Sangiovese, Teroldego, Schioppettino, and Aglianico!

The wine is lifted, plush, and juicy with loads of black currants, a touch of licorice, nutmeg, anise, cranberries, and blueberries. This wine has off the charts drinkability!

I’m a big fan of Chalmers and their mission-preparing Australia’s wine industry for climate change and honoring some of Italy’s lesser known varietals with a distinctive Aussie spin!