THOUGHTS FROM THE CELLAR DOOR
We’ve certainly missed our Sydney visitors over the past few months, and as we welcome everyone back, we’re pretty excited as the vineyard and the view from the cellar door is looking stunning, and better than ever…
We can now see six of ten varieties of grape direct from the cellar door, and they all look sensational too!
We recently had a team grafting in the vineyard in Block Three. This block carries our Prosecco and Montepulciano, so we’re eagerly awaiting to see the fruits of the labour – so to speak.
Our cellar door has a full range of our beautiful Mudgee grown Italian varietal wines in stock, starting with the ever popular Prosecco, which is ideal for those lazy Summer days or balmy Summer nights.
Another popular wine, as we close in on Christmas, is our Sangiovese Frizzante, which is perfect to enjoy with your Christmas Lunch.
For our Sangiovese fans, it’s worth noting that our 2014 Sangiovese is running out! We have just a few dozen remaining for those of you that love this wine, and we know there’s quite a few of you!
Finally, we’d also like to announce that our new website has just gone ‘live’, so feel free to check it out at www.firstridge.com.au and we hope you like it as much as we do!
See you at the cellar door or hear from you online.
Graeme and the Team
Viticulture Report
As we head in to Summer we’ve got plenty happening in the vineyard with the budburst being of a very consistent standard this year, and with rapid canopy growth being achieved, it’s great to see a canopy to fruit balance early in the season.
With a good amount of rain behind us already, we need to implement some key programs to achieve premium fruit production. The Sucker removal has taken place across November along with canopy management, which includes lifting the foliage wires to assist with air flow, but also to hold the canopy upright and protect the fruit from sunburn.
With our growth targets being met, early yield estimations have also been completed and calculations show that a yield in line with premium grape production is being achieved, which is great!
As always in a vineyard there has been a lot of work already done this vintage and plenty to do to ensure we produce the premium First Ridge Wines that you all enjoy. Happy summer and safe travels and we look forward to you visiting our vineyard and cellar door across the remainder of Spring and Summer.
Winemakers Report
While Spring and Summer is relatively quiet in the winery, the real work is all happening in the vineyards. The initial bud burst has now moved into rapid shoot and leaf development and the vines require vigilant monitoring for all of their needs. It is an exciting time, a new Vintage growing before our eyes and of course one of those eyes is always looking at the weather.
For me the effort and work put into the vineyards is the by far the most important factor in the end quality of the wine. The style of wines at First Ridge are really about the expression of the fruit and capturing the sense of place for each variety. Important work indeed. So, as I top and maintain the barrels and start playing with the blends I’m acutely aware that the quality of the coming Vintage is in the hands of those tending the grapes right now.
James Manners - Winemaker
2021 Vermentino - Tasting Notes by Peter Bourne
Vermentino is regarded by many as Australia’s great white hope, which is a compelling argument given its temperate Mediterranean homeland of Sardinia and its commonality with Australia’s many similar temperate winegrowing sites.
On the nose you’ll notice enticing aromas of freshly cut pineapple, white peach and ripe grapefruit with a whiff of lemon myrtle.
On the palate you’ll observe discrete flavours that echo the nose – pineapple, grapefruit and white stone fruit with hints of ripe custard apple. The texture is subtle, yet carries Vermentino’s hallmark lemon pith character. An energetic acidity adds a vibrancy to the finish.
Our Vermentino would pair perfectly with Spaghetti with school prawns, fresh tomato, basil and chilli flakes.
2021 Summer Specials
If you haven’t stocked up already, here are a couple of our Super Summer Savers to get the season or you’re Christmas off to a great start!
SUMMER 6 PACK
$140 – Save 15%
1x 2021 PROSECCO
1x 2021 FRIZZANTE
1x 2021 PINOT GRIGIO
1x 2021 VERMENTINO
1x 2021 FIANO
1x 2021 ROSÉ
CHRISTMAS 6 PACK
$150 – Save 15%
1 X 2021 PROSECCO
1 X 2021 FRIZZANTE
1 X 2021 VERMENTINO
1 X 2021 ROSÉ
1 X 2019 SANGIOVESE
1 X 2019 BARBERA