a few words from behind the scenes
Well, we’ve been very busy behind the scenes and when the day is done its fantastic to enjoy a warm fire and the occasional glass of First Ridge wines!
We were lucky enough to be invited to an “Alternative Reds” wine tasting at the Adelaid Wine Centre a few weeks ago. We were the only NSW winery at the tasting and had some great feedback on our wines. The National Wine Centre took a case each of our 2021 Barbera, 2021 Marco and 2022 Montepulciano so expect to see them on tasting as they rotate their guest wines.
We also had our 2021 Barbera feature in a masterclass wine tasting dinner at Bibo Wine Bar in Sydney’s Double Bay recently, so you just never know where you might see our wines!
We’ll also be attending Wines of The West at The Carrington Hotel Katoomba Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th August. It’s always a fantastic event, so if you’re in the area, call in and say hi…., and try some excellent wines while you’re there!
In this Newsletter, we’re excited to include a Reds 6 pack from our second label, Mudgee Ridge Estate. The pack features our “Non Italian” varietal wines that are still produced from the fruit grown here at the First Ridge vineyard.
Graeme - Manager
A word from our Winemaker
I can’t see the frosty hills for the freezing fog, and the irony is we’re bottling the crisp, aromatic white wines for Spring!
It’s a beautiful time of the year to visit the Region though…, the crisp mornings are remedied with warm coffee and the bright days filled with touring, tasting and the ultimate experience of a glass of Barbera beside a crackling fire in the evening. Think Osso Buco and Montepulciano, lamb shanks and Marco (a delicious blend of Barbera and Sangiovese) or roast vegetables and Sangiovese. Hearty, warming and good for the soul….just remember to pack a scarf.
James Manners - Wine Maker
Viticulture Report - News From Among The Vines
The leaves have all dropped, cold frosty conditions have set in, canes have fully lignified, and it’s that time again to welcome in the start of vintage 2024 – 2025.
Leaf fall was a lot slower this year due to the later frost, which is exceptionally good for the vines, as maintaining leaf for as long possible after harvest allows the vines to draw down nutrients and carbohydrates to store over winter, ready for bud burst in Spring. An interesting fact is the vines utilise these reserves for the first three weeks of growth before accessing any other nutrients. A prolonged leaf fall allows the vines to store these carbs and nutrients which should see strong, even growth from bud burst.
Pruning has commenced as of June; which is the actual start of vintage 2024 -2025. A bud dissection test was taken to test the fruitfulness levels of the buds, and pruning programs are then set around these results and vine balance. Another interesting fact is that these vines determined fruitfulness in November of 2023 and this dictates what the yields will be in February / March 2025, 17 to 18 months prior to actual harvest.
The Autumn / winter period has seen increased rain fall which is a contrast to the dry autumn / spring of 2023. This wetter period has filled the soil moisture profile which will be a real benefit come bud burst, as well as uniformity around early spring growth. Winter is a busy period for us, as once pruning is complete, the focus shifts to setting up trellis’ for VSP (Vertical Shoot Position) management in spring, completing winter fertiliser programs, floor management and general maintenance of irrigation which will all be completed by end of August.
The vineyard is currently looking great, and all tasks are on track for what is expected to be early bud burst. Every vintage is different, but we’re excited about vintage 2025 and the quality of grapes we’re expecting to grow for our premium wines.
Stay warm, sip a glass or two of First Ridge wines and look forward to spring!
Paul Baguley - Viticulturist
VIEW FROM THE CELLAR DOOR
As winter settles in, the vines may be bare, but the views from our cellar door remain as breathtaking as ever—arguably the best in Mudgee. The serene, picturesque landscape offers a unique charm, making it a perfect backdrop for enjoying our wines.
The June long weekend was exceptionally busy and very exciting at the cellar door. We were delighted to see some new faces and warmly welcomed back many old friends. Thank you to everyone who visited.
Since our last newsletter, our Montepulciano has completely sold out. We appreciate your enthusiastic response and are pleased to let you know that our 2023 release is expected to arrive just in time for summer.
We've also experienced some exciting vintage changes. Our Marco and our Barbera has now transitioned to the 2022 vintage. These new vintages offer a delightful variation from the 2021, maintaining the exceptional quality you’ve come to expect.
Pruning season is in full swing, so don't be surprised if you see a few dedicated hands working among the vines while you savour our wines at the cellar door. Their efforts ensure that our vines remain healthy and fruitful for the seasons to come.
We look forward to welcoming you soon and sharing these wonderful experiences and wines with you.
Oliver & The Team
2024 Winter Specials
WINTER WHITES & BUBBLES 6 PACK
$150 + Freight
1 x 2023 PROSECCO
1 x 2022 SANGIOVESE FRIZZANTE
2 x 2023 PINOT GRIGIO
1 x 2023 VERMENTINO
1 x 2023 FIANO
WINTER WARMERS REDS 6 PACK
$190 + Freight
2 x FIRST RIDGE 2022 SANGIOVESE
2 x FIRST RIDGE 2022 MARCO BLEND
2 x FIRST RIDGE 2022 BARBERA
MUDGEE RIDGE ESTATE 6 PACK REDS
$150 + Freight
2 x MUDGEE RIDGE ESTATE 2021 ENZO
2 x MUDGEE RIDGE ESTATE 2021 TEMPRANILLO
2 x MUDGEE RIDGE ESTATE 2022 SHIRAZ