Chalmers Aglianico

Chalmers Aglianico is one of our top red cru’s in the range showing all the key characteristics of a great red wine. Released with both time in barrel and bottle, this wine shows red plums, five spices, cocoa powder and and earthy current. The palate has a fine building structure through a medium bodied fruit profile, its a wine that that has great aging potential and walks very comfortably with some richer proteins such as duck and pork.

Aglianico was identified very early on as an excellent performer from our very first trials in the early 2000’s. A variety that loves the warm conditions of the nothern end in Heathcote on Mount Camel Range. This late ripener, in most cases the last variety to be picked, is planted in the top block between 215-225 metres above sea level. Here the soils are more complex with a mix of the classic red Cambrian soils along with a variety of different rocks. This makes the vines work harder with striking results that show lift and perfume to the wines.

Chalmers Aglinaico is the top cru red wine from Heathcote in our range. It’s grown on the geologically unique ‘top block’ which is a complex mix of basalt, shale, dolerite and fractured limestone. The Aglianico grape is well suited to warmer climates as it ripens late in the season delivering complex and fine-boned, medium-bodied wines with fantastic ageing potential.
Hand picked, destemmed and wild fermented in stainless steel, the wine sees extended time on skins post ferment. Once pressed it is put to barrel, usually a mix of sizes,1200 litre chestnut botte and multiple old French barriques and puncheons. Aged in barrel for 12 months, the wine is bottled and released when ready between 3-5 years.