For many years, the Riverina-based Chalmers operation acted as a vine nursery, propagating vines on its extensive holdings. In more recent times, producing wines under the Chalmers label has become the focus, specifically on Italian varietals; Vermentino and Fiano for whites, Sagrantino, Lagrein, Aglianico and Nero d’Avola for reds.
They are a welcome addition to the Australian wine scene, particularly given how strongly Italian cuisine features in domestic kitchens and restaurants alike. The Nero d’Avola is pitched along the lines of similar wines from Sicily; relatively light in colour and just medium bodied.
Weighing it at a modest (by present day standards) 12% ABV, it is a gentle creature, dominated by savoury sour cherry fruit. One can see what is trying to be achieved here, but it doesn’t quite succeed, though perhaps a year or two more in bottle will soften some of the rather sharp edges. All in all, it’s a decent enough wine, that doesn’t quite deliver on its promise. Nevertheless, it is an interesting label to follow over the next few years as the style develops.
2011 NERO D’AVOLA
Producer: Chalmers Wines
Variety: Nero d’Avola
Vintage: 2011
Region: Heathcote, Victoria
ABV: 12.0%
Closure: Screw cap
Format: 750ml
Retail price: $17.99
Date tasted: 11 January 2012
Tasting Note:
Bright cerise/lipstick red. Fresh nose of maraschino cherry, raspberry, animal notes. Dry, light end of medium bodied, savoury, sour cherry, simple and straightforward palate. One can see what the winemaker is trying to achieve here, that is, to make a savoury trattoria style food-friendly wine, modest in alcohol. Will perhaps benefit from another couple of years in bottle to round out some of the sharp edges. Decent enough, but not totally convincing.
Score: 15/20
They are a welcome addition to the Australian wine scene, particularly given how strongly Italian cuisine features in domestic kitchens and restaurants alike. The Nero d’Avola is pitched along the lines of similar wines from Sicily; relatively light in colour and just medium bodied.
Weighing it at a modest (by present day standards) 12% ABV, it is a gentle creature, dominated by savoury sour cherry fruit. One can see what is trying to be achieved here, but it doesn’t quite succeed, though perhaps a year or two more in bottle will soften some of the rather sharp edges. All in all, it’s a decent enough wine, that doesn’t quite deliver on its promise. Nevertheless, it is an interesting label to follow over the next few years as the style develops.
Producer: Chalmers Wines
Variety: Nero d’Avola
Vintage: 2011
Region: Heathcote, Victoria
ABV: 12.0%
Closure: Screw cap
Format: 750ml
Retail price: $17.99
Date tasted: 11 January 2012
Tasting Note:
Bright cerise/lipstick red. Fresh nose of maraschino cherry, raspberry, animal notes. Dry, light end of medium bodied, savoury, sour cherry, simple and straightforward palate. One can see what the winemaker is trying to achieve here, that is, to make a savoury trattoria style food-friendly wine, modest in alcohol. Will perhaps benefit from another couple of years in bottle to round out some of the sharp edges. Decent enough, but not totally convincing.
Score: 15/20
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