Heathcote is in central Victoria and has a climate that is great for growing grapes. The regions have elevations between 160m and 380m with vines mostly grown on Cambrian soil – great for soil water retention. Heathcote is considered a temperate climate with cool winters and very warm summers accompanied by mountain breezes.
Fruit is sourced from the Chalmers vineyard located in Colbinabbin, Heathcote. Malbec is considered an alternative variety in Australia and originates from the French region of Cahors, southwestern France. These vines are grown on a VSP trellis system and are planted on east-west row orientation for even exposure and free flowing air-drainage to reduce disease risk.
Once fruit arrives at the winery it is crushed and destemmed into single batch open top fermenters. Fermentation is controlled by maintaining an even temperature throughout with the aim of retaining primary fruit characters.
This wine did not see any oak as we wanted it to be fruit forward, bright, fresh and easy drinking.
